The 2025 Specialized Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge
Yorkshire Dales, April 2025 – This spring, Phil Smith once again led a determined team of walkers in the Specialized Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, returning to the rugged beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park for the second time since the event’s 2019 debut.
The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is a legendary endurance hike, taking on the towering summits of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough within 12 hours. Covering 24 miles (38.6 km) with a total climb of 5,200 feet, it’s a true test of stamina, resilience, and teamwork — all set against some of the most breathtaking scenery in the UK.
The team kicked off their preparations in March with a warm-up walk around Rutland Water, building momentum for the main event.
Returning from the original 2019 team were Katie Seabrooke, Dave Halliwell, Steve Goode, and event organiser Phil Smith. They were joined by new recruits: Dave Halcrow, Brett Rosella, Thea Anderson, Laura Langley, Adrian Chester, Sophie Craig, Ellie Smith, Keelan Heath, Owen O’Callaghan, Cat Leah, Scott Markie, and Jack Holmes.
Crucial support came from an outstanding team of volunteers: Linda and Jack Markie, Neil Anderson, and Sarah Smith, who ensured smooth logistics and vital encouragement throughout the challenge.
Together, the group raised a phenomenal £4,484.25, far surpassing their original goal of £500. The funds will support the work of The Specialized Project CIC, a music and arts-based community initiative that raises money for charities including the Teenage Cancer Trust.
With spirits high and legs a little sore, talk has already turned to a third outing in 2026 — proving once again that the Specialized crew are always ready for more.
Phill Smith said:
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
