Week 1 - Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge

So it begins, 30th May 2013, Week 1 of 52orbust.

To start it off with a bang I decided to take on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge, joined by Phil Holt and Haley Prytherch.

Off we set and the weather was distinctly against us, the sort of fine rain that just makes you wet.

Pen-y-ghent in the murk

Pen-y-ghent was miserable, however we yomped up there in double quick time - roughly an hour and fifteen to top - and people seemed . . . happy to be there.

After this we trotted off again, the long road to Whernside - this was the longest section, flat, smooth and continuous, it was at this stage, that Phil and Haley started to struggle with the pace necessary to complete the course sub 12 hours.

Despite this we continued and reached the Ribblehead Viaduct - an amazing piece of Victorian engineering.

It seemed at this point as if we were cursed to be in the clouds on every hill, and the circular route up Whernside really took it out on Phil's feet (and my own). So it was decided that they would complete Whernside then head back on the road - but we did make it up Whernside.

On the way down the sun came out and gave a good view of my last peak - the daunting Ingleborough. By itself it might have been fun but when you can feel liquid in your boots it seemed impossible - but I was determined to complete it.

Pounding up what seemed like a vertical cliff I eventually made it to the top, to find the whole place empty and abandoned - so selfy!

Buoyed by reaching the top of all 3, I felt like I was nearly there, only to find the sign back to Horton-In-Ribblesdale stating 5 1/2 miles to go! Dehydration kicked in and I was really struggling. But what was I going to do? Finish of course!

Unfortunately I wasn't back before the record station shut so I didn't get an official time but I made it to be about 9.5 hours which I was chuffed with and rewarded myself with 3 pints of tap water and a pint of Orange and Lemonade - nothing has tasted so good.

So week 1 complete. And the first 2 members of the 52orbust club.

1. Phil Holt
2. Haley Prytherch

Notes for future;

1) Get new boots, current ones weigh nearly a stone by themselves!
2) Carry only what you need.
3) When I get to the point when I need to, I can do anything - mega morale booster!