As the participants were arriving there was still quite a lot of hill fog around, and the first peak of the day, Pen-y-Ghent, was not visible from the field in Horton-in-Ribblesdale where Charity Challenge had set up its base. Not only was it not visible, but the rolling countryside between us and it looked complete without it, giving the impression that nothing was missing.
However, after we had all had a hearty breakfast, the mountain re-appeared, which was good, because these days are much more enjoyable for all taking part if visibility is good.
My rôle was to be a roving leader, to be dispatched to wherever I was needed most as the day went on. At nine o’clock, I was ferried by minibus to meet a group which had become rather strung out while going up Pen-y-Ghent, and to become their third co-leader. Unfortunately, this meant that I did not get to ascend Pen-y-Ghent this time.
I stayed with this strung-out group for a couple of miles, then I was re-assigned to a look after group of five very fast walkers who were legging it for the far horizon: I ran after them and eventually caught up, and accompanied them for another couple of miles to the public road.
A call came on the radio for the third switch of the day: I was transferred forward by minibus to the Ribblehead viaduct, where there was a Charity Challenge checkpoint. I was given a hasty lunch, an instant place at the front of the queue for the Portaloos, then I was assigned to lead fifteen fast walkers who were itching to get moving again. We strode off confidently and made good time past the railway and up past Winterscales pastures and Greensett Moss to the summit of Whernside, then gingerly off the mountain to the second checkpoint at Philpin Farm.
As I walked the last few paces to the checkpoint, anticipating a break and a snack, I was asked by one of the organisers if I could leave straight away with another group which was ready to go, and as I felt right in the zone, I agreed on the spot, and was underway with my new group within two minutes.
The ascent of Ingleborough was thrilling (via the Dales High Way up the zig-zags), and the views from the summit plateau were very rewarding. After getting back to Simon Fell, the descent was straightforward and fairly easy, but as often happens, the last few miles seemed to go on and on despite the much easier terrain than earlier in the day. We all finished more-or-less together, and had a well-deserved supper.
For the record, the three peaks of the walk are listed here; the two in bold I ascended, but not Pen-y-Ghent, as I was needed elsewhere.
1.
Pen-y-Ghent
(694m)
2.
Whernside (736m)
3.
Ingleborough (724m)
