The newly assembled Ameon Utilities’ Ramblers have some lofty ambitions, amongst which is to tackle the notoriously tough, Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge: so they’ve put their best foot forward to get in some peak practise as part of a rigorous training programme.
Not for the faint-hearted, The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge requires challengers to cover 39.2km in distance, to summit three of the Yorkshire Dales’ best known hills – Pen-y-Ghent (694m), Whernside (736m) and Ingleborough (723m) – and to complete them in a 12-hour period.
The first training event has already taken place in Cumbria, with the group ticking off three of the Wainwright peaks – Silver How (394m), Blea Rigg (541m) and Tarn Crag (551m), which were climbed in one day by following a circular trail from Grasmere.
Despite windspeeds of 30-40mph, which were reported as being strong enough to sweep walkers off their feet, and some rain on the return to Grasmere, the group at least had some breath-taking scenery to take their minds off the slog, with the lakes of Grasmere, Rydal Water, Windemere, Codale Tarn and Easedale Tarn providing the backdrop. Luckily, Tweedies Bar and Lodge was waiting at the end of the walk – although that sounds more like good planning than luck!
More training updates will follow, and information about the date of the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge will be published nearer the event. This will be in aid of Brian House Children’s Hospice in Blackpool, which is the adopted charity of Ameon Utilities and Ameon Limited.
Utilities’ managing director, Simon Gut was astonished by the enthusiasm and determination of the group as it prepares for the Three Peaks. He said: “Delighted we all managed to complete three of the Wainwrights unscathed . These were really challenging, although just the start of what we’ll need to do to prepare for the 12-hour trek over the border.
“However, everyone is relishing the opportunity to challenge themselves on the Three Peaks and we hope we’ll be able to generate some much needed funds for Brian House in the process.”
