Back this coming year is the popular 3 Peaks Walking Break which provides an opportunity to summit some of the county’s highest peaks. Last year we climbed all of the classic mountains on the well known route which attracts hundreds of walkers to challenge themselves within 12 hours to complete the circuit. That route therefore gets very busy on those challenge days. This year we plan to take on 3 different peaks, all of which are higher than the classic Pen-y-gent. Each day we will climb to within the region of 700m to take in the spectacular scenery of the Yorkshire Dales.
As with all the breaks at the Lodge, expect to be well fed and watered, well rested in luxurious beds and well looked after but with a few little summits to conquer over the three days! Ably and enthusiastically led by Penny, we will take on such peaks as Great Shunner Fell (716m,) Buckden Pike and Great Whernside (702m/704m) and Wild Boar Fell (708m.) With one or two peaks each day it will also be possible to explore the Dales without the crowds, stop for refreshments and take in the remote countryside. That's the plan – so we can all gain a sense of achievement without racing the clock and enjoy a satisfying, fulfilling but challenging break. This itinerary is more physically challenging than our standard Walking Breaks but, if that’s what you are after, please join us.
The proposed itinerary is below:
Monday – Arrival
All arrive at Eastfield Lodge in the afternoon for homemade cookies and tea in the lounge. Join us in the evening for pre-dinner drinks and delicious canapes before a two course dinner. Penny will enlighten you on the details of the break and be on hand for any questions throughout dinner. The weather may have an influence on the order in which we do the walks but with the right degree of wild enthusiasm, we should feel positive about achieving the challenge.
Tuesday – Wild Boar Fell (708m)
After a good breakfast, we will drive to Aisgill to start the first walk. It is further to drive than usual routes on the walking breaks but worth every minute. As a gentle warm up, we will first set off towards Hellgill Waterfall and allow our legs some preparation time whilst we take in the views. This route covers just over 13 miles and offers much more of an open exposed feel than the more sheltered and deeper dales further east towards the Lodge. The crux of the climbing is a 350m steep ascent to Wild Boar Fell plateau which encourages many stops to catch our breath and take in the stunning views which reward the effort. These views include both the Dales and the Howgills – let’s hope for a clear day! Past several waterfalls and finishing across open country, the benefits of this walk are clear.
Evening – Cake will await us on our return to the lodge before a three course dinner served with wine. A welcome time to relax and recount tales of the day.
Wednesday – Buckden Pike & Great Whernside (702m / 704m)
Best to fuel up on a good Yorkshire breakfast this morning as this is a long and dramatic walk staying high to allow us to summit both of these significant peaks – Buckden Pike and Great Whernside. Starting in Kettlewell, the drive is shorter than the other two days and these walks afford fabulous views into idyllic Wharfedale. Tackling Buckden Pike first involves a steady climb, leaving the steeper climb to Great Whernside until later in the day. The descent from Great Whernside is steep in places but with the most outstanding views clearly laid out in front of us throughout. It is even possible to see across to Scarfell Pike on a very clear day. The final descent into Kettlewell is grassy and straightforward easing us back into the popular Dales village and a tearoom or pub. The route is 12.5 miles and sustenance will be well deserved.
Evening – Once back at the lodge, another delicious cake and hot showers are in order before a two course supper is on offer and very much needed.
Thursday – Great Shunner Fell (716m)
Parking in the little village of Hardraw after less than a hours drive allows us a stunning walk to our highest point of the week – Great Shunner Fell. The walk today of 12 miles includes Little Shunner Fell, the iconic Buttertubs Pass and Lovely Seat but in order to reach all of these, expect a demanding and squelchy hike on open terrain and ground that is poorly drained. There have to be rewards to such a climb and this is the 3rd highest peak in the whole county- weather permitting it will offer the most wide reaching views yet.
Evening – For our last evening, Henry will arrange for us to dine at a local restaurant in the market town where you can celebrate your success at summitting several of the highest points in Yorkshire. (Pay individually.)
Friday - Departure
A leisurely breakfast before departure.
- The 3 Peaks Walking Break – Monday 8 – Friday 12 May 2023 – SPACES AVAILABLE
It is not possible to book this special Itinerary online. To book or if you have any questions regarding the Guided Walking Breaks, please call Henry or Penny on 01969 623196.
Terrain
The routes can include tracks, rocky paths, heather moor and muddy fields. We try to avoid roads but sometimes short sections are necessary.
Kit
The appropriate footwear is vital as well as a good waterproof coat, warm layers, hats and gloves or (even in the Dales) sun cream, a sunhat and sunglasses on occasions. Please be suitably prepared for every type of weather as it can change suddenly in the hills. We advise guests to bring a flask and a sandwich tub. We provide each guest with an Eastfield Lodge sustainable water bottle to reduce our use of plastic.
Fitness
There is always a range of pace and fitness on these breaks and everyone joining the break should appreciate that they are joining a group. Having said that, every effort is made to allow everyone to start the day, to walk at their preferred pace and regroup when necessary and to leave a walk when they have had enough. Being surefooted is an advantage but no navigational skills are required as all walks are guided.
Travel to the Lodge
Arrival on Monday can be from 4pm and by car is less than 30 minutes drive from the A1. The Lodge has limited parking but parking locally is convenient. The North East Rail link runs from Edinburgh to Kings Cross stopping at Northallerton where a taxi journey can link you to Leyburn. The buses run from Bedale but the service stops at 4pm.
N.B. The SatNav can guide guests around to the back lane which runs behind the Lodge and this is very narrow. The entrance to the Lodge and Car Park is directly from the main road into Leyburn between the Petrol Station and the Church.
Walk Days
Although some walks start near Public Conveniences, this is not often the case. Toilets are accessed with a 20p inside the National Park but wild wees are sometimes the only option! Car Parking in the Park currently in 2022 cost £4.50 for the day. As the walk days are longer, we do sometimes use a local bus/coach company to drop us and collect us but this is included in your break.
The adventures we've had...
The 3 Peaks Walking Break costs £495 per person based on 2 people sharing a King, Double or Twin Room.
Single Supplement - Eastfield Lodge has no single rooms but single occupancy of a double room is always possible at a total additional supplement of £155 for the 4 nights. Availability is limited so please contact us for more details.
It is not possible to book this special Itinerary online. To book or if you have any questions regarding the 3 Peaks Walking Break, please call Henry or Penny on 01969 623196.
The 3 Peaks Walking Break costs £495 per person based on 2 people sharing a King, Double or Twin Room.
This includes:
- All Guided Walks for 3 days
- 3 Evening Meals with wine included
- 3 Packed Lunches (with sandwich filling choices)
- 4 hearty Yorkshire Breakfasts
- Your own Eastfield Lodge Water Bottle
- Prosecco & Canapes on the first evening
- Afternoon Tea and Cake each day
- Accommodation in the Lodge for 4 nights
Not Included:
- Independent Travel to and from Eastfield Lodge on arrival and departure
- Dinner on the last night in Local Restaurant
- Any additional drinks or snacks in tearooms or pubs
- Any additional unscheduled transport from a walk