Swaledale Road Runners

At 8.20 on a drizzly Saturday morning five intrepid Swaledale Runners set off from the Pen-y-Ghent café in Horton-in-Ribblesdale to run the Yorkshire Three Peaks, 'just for fun'. A 'clearing' forecast gave us hope that the weather would improve and we ran enthusiastically through the village and then onto the slopes of Pen-y-Ghent. The cloud thickened as we climbed the hill, at first steadily, then more steeply up to the summit (694m) Steady rain drove us over the wall to start the steep but enjoyable descent all the way to Tarn Bar on the Penine Way. We had opted for an alternative to the hideous bogs of Todber Moss by going over Whitber Hill and down to the Ribble Way. This added a little extra mileage but kept morale high, which improved further as the rain stopped for a while. The route was then steady until Ribblehead, following first farm tracks and then a section of road. There were plenty of walkers plodding along, equipped in full waterproofs, and it gave a real sense of freedom to be running past them in our shorts and lightweight jackets.

A short break was taken at Ribblehead to replenish energy and put on dry clothing, temporarily at least. The path ran alongside the magnificent viaduct then followed the railway line, gaining height gradually. We crossed the railway by an amazing little aquaduct then started the long haul up Whernside. Neil and Tony ran on ahead, James was making good progress and Stuart and I were struggling along at the back. The cloud started to clear from the summit (736m) and we were hopeful of a view, but by the time we reached it, the rain was falling even more heavily. A very quick photo stop and then it was a lovely stretch of downhill running. Then steep steps made the going quite treacherous in the rain and we were relieved to reach the flat valley bottom. A handy snack bar afforded Stuart the opportunity to take on an energy drink, which gave him a new lease of life. Unfortunately James had tweaked a muscle on the descent, so the pace was slowed a little on the flagstone path to Ingleborough. A short steep section led on to the summit plateau and eventually, through the mist, we could make out the summit (724m). Once again, it was no place for hanging around so after a quick photo we retraced our steps to the plateau edge. Here the cloud suddenly lifted and we could see our onward track virtually the whole way back to Horton. The group split up here, as it was one of those descents that invited you to let go and do your own thing. Tony and Neil flew off, whilst James, Stuart and I took it a little more steadily. The path deteriorated through Sulber Nick, with a muddy, wet limestone section not being conducive to speed. The last mile dragged, it was voted the longest mile of the whole run, but we were soon running over the railway line and back into Horton, where we found Tony waiting for us in the river! We quickly clocked back in at the café, completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks in 6 hours and 39 minutes, with Tony and Neil coming in 19 minutes before us. We then all jumped in the river too, to ease our aching muscles, like a poor man's ice bath. Finally we partook of chips, burgers and cakes at the café, these being the real reason we undertook this 25 mile challenge! In summary, it was a great run in less than perfect conditions, but it just means we will have to do it all again next year!

See photo gallery.