Yorkshire Three Peaks Hostel 2026
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Join OutdoorLads for an early September hostel break to walk the Yorkshire Three Peaks!
You've probably heard of the National Three Peaks of Ben Nevis, Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa and Scafell Pike, in many ways more a driving challenge than a walking challenge, and requiring a certain level of insomnia. But did you know there is also a famous walking challenge in Yorkshire too, walking (approximately) a marathon over a circuit of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen y Ghent in the Dales? It's that challenge we will be undertaking on this hostel weekend, with the added benefit of a comfortable lounge to sit in and a proper (bunk) bed to sleep in afterwards!
Why not do some other OutdoorLads mountain walks to get your fitness up before tackling the challenge?
Don't worry, though, if it turns out you can't make it all the way round, the route takes us past Horton-in-Ribblesdale station where it would be possible to take a train back to Ribblehead, and it'd be possible to bail off after our first mountain, Whernside, and head for the pub. So if you think you can do it and fancy a go please do sign up!
The Plan
Friday evening: arrive from 4:30pm (no earlier please), we will have the traditional OutdoorLads buffet and a briefing around 8pm before socialising at the hostel or maybe a visit to the local pub.
Saturday: we will be up quite early to head out after breakfast onto the main event, the Yorkshire Three Peaks walk, with the aim being to complete it within 12 hours if possible. When we get back we'll have tea/coffee and cake, and a hearty dinner which I'm sure we will all need by then, then we can socialise in the hostel, pop out to the pub or if you're really worn out maybe an early night - or perhaps bring your favourite board game if that's your thing?
Sunday: after breakfast it'll be time to pack, sort out the hostel and say our goodbyes. I don't plan as things stand to offer a Sunday walk (we'll all be tired!) but you might want to do some touristing around the local area before heading home?
Sponsorship?
Unlike the Keswick to Barrow walk which OutdoorLads also takes part in as a fundraiser, this isn't specifically being run as a sponsored event, but if you fancy doing some fundraising yourself as part of this walk, either for OutdoorLads or for another charity of your choice, please feel free (and thanks in advance if you do decide to support OutdoorLads!)
Other Activities
While the main intention of this hostel is to complete the Three Peaks of Yorkshire walk, if other mountain or lowland leaders join the event it may be possible to offer shorter walks as well. If you are such a leader, please send me a message via my profile below to let me know what you are interested in offering and I will note it on here. Thank you :)
It would also be possible to stay with us in the hostel and do your own thing if you're a cyclist or just want to "train geek out" and have a ride on the scenic Settle-Carlisle Line (the town of Settle is said to be a nice day out, as is the city of Carlisle), take some photos of the famous Ribblehead Viaduct, have a meal and a pint at the Station Inn or just chill at the hostel! If this is your intention please send me a message when you've booked on so I know I don't need to account for you on the main walk.
Dogs
Regrettably this event is not suitable for dogs - the walk is probably too long for most and they are not allowed in the hostel by the owners. Sorry!
Photo Credits
Ribblehead Viaduct and Pen y Ghent by Kreuzschnabel, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Blea Moor Road at Gearstones Lodge by David Dixon, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Junction of Pennine Way and Yorkshire Three Peaks Path by Roger Templeman, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Yorkshire Three Peaks sign - Dave Morton, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
What to bring
You will need to be kitted out for a mountain walk - or three in fact! The standard mountain walk kit list is below, with a few additions given the length of the main walk on this event.
You will also need to bring, for the hostel, in addition to your spare clothing:
- Sleeping bag, single bed sheet and pillow
- Some means of charging your phone (I recommend a power bank for the walk too, it's quite long!)
- Wash kit and towel
- Thick socks or indoor shoes of some sort (boots can't be worn inside the hostel)
MOUNTAIN WALKS KIT LIST
Water: bring bottles/bladders to carry 3-4 litres and maybe a flask for tea/coffee - this is a very long walk!
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day Rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Waterproof bags: keep spare clothing, electronics and anything else dry even when your rucksack leaks by using Ziploc type food bags or, better still, outdoor activity waterproof bags
Head Torch: there is a chance we may end up finishing in the dark so please bring a head torch and ensure it is fully charged!
Boots: ideally waterproof and breathable hiking boots with good ankle support. Trail/fell running shoes also OK if that's what you are used to wearing, but definitely not regular trainers. Due to the nature of the terrain and length you will not be able to take part in the walk if you only have normal fashion style or road running trainers - please check with the leader if unsure.
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters, and carry a spare, dry pair, or maybe even two given the length of this walk!
Walking Poles: always optional, love them or hate them, but give them a try and decide for yourself - they might be particularly good on this walk to drag yourself up the last mountain when you're tired!
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain.
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch
Emergency equipment: the walk leader will bring any emergency equipment required for the group, but you are welcome to bring any that you have, such as additional high energy food, a survival bag, a whistle, a medical kit, a torch and something to make fire (either storm proof matches or a firelighter. Because of the nature of this walk you may also want to consider blister plasters.
Map and compass: the walk leader will have these, but if you like map reading or want to develop your skills, bring yours along
Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies, and a spare battery/charger is a good idea
Head Torch: we may finish in the dark - make sure it is fully charged!
Food & drink
Please bring an item to share on the traditional OutdoorLads buffet on the Friday evening. This can be anything you like, homemade is particularly good but you can also buy something if you prefer. Don't bring too much, something to feed 2-3 people would be ideal so we have a decent variety for everyone without too much waste. We do have a decent kitchen so it can be something requiring reheating if you wish. Dessert is good too (and we can perhaps have some left over to have when we get back from the walk before dinner is served)! And please don't everyone bring quiche! :D
Continental breakfast will be provided on both Saturday and Sunday, as well as a hearty dinner on Saturday evening (you'll want it after walking that far! :) ). Please make sure your dietary requirements are correct on your profile, and message the leader as early as possible if there's something more specific than the options listed so we can ensure we cater for you properly. Tea, coffee and squash will also be available all weekend.
Please also bring your lunch for Saturday plus lots of snacks for a very long walk, as well as any other drinks (alcoholic or otherwise) you may wish to have during the event.