UWFRA Wharfedale Three Peaks Challenge Route

UWFRA Wharfedale Three Peaks Challenge Route

The UWFRA Wharfedale Three Peaks Challenge route takes in the three Wharfedale peaks of Birks Fell, Buckden Pike and Great Whernside over 22 miles and 1446m (4744 ft) of ascent.

Held for the first time in 2014 the event aims to raise money for Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association and is an event worth doing for anyone who enjoys the Yorkshire Dales as these are the people who will come and help 8f anything goes wrong.

It’s a great oportunity to give something back and enjoy a day out in Wharefedale.

The route starts in kettlewell,a lovely little village that has an abundance of cafes and pubs for that little after run treat.

UWFRA Wharfedale Three Peaks Challenge
UWFRA Wharfedale Three Peaks Challenge

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Straight out of Kettlewell you are into the first climb of the day which starts off nice a gentle on a gravel path but then turns steeply uphill to take you to the ridge which takes you to the first peak of Birks Fell.

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The route is very muddy in places so you need trail shoes

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After 7 miles across the ridge you take a sharp right and begin the first descent of the day

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A short climb after

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The weather was beautiful on the day I ran the route but it was still very wet underfoot

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The steps as you get closer to the top of Buckden Pike are steep and give you a good workout

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Stopping for a piece of homemade chia flapjack at the top of Buckden Pike

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Probably the boggiest section of the route, just as you start to descend from Buckden Pike

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Looking up to the final climb of the day to Great Whernside. Yes the path really does goes go straight up the hil.

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Its steep in places, really steep!

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The top Great Whernside, the final climb of the day

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The downhill from Great Whernside leads you to this short but steep and technical section which can be tricky on tired legs.

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Looking back into Kettlewell village after 22miles and nearly 1500m of vertical ascent in the peat bogs of the Yorkshire Dales.


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