The Yorkshire Three Peaks – Explore at Your Own Pace from Ashes Farm

What are The Yorkshire Three Peaks ?

Whernside, Ingleborough, and Pen-y-ghent – offer one of the most breathtaking walking experiences in the country. While many take on the challenge of completing all three in one day, it doesn’t have to be a non-stop 12-hour trek. By staying at Ashes Farm, located right on the route, you can take a more relaxed approach, explore circular routes, and truly soak in the scenery. Plus, you don’t need to start at Horton-in-Ribblesdale, which can get very busy during peak season.

Ashes Farm on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Route

Walking Whernside – The Highest of the Three Peaks

Whernside (736m) is the tallest of the Yorkshire Three Peaks and boasts spectacular panoramic views over the Dales and beyond. From Ashes Farm, you can walk directly to the base of Whernside, taking in the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct as you go. The route follows a gentle ascent, passing waterfalls and old railway structures before reaching the summit. On a clear day, you might even see the Lake District fells in the distance. The descent loops down towards Chapel-le-Dale, making a great circular walk back to Ashes Farm.

Walking Ingleborough – A Stunning Summit

Ingleborough (723m) is a favorite among walkers due to its dramatic flat-topped summit and spectacular limestone scenery. From Ashes Farm, you can take a fantastic circular route via Horton-in-Ribblesdale or head directly up from Chapel-le-Dale. The ascent from Little Ingleborough is steep but incredibly rewarding, offering stunning views over the Dales and even as far as the Irish Sea on a clear day. The descent can take you back towards Ribblehead, completing another scenic loop.

Ingleborough

Walking Pen-y-ghent – A Classic Climb with a Time-Saving Train Option

Pen-y-ghent (694m) is the smallest but perhaps the most dramatic of the peaks. If you want to include this as part of a two-day trek, you can use the train from Ribblehead to Horton-in-Ribblesdale to shorten your journey. This allows you to tackle Pen-y-ghent without the long return walk. The route up Pen-y-ghent is steep in sections but fun, with a bit of light scrambling. From the top, enjoy breathtaking views before looping back towards Horton or continuing back to Ashes Farm via scenic moorland paths.

Pen-y-ghent as viewed from Ashes Farm

Breaking the Route Down – A More Achievable Approach

More and more of our guests are now choosing to split the Yorkshire Three Peaks over two days instead of one. A great option is to tackle Whernside and Ingleborough on the first day and then Pen-y-ghent the next day. This approach allows for a much more enjoyable experience, giving you time to take in the views, relax, and not feel rushed.

By staying at Ashes Farm, you have easy access to the Three Peaks without the need to drive to a crowded start point. Arriving by train to Ribblehead is a fantastic option, allowing you to leave the car behind and enjoy the journey in a more environmentally friendly way.

Plan Your Adventure – With or Without a Guide

For those wanting to take on the full Three Peaks Challenge in a single day, our self-catering accommodation is perfect for early starts. You don’t need a walking guide, as the Yorkshire Dales National Park now has a Three Peaks app, and we stock fantastic yellow publication maps to help you navigate. However, if you’d prefer some expert support, we can connect you with local guides who can enhance your experience.

No matter how you choose to tackle the Yorkshire Three Peaks, Ashes Farm provides the perfect base for your adventure. Take your time, enjoy the scenery, and make your Three Peaks experience one to remember!