Yorkshire Round

The Yorkshire Round is a major undertaking by any measure — 188 km with around 7,500 m of ascent in a continuous circuit from Horton-in-Ribblesdale. It extends the Yorkshire 2000s and the Dales Skyline into a comprehensive tour of Yorkshire's upland edges, connecting the Three Peaks with the Howgill Fells, the high Swaledale and Teesdale moors, and the approaches to the North York Moors.

Completion within 48 hours is the traditional challenge. The route is usually done with support crew at road crossings and covers varied terrain: classic Dales moorland, high Pennine ridges, remote Swaledale country and the dramatic northern escarpments above the Vale of York.

Far fewer people have completed the Yorkshire Round than the more famous Lake District rounds, partly because of its greater length and the logistics of support in remote Dales country.

From Horton-in-Ribblesdale: south and west to Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough (the Three Peaks loop). North via the Mallerstang to the Howgill Fells — The Calf and satellites. East across the Swaledale watershed to Great Shunner Fell and the Nine Standards ridge. South along the Swale and Ure valleys, including the Penhill massif above Wensleydale. Return to Horton via Pen Hill and the eastern ridge.

Based on Horton-in-Ribblesdale (train, car park). Support crew can access the route at Ribblehead, Garsdale Head (A684), Kirkby Stephen (A685 and A66), Hawes and various Wensleydale access points.

Best time: June to July for maximum daylight. The northern sections are remote and exposed — plan support access carefully.