The popular 3 Peaks Walking Break will be back in 2023 providing an opportunity to summit some of the county’s highest peaks. Having run this itinerary for 3 years now, we were forced to climb some alternative summits as repeat guests had already conquered all of the classic mountains. This year however we return to the iconic peaks once more. Each day we will climb to within the region of 700m to take in the spectacular scenery of the Yorkshire Dales.
As with all the breaks at the Lodge, expect to be well fed and watered, well rested in luxurious beds and well looked after but with a few little summits to take on over the three days! Ably and enthusiastically led by Penny, we will tackle Whernside (736m,) Ingleborough (723m) and Pen-y-gent (694m.) With one peak each day it will also be possible to explore the Dales without the crowds, stop for refreshments and take in the remote countryside. That's the plan – so we can all gain a sense of achievement without racing the clock and enjoy a satisfying, fulfilling but challenging break. This itinerary is more physically challenging than our standard Walking Breaks but, if that’s what you are after, please join us.
The proposed itinerary is below:
MONDAY – Arrival
All arrive at Eastfield Lodge in the afternoon for homemade cookies and tea in the lounge. Join us in the evening for pre-dinner drinks and delicious canapes before a two course dinner. Penny will enlighten you on the details of the break and be on hand for any questions throughout dinner. The weather may have an influence on the order in which we do the walks but with the right degree of wild enthusiasm, we should feel positive about achieving the challenge.
TUESDAY – Pen-y-gent (694m)
After a good breakfast, we will drive to Horton-in-Ribblesdale to start the first walk. It is further to drive than usual routes on the Walking Breaks but worth every minute. As a gentle warm up, we will first set off towards Helwith Bridge, south of the village and allow our legs some preparation time whilst we take in the views of Pen-y-gent and walk alongside the Settle-Carlisle railway line and the River Ribble. Some of the route is part of the classic Pennine Way. This route allows us a long and steady approach to the summit, the end of which is a steep and rocky path. The benefits are clear as we descend on a grassy slope to reconnect to the Pennine Way back into Horton-in-Ribblesdale. The whole route is just under 10 miles for the day.
Evening - Cake will await us on our return to the Lodge. Tonight our local butcher Kev will be on site cooking up his famous premium BBQ, including 4 or 5 salads, breads and wine included. A wander into Leyburn for a pint from the Wensleydale Brewery, a lighthearted quiz or an early night are all possibilities.
WEDNESDAY - Whernside (736m)
Best to fuel up on a good Yorkshire breakfast this morning as Whernside is the highest of the Yorkshire peaks. To compensate for that, this is the shortest walk in distance today at less that 8 miles / 12.5 kms. The route starts by skirting alongside the 24 arches of the Ribbleshead viaduct, a truly magnificent engineering feat. The climb is then long as its relentless ridgeline sweeps around but stopping to savour and enjoy it is the secret. Views of the Lakes and the Howgills as well as yesterday's Pen-y-gent can be captured for much of the climb and Ingleborough will be calling from across the dale. A steep but grassy descent returns us to the viaduct and the Station Inn for sustenence. It is possible to extend the walk along the river at the end if legs are still strong.
Evening - Once back at the Lodge, another delicious cake and hot showers are in order before a two course supper is offered and much deserved.
THURSDAY - Ingleborough (723m)
Parking in the little village of Clapham after the hours drive allows us a stunning walk on the way to Little Ingleborough and onto the noble Ingleborough summit itself. The walk today of 10.5 miles / 17 kms includes passing Ingleborough showcave, Trow Gill limestone gorge and Gaping Gill, probably the most famous pothole in the British Isles. We will also pass Clapham lake and a grotto to say nothing of the great summit itself as it stands alone. The limestone paving is so characteristic of the Yorkshire Dales and we will cross them with care just south of Simon's Seat. Returning to Clapham, there may be an opportunity for an optional visit to sample some local Yorkshire gin or a pint of Wensleydale ale.
Evening - For our last evening, Henry will arrange for us to dine at a local restaurant in the market town where you can celebrate your success at summitting the three highest points in Yorkshire. (Pay individually.)
FRIDAY - Departure
A leisurely breakfast before departure.
- The 3 Peaks Walking Break – Monday 27th May - Friday 31st May 2024. – 2 Rooms still available.
It is not possible to book this special Itinerary online. To book or if you have any questions regarding the Guided Walking Breaks, please call Henry or Penny on 01969 623196.
Terrain
The routes can include tracks, rocky paths, heather moor and muddy fields. We try to avoid roads but sometimes short sections are necessary.
Kit
The appropriate footwear is vital as well as a good waterproof coat, warm layers, hats and gloves or (even in the Dales) sun cream, a sunhat and sunglasses on occasions. Please be suitably prepared for every type of weather as it can change suddenly in the hills. We advise guests to bring a flask and a sandwich tub. We provide each guest with an Eastfield Lodge sustainable water bottle to reduce our use of plastic.
Fitness
There is always a range of pace and fitness on these breaks and everyone joining the break should appreciate that they are joining a group. Having said that, every effort is made to allow everyone to start the day, to walk at their preferred pace and regroup when necessary and to leave a walk when they have had enough. Being surefooted is an advantage but no navigational skills are required as all walks are guided.
Travel to the Lodge
Arrival on Monday can be from 4pm and by car is less than 30 minutes drive from the A1. The Lodge has limited parking but parking locally is convenient. The North East Rail link runs from Edinburgh to Kings Cross stopping at Northallerton where a taxi journey can link you to Leyburn. The buses run from Bedale but the service stops at 4pm.
N.B. The SatNav can guide guests around to the back lane which runs behind the Lodge and this is very narrow. The entrance to the Lodge and Car Park is directly from the main road into Leyburn between the Petrol Station and the Church.
Walk Days
Although some walks start near Public Conveniences, this is not often the case. Toilets are accessed with a 20p inside the National Park but wild wees are sometimes the only option! Car Parking in the Park currently in 2022 cost £4.50 for the day. As the walk days are longer, we do sometimes use a local bus/coach company to drop us and collect us but this is included in your break.
The adventures we've had...
The 3 Peaks Walking Break costs £595 per person based on 2 people sharing a King, Double or Twin Room.
Single Supplement - Eastfield Lodge has no single rooms but single occupancy of a double room is always possible at a total additional supplement of £195 for the 4 nights. Availability is limited so please contact us for more details.
It is not possible to book this special Itinerary online. To book or if you have any questions regarding the 3 Peaks Walking Break, please call Henry or Penny on 01969 623196 or 07753897258. Alternatively, email: henry@eastfieldlodge.co.uk
The 3 Peaks Walking Break costs £595 per person based on 2 people sharing a King, Double or Twin Room.
This includes:
- All Guided Walks for 3 days
- 3 Evening Meals with wine included
- 3 Packed Lunches (with sandwich filling choices)
- 4 hearty Yorkshire Breakfasts
- Your own Eastfield Lodge Water Bottle
- Prosecco & Canapes on the first evening
- Afternoon Tea and Cake each day
- Accommodation in the Lodge for 4 nights
Not Included:
- Independent Travel to and from Eastfield Lodge on arrival and departure
- Dinner on the last night in Local Restaurant
- Any additional drinks or snacks in tearooms or pubs
- Coach Transport transport to and from a walk.