CONQUERING THE YORKSHIRE THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE: A WAYPOINT ADVENTURE.

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is one of the UK’s most legendary hikes - a 24-mile (38.6 km) round trip over Pen-y-Ghent (694 m), Whernside (736 m), and Ingleborough (723 m) - all in under 12 hours. Yes, your legs will hate you, and yes, you’ll question your life choices… but the views, laughs, and sense of achievement are worth every step.

For our first-ever proper weekend challenge, Waypoint Crew (one of London’s friendliest hiking groups) tackled this iconic route from 9th–11th May 2025, turning it into an unforgettable adventure full of belly laughs, epic scenery, and shared triumphs.

Here’s how our community conquered the Three Peaks - and why it’s a must for any hikers looking to test their sanity and stamina.

Arrival in Malham - Calm Before The Adventure.

We rolled into the charming village of Malham on Friday afternoon. Our bunkbarn was stunning - think sweeping views, snug dorms, and an incredibly friendly farm dog which showed us to our shared dorm rooms.

The sun was shining, teas were endless, and everyone got comfy, catching up over cooked dinners and laughs before settling in for a not-so-early night.

It's the ultimate setup for any hiking group ready to bond before a big adventure.

The Challenge Begins: Tackling Whernside

Saturday began bright and very early, breakfast in our bunkbarn fuelling us for the day ahead. A coach ride whisked us to Ribbleshead Viaduct, with packed lunches from a local pub and a glorious sunrise to kick things off. The excitement was real.

Our mountain guides gave a thorough briefing, and Beth from Waypoint Crew split everyone into teams for a playful photo/video bingo challenge. Hilarious tasks like yoga poses behind stone walls, dodgy stiles, and “Yorkshire tea party scenes” got everyone mingling - a perfect icebreaker for a first group trip away.

Then came Whernside (736m), the highest of the three peaks. The climb was steep, the sun was hot, and our pace had to be steady. But the Yorkshire Dales’ rolling hills kept spirits high. Teamwork was key - cheering each other on, taking in the panoramic views, and capturing those summit selfies made every step worth it.

Midway Momentum: Conquering Ingleborough

After a brief break, we took on Ingleborough, which stands at 723 meters. The landscape decided to mix things up with limestone pavements and grassy slopes - just to keep us on our toes. Fatigue was creeping in, but laughter, teamwork, and the promise of a pub meal kept the energy high.

Reaching the summit was a major morale boost - another tick on the checklist, and a reminder of what you can achieve when you push together.

Final Push: Summiting Pen-Y-Ghent

We made a quick stop to finish the rest of our packed lunch; most of us had already inhaled it after the first peak.

Then we tackled Pen-y-Ghent, the final peak at 694 meters. By now, legs were weary, and the last climb felt steeper than ever. Rocky trails tested our balance and endurance, but Waypoint Crew’s team spirit kept everyone moving, cheering each other on all the way to the top.

And then… the reward: sweeping views of the Yorkshire Dales, a huge sense of achievement, and the realisation that the long stretch back to the pub would be just as challenging - by the end, we were practically crawling.

Exhausted but elated, we devoured dinner like a pack of hungry wolves, enjoyed plenty of pints, and swapped stories of legendary blisters.

On the coach back to the bunkbarn, everyone fell asleep instantly, and that final short walk felt like stepping on wooden planks - a truly epic day with the crew!

Final Thoughts: Waypoint Crew’s First Big Weekend

Waypoint Crew’s weekend on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge proved why this adventure is legendary. From bunkhouse mornings to summit celebrations, it’s the ultimate test of endurance, teamwork, and determination.

Waypoint trips are a solo hiker’s dream: you start off as strangers and end up as besties, swapping stories and maybe even sharing snacks.

Beyond just a workout that makes your legs question their existence, the Three Yorkshire Peaks offer breathtaking landscapes, historic trails, and a sense of shared triumph. It’s an unforgettable adventure that pushes your limits, builds camaraderie, and leaves everyone with epic tales to tell (and maybe a few blisters to show off).