Doing the Yorkshire Three Peaks in a day

Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough on one circular route of about 24 miles. Start early and pack for rain.

Outdoors · By the Man Brief team · 1 min read · Tuesday 22 September 2026

The Yorkshire Three Peaks is a circular walk in the Yorkshire Dales that takes in Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. The usual route is about 24 miles, and plenty of people set themselves the aim of finishing inside 12 hours.

Getting there

Most people start and finish in Horton-in-Ribblesdale. It has a station on the Settle to Carlisle line, so you can leave the car at home. Get there early, since the car parks fill quickly on summer weekends.

The route

Pen-y-ghent comes first and has a short scramble near the top. The long middle section to Whernside crosses open moorland and passes the Ribblehead Viaduct. Ingleborough is the last climb, with a steep section just below the summit, and then it's a long walk back down to Horton.

Kit

Take a proper waterproof jacket and trousers, a warm layer, a hat and gloves even in summer, and more food than you think. Carry a paper map and a compass as well as your phone, because the tops are often in cloud.

Check the forecast before you set off and be ready to cut it short. The route will still be there another weekend. If you haven't done much hill walking, build up with single peaks first.