The Easter break is not just a cracking time for chocolate egg lovers, it’s also the perfect opportunity for outdoor adventure, as six young people from Loddon District Explorers discovered when they took on the might of the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.
The epic trip to North Yorkshire, along with five adult leaders, combined outdoor adventure with camaraderie, laughs, and even some cheese and crackers. It made for a couple of grand days out!
In fine conditions, there was nothing foul about the weather, as the team prepared to ascend the summits of Pen-y-Ghent (694m), Whernside (736m) and Ingleborough (723m), glorious hills that form part of the Pennine range, and that encircle the head of the valley of the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales.
The challenge to tackle the 24-mile round trip and 1585m ascent in fewer than 12 hours – the wrong trousers would make life tough. Thankfully in the ideal springtime temperatures, even shorts were a comfortable option, and the team achieved their feat in an impressive 8h49, closely shaving over half-an-hour from their previous effort. All the training hikes and precise preparations certainly paid off.
“It was tough, but the views were insane,” commented one Explorer. “I’m proud we all stuck together and made it!”
With the luxury of staying locally in the region at Ingleton Scout HQ the team had time after their challenge to spend visiting the Dales, exploring Malham Cove and Gordale Scar, heading underground in Ingleborough Cave, and even squeezing in a climbing session at a local centre. To top it all off, they visited the Wensleydale Creamery. Yes, Wensleydale! And they were over the moon.
Leader Chris Faulkner said: “The trip wasn’t just about the challenge – it was a proper adventure packed with memories, bonding, and big laughs. A brilliant mix of outdoor achievement and Yorkshire charm.”