The 2025 Specialized Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge

6 years. 6 long years , and I swore I’d never do it again. But in your late 50’s you start to question your own mortality, and I knew if I didn’t do it soon I’d never do it. And so the 2025 Specialized Yorkshire 3 Peaks began.
The call went out, and soon I’d assembled a squad ready to take on the challenge. Some had done it before, some had never ventured onto a mountain, but we all met up on the Friday night, and before long dawn had arrived and we set off.
Within two hours we had reached our first peak, Pen -y-Ghent, and all took photos as the sun creeped over the horizon. Then it was onto peak 2, Whernside. This is the highest of the peaks, and is a long, hard slog as the path winds round the terrain. After more photos and a quick breather we headed off again, and those of us who had been here 6 years ago knew what to expect ! The physical and mental torture of Ingleborough!
Now Ingleborough starts off with a steady tilt, similar to Whernside, but before long you hit a part of it that is nearly vertical. This is where the mental challenge comes in , as you try to plot a course with your hands and feet while being physically exhausted. Lungs on fire, legs screaming for mercy. You really need this after hiking for 9 hours !!
Thankfully, though arduous it is a relatively short climb , which opens up to the summit.
Once again we take photos, and we are all smiles as we start the ascent back into the village.
The first of us arrive in Horton with 11 hours 13 minutes on the clock , and are joined by the rest 10 minutes later.
I couldn’t be prouder of the team, they were all stars. Each one has proven something to themselves.
And as for the party back at the barn ?! Let’s just say what happens in the barn stays in the barn !
Huge thanks to everyone who has sponsored us, it really did make a difference to us knowing that we had your support.
Would I do it again ?! Never say never ….

Phil Smith

With thanks to Katie Seabrooke, Dave Halliwell, Thea Anderson, Sophie Craig, Brett Rosella, Dave Halcrow, Ellie Smith, Keelan Heath, Owen O’Callaghan, Steve Goode, Cat Goode, Adrian Chester, Laura Langley, Jack Holmes and our support team of Sarah Smith and Neil Anderson.
Drone footage by Owen O’Callaghan