Himalayan Training in the Yorkshire Dales

The morning of 12/9/09 was an early one for the Carnegie Himalayan Expedition team. The group gathered in the Yorkshire Dales village of Horton-in-Ribblesdale to attempt the 24 mile mixed terrain route best known as the Yorkshire 3 Peaks.

The trek created an opportunity to raise public awareness regarding the expedition, and in addition provided the team a chance to demonstrate the positive effects of the various physical conditioning programmes in which they have been involved.

With the weather being fully supportive from the outset, many of us were denied the opportunity to field test our various pieces of newly purchased equipment. Although remaining slightly disappointed that the conditions fell short of the desired -20 degree coat-testing-environment, the vast majority of the trekkers on the route were in fabulous spirits, and helped to create a fantastic start to the day.


Pen-y-Ghent was the first obstacle the team hit, but it failed to faze the expedition members and offered the first magnificent views of the day. A long walk followed from the summit, across stone walls, cattle grids and bogs, the latter of which firmly christened any new boots in the party.

The climb towards Wernside was an extended one, but relatively gentle compared to the previous peak. The visibility on the day provided brilliant views throughout, but still didn’t fully prepare us for the sight of the Dales from the top of our second peak. With summit photo number 2 completed, we set out for the final climb up Ingleborough. Although the author’s legs had already been fully tested, the prodigious achievement of completing the 3 Peaks challenge, and the commendable determination of the team helped to keep everyone going forwards, with smiles on their faces

The team aptly, if crudely nicknamed the steps which composed the final climb of the day, but a cracking leg burner and some soggy base layers later, the whole team had made it to their third Yorkshire Peak of the day. The final walk back was eventful, but neither the grints nor the local cows which littered the path could prevent every team member returning unscathed (relatively).

A brilliant day. Congratulations to the team for the work they put in to meet the physical demands the day required. Another significant step closer to reaching our Himalayan goal.