Yorkshire 3 Peaks 7th June 2025
As Reported by Mark Airey.
The weather had been absolutely glorious for weeks beforehand and as people started to arrive at Broadrake bunk barn, expectations were high.... but it was not to be. In the early evening things started to cloud over and slowly the 2 peaks that we could see from our base (Ingleborugh and Whernside) disappeared into the clouds. However, this did not dampen the spirits and the usual “bants”, laughs and giggles continued within the comfort of the bunk barn and not even the increasing intensity of the rain rattling off the skylights could affect the camaraderie and the feeling you get when a bunch of likeminded souls, that have shared experiences, get together to face another collective challenge.
It was a challenge for me personally too, as I had to announce to the group that after having picked up a very nasty infection (after standing on a tent peg) and being on a very hefty dose of antibiotics, I would not be joining them – under very specific orders from the Long Haired General (The wonderful Kate), that I was not to do the 3 peaks unless I fancied sleeping downstairs on the new sofa bed.
0500hrs the next morning arrived with a cacophony of alarms marking the beginning of a wonderful day out in the Yorkshire Dales and it was fantastic to see that the pitter patter of the rain on the windows and skylights did not detract from the high spirits and anticipation for the day ahead. After a hearty breakfast and plenty of caffeine, ruck sacks and race vests packed, snacks and drinks prepared, 0600hrs arrived and we made our way to the front of the bunk house for a quick photo shoot and then off they went under the watchful of eye of the fantastic Rob Cromey Hawke, who is also one of the trustees of TTS.
I must admit that as i was standing there in my poncho waving goodbye and good luck, I wasn’t at all envious as the rain came down in a steady torrent – at least down in the valley bottom it wasn’t windy!! I did, however, arrange to meet everyone at the bottom of Whernside, by the viaduct, and do the last peak with them – therefore i had kept my word to Kate and NOT done the 3 peaks and also spent some quality outdoor time with the team.
Peak 1 – Ingleborough as told by Rob CH (Journey 1)
The first hour was the worst, the rain got progressively heavier and because it has been so dry all the water was staying on the surface which meant that it was slippery underfoot, especially going across the limestone pavement and over the exposed bits of rock. BUT, this was the first peak, everyone was fresh, and spirits remained high, and we all stuck as a group. The famous zig zag path was a definite challenge, it was like a mini waterfall, but teamwork makes the dream work, and we made great progress meaning that we got to the summit way ahead of schedule. There was no time to hang around at the top because although the rain had lessened considerably it was very windy and as we were wet it was cold... so a quick photo shoot and off to Horton we went. We also managed to pick up a signal and got a message from Sam S that he would meet us at the train station in Horton because he had trouble finding the bunk barn and had missed the start. It was great to be able to tell everyone that the entertainment was waiting for us in Horton 😊
We made excellent time on the way down to Horton and the rain even stopped a couple of times and the sun very nearly broke through. We met Sam at the train station, had a quick stop and bite to eat and then set off for Pen Y Ghent. It was 0930hrs, so just under 3hrs 30 from bunk barn – great progress indeed. We also messaged Mark to let him know we had Sam and were in Horton.
Peak 2 – Pen Y Ghent – The Rob CH way
Off we went, a bit dryer and fed. Happy with the fact that when checking the route with Mark he said head for the church, path up the side of the graveyard, over the bridge and up the track but don’t miss the turning by the farm. And to be fair, we didn’t, we just turned before we got there. We still ended up at the summit, we just went via a little detour, or alternative route, all it meant was that we avoided the famous scramble up the “face” of Pen y Ghent and went up and down the same way – to be fair this was probably the safest option, the scramble would have been treacherous. We managed to get to the summit for 1100hrs, which again was a great pace. Another quick break and then we were heading for the long haul to the viaduct and the last peak, Whernside.
In the meantime... My Journey
The bunk house is absolutely wonderful, everyone is always surprised at what a great facility it is. It is a real haven, no signal, no TV, but it does have WiFi. But even for me there is only so much Rugby League you can watch. I got the message from Rob saying they were in Horton and my brain started plotting... if I set out now, get to the viaduct and then start walking the route “backwards” I will meet the team somewhere on the long haul from Pen y Ghent to Whernside, probably round about the summit of “heart break hill”. (Whitber Hill). AND, Kate won’t be mad because I have still only done 1 peak.
So, off I set. It was cloudy but not raining and reasonably warm. The path from the bunk house to the viaduct is a lesser trodden path usually taken by people that are just doing Whernside in a circular route, the path actually passes straight in front of the bunk barn and it was great to be on my way. Going “against the grain” was an interesting experienced and the paths and roads around the viaduct were heaving, there were obviously quite a few charity 3 peaks events going on.
Just after the viaduct the heavens opened and I got to experience the weather that the team had enjoyed all day.. The waterproof was on and then stayed on for the rest of the day. As I approached the aptly named Dismal Hill (it suited the weather), I glanced up and recognised the merry, multicoloured group heading my way and am happy to report that they genuinely seemed glad to see me. Everyone was in high spirits and after a quick stop for a bite to eat at Gods Bridge, we were on our way to Whernside. It was great to see that everyone mingled and those that were a little faster regularly reigned it in and the group stayed together. The weather was insane, the sun did now keep breaking through and it got really warm but just as you considered stopping and taking your waterproofs off the heavens opened and you got drenched again.
Peak 3 - Whernside - Full Team Again
We reached the viaduct mostly uneventfully with only a few minor medical necessities to apply “Gurney Goo” to those areas that were chaffing on a few of the group (I did give them the chance to apply it before the start but they didn’t seem to think they would need it – that'll learn em) and once we had regrouped we were off up the final peak (or only peak in my case).
Around about halfway up the path to the summit you pass through a nice new “kissing gate”, which is great as this used to be a rickerty stile, and it is at this point that I am pretty sure I heard a voice from above say “NOW” and simultaneously the rain got heavier and the wind blew harder. We started passing some downtrodden looking folk, who apparently where only on their second peak – our hearts went out to them. When you have done Whernside a number of times you know that once you see the tarn on the lefthand side, you just have a short steep bit up a zig and a zag and then a gentle 800m ascent to the summit. A couple of our group were starting to feel it a little bit, and hot spots were appearing, just before we viewed the tarn and it was a boost to them as it appeared through the mist and they knew they just had one final push.
We regrouped at the top and I have to admit that it was the fastest turn around i have ever done, it was cold. Quick photo and it was all downhill to the bunk barn from there. The Rangers have done a lot of work on the path over the past few years and it has made the once treacherous decent a lot safer and enjoyable.... however, that all depends on whether you like going down steps or not. But we all managed to get down safely and regroup, 3 peaks completed, at the bunk barn. Then it was every man for themselves to get out of very soggy clothing, compare feet and get a hot shower.
All that remained then was the legendary TTS BBQ. As usual, there were quality burgers and sausage from Mortons Butchers in Richmond, there were even some “Black Porkies” and even the people that allegedly didn’t like black pudding, were impressed at the taste sensation. Huge shout out to our special guest “Big E” who turned up to say Hi to everyone, saw what a poor job I was doing on the BBQ and did a fantastic job of rescuing it. Of course, the weather brightened up at this point, but it wouldn’t have mattered because we broke out the TTS storm shelter, under which we recanted tales from the day and other adventures and a jolly good time was had by all.
All in all, as ever, a fantastic day with fantastic company and another very successful event chalked up TTS.
All that remains now is to say a massive thank you and shout out to Team Forces, who have very kindly given us a substantial grant that will allow us to continue to do the great work that we do. Some of that grant paid for the accommodation that we enjoyed over the weekend. From everyone at Team True Spirit, and from the bottom of our hearts, thank you Team Forces, we are eternally thankful.
Be Here, Be You, Belong
