26th May 2016
Well what a day – and what a fantastic success! All in support of raising funds into research to improve young children’s lives. It’s not too late to make a donation, you can still go to our donation page to make your contribution in recognition of this amazing effort.
Here’s an account from the #iHV3peaks challenge organiser – Kate Thompson:
Starting off in good spirits in the rain!
Conditions were not ideal for the 22 intrepid walkers who set off at 7am on Saturday 21 May. Heavy rain and mist made the ascent up Pen Y Ghent difficult at times but everybody made it in good time, although the cold and wet weather prevented us admiring the views from the top.
On our way!
Fantastic views – and black clouds!
It’s a long way!
There then followed the long walk to Ribblehead, although this was made easier with the good path and slight improvement in the weather, and spirits remained high as we approached our first checkpoint. Unfortunately a torrential downpour of rain made for a wet and brief stop but the hot drinks and cakes, and welcoming support team set most people up for the next peak. Unfortunately two people missed the checkpoint due to the driving rain (and their hot drinks and cake!) but carried on after they found us leaving Ribblehead. This fortunately was the only slight mishap in the day.
A bit damp!
Here’s our wonderful, wonderful support team
A sight for sore eyes – our fabulous support team with the cakes!
The weather started to improve during the long slow ascent up Whernside, and we enjoyed good views from the top. Second peak achieved! The descent from Whernside is painfully steep at times and hard on the knees, and a few people slipped on the wet path. The farm at Chapel Le Dale was a welcome sight, and our reliable support team again welcomed us with hot drinks and more delicious cakes, which set us up for the third and final peak.
Still a bit damp!
Yummy cake break!
Mountain Goats!
Ingleborough is the sting in the tail as it’s an extremely steep ascent, but our team managed admirably despite tired legs. We even gave assistance to another walker who had a panic attack and Kate led her safely up. Everybody was relieved to reach the top and ready for the homeward stretch, although it was nearly a couple of hours later before we saw the welcome sight of Horton village coming into view.
Getting past the steep bit – and vertigo fading!
It was so steep – and this photo doesn’t do it justice!
Yes we did it – the top of peak 3!!!!
Pretty in pink!
Pen y Ghent on the home stretch – not long now!
The final few steps through the village were emotional and everybody was glad to reach the Pen Y Ghent café, our starting point around 11 hours previously. There were cheers and a glass of prosecco for everybody by our fabulous support team following the all important checking in at the café to allow us to become members of the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Club.
By the waterfall
To walk 24 miles and over 4,500 feet of ascent in the rain and cold requires determination and strength, which our team clearly had. We were all driven by the great cause that we were raising money for, knowing that our sponsors would be waiting to hear that we had completed our challenge.
Wow – we made it to the end!!
I wonder what the next iHV challenge will be?
Kate Thompson – 3 peaks organiser
Many thanks to Kate and her colleagues for this fantastic achievement in support of research into improving the lives of young children. It’s not too late to make a donation, you can still go to our donation page to make your contribution in recognition of this amazing effort.
