Highlight • Natural Monument
Pen-y-ghent
Running
5.0
(23)
Hiking
5.0
(12)
Mountain biking
5.0
(4)
This Highlight is in a protected area
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Tips
October 31, 2023
Mountain biking
•
November 13, 2022
Running
On reaching the summit, if you're lucky enough to visit on a clear day you'll be treated to great views out across the Yorkshire Dales from the trig point.
May 31, 2026
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Pen-y-ghent
4.4
(9)
1,781
runners
40.6km
05:15
1,420m
1,410m
Embark on the Three Peaks Challenge in Yorkshire Dales National Park, a truly difficult jogging route that spans 25.2 miles (40.6 km) and climbs a significant 4649 feet (1417 metres) of elevation. This demanding journey, which you can aim to complete in around 5 hours and 14 minutes, takes you over the iconic peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough. Expect varied and challenging terrain, from rough moorland to rocky scrambles on Pen-y-ghent, and steep descents from Whernside. Along the way, you'll be rewarded with magnificent panoramic views across the Dales, potentially seeing Morecambe Bay and the Lakeland hills on clear days, with the impressive Ribblehead Viaduct as a notable landmark. The route offers a rigorous test of endurance and sure-footedness over its diverse surfaces.
To successfully jog the Three Peaks Challenge, you will need very good fitness and significant training, including long runs with steep hills. The route is seriously tough, so prepare for substantial climbing and often steep descents over uneven ground. Given the likelihood of damp and muddy conditions across the moorland sections, especially on Pen-y-ghent's rocky terrain and Whernside's long ridge, waterproof footwear is highly recommended. This challenge is typically undertaken within 12 hours, even for hikers, so your jogging pace will require excellent physical condition and careful navigation.
The Three Peaks Challenge is notable for its demanding goal of summiting all three iconic peaks within a single effort, making it a popular choice for individuals and groups, often undertaken for charity. The route traverses a designated National Park, showcasing the stunning natural beauty and unique geological landscape of the Yorkshire Dales, shaped by Carboniferous limestone and glacial activity. Each peak, Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough, offers its own distinctive character and views, contributing to the historical and geological intrigue of this renowned endurance test.
5.0
(8)
303
runners
10.7km
01:19
450m
450m
Prepare for a difficult jogging challenge on the Three Peaks Walk to Pen-y-ghent, a route that covers 6.6 miles (10.7 km) with a significant elevation gain of 1486 feet (453 metres). You can expect to complete this in about 1 hour and 19 minutes. As you ascend, you will be treated to panoramic views across the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park. Keep an eye out for the distinctive 'lion-shaped' profile of Pen-y-ghent itself, a prominent landmark in the area. From the summit, you might even glimpse other famous peaks like Ingleborough and Whernside, and on exceptionally clear days, the distant Lake District.
Before you set out, be aware that the trail can become quite boggy, especially after rain. The scramble near the summit demands extra caution when conditions are wet or icy, so always check the weather forecast beforehand. Horton-in-Ribblesdale serves as a popular starting point for this circular route, offering convenient amenities such as parking and cafes to help you prepare for your journey. Planning your visit around drier weather will enhance your experience on the exposed sections of the path.
This trail is notable for its unique geological features, including Hull Pot, which is reputed to be the largest natural hole in England. The distinctive tiered shape of Pen-y-ghent makes it a recognizable and iconic peak within the Yorkshire Dales. This route offers a rewarding experience for those seeking a challenging jog through a landscape rich in natural beauty and geological interest.
5
runners
16.3km
02:01
430m
430m
If you are looking for a challenging jogging route, the Pen-y-Ghent loop from Dale Head delivers. This difficult 10.1-mile (16.3 km) route involves a significant climb of 1403 feet (428 metres), which you can complete in about 2 hours and 1 minute. As you ascend, you will experience varied and rugged terrain, including sections of the famous Pennine Way. The summit of Pen-y-Ghent offers expansive panoramic views across the Yorkshire Dales, where you can spot Fountains Fell, Pendle Hill, and Ingleborough on a clear day. Be ready for steep climbs and rocky ground, with some sections requiring a bit of scrambling.
Before you head out, be aware that the trail's varied terrain can be very muddy and slippery, especially after rain. While generally fine for jogging in dry conditions, wet weather can make parts of the route quite treacherous. Always check the Pen-y-Ghent weather forecast for Dale Head before you begin your journey. This preparation will help ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience on the trail.
The route showcases the distinctive tiered shape of Pen-y-Ghent itself, a notable geological feature formed by alternating layers of limestone, sandstone, and gritstone. You will also encounter dramatic geological features like Hull Pot, which is reputed to be the largest natural hole in England. This unique karst landscape is a highlight of the Dales, offering a glimpse into the region's fascinating natural history.
Details
Informations
Elevation 740 m
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Tuesday 18 August
16°C
11°C
73 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h
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