Yorkshire Three Peaks Extended
A big day out on the most recognisable skyline in the Dales — three distinct summits, 1500m of climbing, and a finish that earns its beer.
Effort: Ultra distance and major ascent
Underfoot: Open fell or rough terrain
E5·T3 — how we grade routes
Mostly on runnable ground, but most runners still walk the steepest climbs.
For when the the classic long run linking Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough just isn't long enough why not add in Plover Hill for a few bonus miles
A big day out on the most recognisable skyline in the Dales — three distinct summits, 1500m of climbing, and a finish that earns its beer.
The route
From the car park in Horton-in-Ribblesdale, follow the Pennine Way south then east onto Pen-y-ghent's south ridge. A short rocky scramble gains the summit at 694m. Drop north into Horton, then strike northwest across Ribble Head to Whernside's long east ridge. The highest of the three at 736m, Whernside is long and exposed. Descend to Chapel-le-Dale before the final climb onto Ingleborough's plateau at 724m.
Getting it done
This modified circuit adjusts the classic Three Peaks Challenge route for running rather than walking. At 43km and 1500m ascent it's a full day out at most paces.
Partner · affiliate policy
Exposed ridges on Whernside and Ingleborough. Pen-y-ghent's upper south ridge involves rocky steps — slippery when wet. Very busy at weekends. No shelter on any summit plateau.
Summits on this route
Safety on this route
- No signal? Text 999 — pre-register first: text register to 999
- Tell someone your route and expected return time before you head out
Leave No Trace
- Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories.
- Please respect the countryside and all its inhabitants.
- Dogs on leads near livestock, and around ground-nesting birds from March to July.
- Gates as you find them — open or closed, leave it that way for the farmer and the next runner.
- Take it all home — wrappers, peel, tissue, the lot. It doesn't count as biodegradable if you can still see it.
- Stick to the path where the ground either side is wet, planted, or nesting habitat.
Common questions
- Most runners complete Yorkshire Three Peaks Extended in 6 hours to 8 hours 5 minutes, depending on pace and conditions.
Run by us· last checked June 2026
Jason Millward has run this route and written it up from the ground. How we check routes
About the author
Runner reports
Nobody's logged a run here yet. If you get out on it, a few lines about how it went helps the next person plan their day.
Routes nearby
Start from a town: Horton-in-Ribblesdale 0.7 km · Settle 9 km
EXPERT
HARD
VERY HARD
MODERATERaces on this ground
All Yorkshire Dales races →Races starting within 20 km of the Yorkshire Three Peaks Extended start, nearest first. If you are entered for one, this route is the rehearsal.
24
Apr
2027
Three Peaks Race
Horton in Ribblesdale, North Yorkshire · Three Peaks Race · 0 miles away
Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough from Horton, as it has been since 1954.
Not open yet
24
Apr
2027
The Fellsman
Ingleton, North Yorkshire · The Fellsman · 7 miles away
Sixty-one miles across the Dales from Ingleton to Threshfield, navigating all the way.
Not open yet
1
May
2027
Pennine Barrier Ultra 50
Malham, North Yorkshire · GB Ultras · 8 miles away
Fifty hard Dales miles out of Malham.
EXPERT
Entries open
10
Jan
2027
Winter Spine Challenger North
Hardraw, North Yorkshire · The Spine Race · 12 miles away
Hardraw to Kirk Yetholm, the northern hundred and sixty, starting at dusk.
Event full