The Yorkshire Dales National Park is honoured to have within its boundary the mountains Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside, collectively known as the Three Peaks. They cover 160km2 of upland in the west of the Park, rise to 736m at their tallest and form part of the Pennine range that runs through the backbone of central and northern England.
The Three Peaks area sits within Kingsdale, Chapel le Dale and Ribblesdale. Daytrippers and walkers often visit the local villages of Dent, Austwick, Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Ingleton and Clapham as well as the popular Ribblehead area. The famous Settle to Carlisle railway runs through Ribblesdale, with stations at Settle, Horton, Ribblehead and Dent. Kingsdale Beck, the River Doe and the River Ribble run through the area too.
The area is internationally famous for it limestone landscape and associated semi-natural vegetation. Together these factors produce stunning scenery and a mosaic of acid heath, grassland and mire plant communities that have made the area a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Over 60% of the entire region is designated as Site of Special Scientific Interest or National Nature Reserve.
These natural features have always made the Three Peaks area a popular place for outdoor recreation. Over a quarter of a million people access the Three Peaks every year. If you have walked any, or all, of the Three Peaks you can create and print a personalised certificate.
The sheer volume of walkers enjoying the Peaks puts an enormous strain on the path network and the wildlife habitats surrounding them. To save the routes, protect the special area and raise awareness of the importance of the peaks the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority established the Three Peaks Project. In 2009 the Friends of the Three Peaks scheme was launched so individuals and organisations who value and enjoy the area could also play their part for the benefit of everyone both now and in the future.
Ingleborough
Height: 723m/2372ft
Topped by a cap of millstone grit, the geology of this peak is particularly interesting with its layers of limestone, shale and sandstone.
Has four major engineered walking routes to the summit.
Attracts in the region of 120,000 walkers each year.
Has a team of 8 dedicated volunteers carrying out footpath maintenance.
Has a maze of underground cave systems.
Is internationally important for its limestone features and habitats.
There are stunning views from the top of Ingleborough. On a clear day visitors can see as far west as the Irish Sea and Morecambe Bay.
Pen-y-ghent
Height: 694m/2277ft
It is composed primarily of carboniferous limestone and millstone grit, the two classic rocks of the Yorkshire Dales.
Has three major engineered walking routes, two reaching the summit.
Attracts about 80,000 walkers each year.
Carries the popular Pennine Way down to Horton in Ribblesdale.
Has a team of 3 dedicated volunteers carrying out repairs on the paths.
There are excellent views from the summit of Pen-y-ghent from where walkers can see trains on the Carlisle-Settle railway as well as Simon Fell, Moughton Fell, Langstrothdale, Cam Fell, Dodd Fell and Pendle Hill.
Whernside
Height: 736m/2415ft
Also know as the ‘roof’ of Yorkshire.
This impressive hill has a covering layer of millstone grit over limestone.
Has two major engineered paths meeting at the summit.
Sees 50,000 walkers reach the top each year.
Has a team of 3 dedicated volunteers helping to keep the paths in good order.
Looks down on the amazing Ribblehead Viaduct; a testament to Victorian engineering.
Whernside is a fantastic vantage point to view the surrounding countryside, including the other two peaks, as well as the Howgill Fells.
