Yorkshire 2000s

The Yorkshire 2000s extends the Three Peaks to its logical conclusion — if you're going to bag the big three, why not bag all the significant summits in the Dales? The challenge visits every summit over 2,000 ft in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, totalling more than 30 summits in a circuit of around 113 km.

The route covers all the major fell groups: the Three Peaks (Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, Ingleborough), the Howgill Fells (The Calf and its satellites), the Great Whernside and Buckden Pike massif, and the high ridges above Swaledale and Wensleydale. Navigation is needed throughout — not all summits are on marked paths.

Most runners take two to three days for a genuine continuous circuit. A one-day push is possible for fast fell runners in good conditions.

The Three Peaks form the core of the southern section. The Howgill Fells (The Calf, 676 m, and satellites) are the western component. Great Whernside (704 m) and Buckden Pike (702 m) represent the eastern high ground above Wharfedale.

Northern extensions take in the Swaledale moors and the approaches to Nine Standards Rigg (662 m) near Kirkby Stephen. The exact circuit requires careful planning to avoid excessive backtracking.

Best based in Horton-in-Ribblesdale (start/finish, train station). The route is logistically complex for a continuous circuit — most runners plan resupply stops at Hawes, Sedbergh and Grassington.

Best time: May to September.