This one was a little different to the other hikes that I talk about on this blog. I wanted to set myself a challenge, one that I could use to raise some money for the amazing charity Mind. I also wanted to find one that would test me, where I could take what I had learned from the last year of hiking and push the limits of my abilities.
The traditional challenge, one of the longest existing challenges of its kind in the UK that people have been doing it since the 1800s, involves a circular route that reaches the summit of three Nuttalls located in North Yorkshire.
The trail covers 24 and a half miles, although I camped a couple of miles away from the start point so my day ended up covering 28 and a half. Along the route there is various types of path, actually I think I encountered all the different surfaces that could be discovered on a hike, from slabbed paths to rocky scrambles, grassy knolls to tarmac roads.
I had planned out this one in quite some detail, although it was my first visit to the Yorkshire Dales so some things were still unexpected. At least I knew key points along the way which helped me judge the progress that I was making along the course without having to pull my map out.
Section One
Horton on Ribblesdale to Pen Y Ghent Summit
2.7 miles
I started the challenge at 6:30 am on the dot, from the toilet block which stands at the official start point. A good choice, as be warned there are no other toilet facilities along the trail until you arrive back here, but I’ll talk more about that later.
It was almost sunrise and I had no problem at all knowing where to go as the trail is very well marked. the route goes straight into the first ascent, starting off on a paved path, with some muddy sections but these looked like they were in the process of being upgraded.
I had overdressed for the occasion, and quickly needed to start removing layers during this ascent, which was relatively simple until you reach a scramble section nearing the summit of Pen Y Ghent. It had rained heavily overnight and the smooth rocks were not the easiest to go over but taking my time and ensuring I had god footing I was able to get up and over this section pretty quickly.
This was still early in the day for me so I wasted no time, I think it is the least amount of time that I’ve ever spent at a trig point. Grabbing a quick selfie and then continuing on to the long, long descent.
Section Two
Pen Y Ghent Summit to Whernside Summit
11.6 miles
This is the long section, a rather slow decline which lasts for a good 8 miles. I managed to get through this section pretty quickly it was covering my favourite type of paths of boulder like steps. I’ve got to admit it is one of the things I enjoy most quick stepping down these types of descents.
The path does go on for quite a while, eleven and a half miles through the hills seemed like it was lasting a life time.
I had delved my way through some energy gels and breakfast bars by this point. It is along this strech that I realised. Oh, there is no where hidden away from the path, and no signs of any public conveniences. With a lot of people following the same path as me, um well I went quite a while whilst wanting to go.
I’ll be honest that slowed me down a little, but seeing the Ribblehead Viaduct in the distance was a good sight. I knew that this was close to the half way point for the day. The true mark is a little bit further north. Where I found a rock to sit on and quickly threw back a cup of coffee.
The ascent up to Whernside, appearred to last even longer due the clouds setting in. Visibility was not great, there was a lot of mist and fog, but I was grateful of this as the higher you get up the dirt and stone trail, the closer to edge you get and the steeper it looks. I would also say that the path might be on the wrong side of the wall. The mystery drop to the left though does make the whole xperience feel a little more like some of my most recent hikes.
Section Three
Whernside Summit to Inglesborough Summit
5.7 miles
The wavey farm path that leads through the fields towards the final summit of the day are pretty uneventful.
I quite appreciated that, and the steps that start the ascent weren’t too bad either. I did take them slowly as for the first time that day, for a brief moment, I was clearly seeing the summit of Inglesborough!
The middle section of the ascent does get a little steeper, and my legs were feeling pretty tired by this point. The thought of one last trig point. That I approached camera ready in hand, tapped the trig and the shutter button and carried on the final descent of the day.
Section Four
Ingleborough Summit to Horton on Ribblesdale
4.8 miles
The final stretch back to the finish line was one of the hardest, I was feeling particulary drained and I was determined to reach the end within ten hours.
It was looking very close but I did get a boost of energy during the last two miles, and got back with five minutes to spare.
Finished
With less than thirty minutes of breaks throughout the day I completed the route in nine hours and fifty five minutes. A time I was pretty happy with, although the temptation to go again, doing something a little differently, is pretty strong.
I enjoyed a pint or two of Guinness before I headed off on my last trek of the day with the last couple of miles back to camp.
Gear
Boots
I absolutely love my Berghaus Hill walkers, and they were the perfect fit for most sections along the trail. However there were certain areas were a more comfortable trainer might have been a benefit especially the long road sections.
If I take on this challenge again (I will I want to beat my time!) I will most likely go for a mountain trainer like my Nike Wildhorse 7s, although the don’t offer the same ankle support of my boots I think they might be better suited for comfort during this long endurance hike. They also have amazing grip for the rockier scrambling sections.
Bag
I went for quite a small bag for this track, mostly to help make sure I didn’t carry anymore weight than I needed. It might be designed for biking but my Osprey has plenty of space for all my emergency kit, along with a easily accessible slot for unto a three litre hyrdation bladder and I was also able to carry my thermos and a spare bottle of water inside. And the outside pockets were quickly utilised to carry my fleece and waterproof jacket.
Speaking of clothing…
Clothes
I wished I’d gone for shorts. With the weather being a little temperental for most of the summer of 2023, and the first couple of weeks of September bringing a heatwave followed by a lot of rain. Then it remained dry and reasonable warm all day and hiking trousers were a little overkill.
I made a similar mistake with my fleece, I probably could have got through the day with just my raincoat. Packed away and ready for downpours.