Saturday 18 October saw a team of colleagues and friends tackle the Yorkshire 3 Peaks challenge in aid of Cancer Research.

Despite the long, mid and short range weather forecasts for the Yorkshire Dales suggesting moderate weather conditions for the day, the team endured the worst hiking conditions ever experienced by any of us!

The team assembled as planned on Saturday morning around 0630 and set off in the dark to tackle the first peak. Twenty minutes into the hike the weather started to show its intentions with very low cloud level, wind and light rain as dawn broke.

As time went on, the weather deteriorated until we were engulfed by persistent heavy rainfall, high winds and low visibility. The team battled on through the storms breaking the back of the first peak in no time but then dealing with very difficult navigating conditions and severe bog conditions across the marshes between Pen-y-Ghent and Whernside. Boots filled up with water as the team tackled flooded riverbeds and thick sinking mud.

The conditions were very draining and put the team behind schedule, but spirits were not dampened. On top of the second peak, Whernside, we took turns sheltering in the windbreak sharing the few hot drinks we had with us and shivering, but laughing, in the cold, windy conditions.

When we descended Whernside the weather seemed to calm for a while and for a minute there was even a ray of sunshine in the sky. This was one of two single instances during the hike that we had any kind of view to look at - for the most part there was literally no visibility. At the foot of the second peak we met our trusty support driver (Karl – all thanks are due to him for his efforts) who told us that he had been trying to get a message to us to warn us about the severe weather conditions on the last peak in case we needed to turn back.

Comforted by the temporary stay in stormy conditions we set out to attack the third and final peak. We tackled the steep climb at a fast pace, clambering over rocks on the steep ascent of Inglebrough, however around 100m below the 723m summit the team took a mutual decision that it was unsafe to complete the last stage of the third peak. In less than 10m visibility,with failing light and with very tricky, steep and hazardous rocks underfoot we headed back down the peak for a well deserved pint and sit in front of the fire.

In total the team have raised over £2000 for Cancer Research by tackling the Yorkshire 3 Peaks, hiking 24 miles in just over 11 hours. Well done to all involved and thanks to all those who sponsored us. There is already talk of a re-run next summer, but this time we plan to go for a warmer and lighter month earlier in the year!

More photos can be seen at www.thorpemail.net. If you have any to add please send them to me at email@thorpemail.net.