| • Science | • People | • Locations | • Timeline |
| Yorkshire three peaks | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Ingleborough as seen from the summit of Whernside | |||
| Country: | England | ||
| Area: | Yorkshire Dales | ||
| Summits: | Fort on the hill ( Old English) | Hillside where querns (or millstones) were found ( Old English) | (unknown) |
| Translation: | Whernside | Ingleborough | Pen-y-ghent |
| Elevation: | 736 m (2416 ft) | 724 m (2376 ft) | 694 m (2278 ft) |
| OS Grid Reference: | SD738814}} | SD740745}} | SD838733}} |
| OS Map(s): | Landranger 98 Explorer OL2 | Landranger 98 Explorer OL2 | Landranger 98 Explorer OL2 |
| Listing: | Hewitt, Marilyn | Hewitt, Marilyn | Hewitt, Marilyn |
The mountains of Whernside (736 m), Ingleborough (723 m)
and Pen-y-ghent (694 m) are collectively known as the
(Yorkshire) Three Peaks. The peaks, which form part of the
Geologically, the three peaks are composed mostly of limestone and millstone grit. These occur in alternating layers, which give Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent a distinctive, stepped appearance. Ingleborough has some impressive areas of limestone pavement, and is riddled with a network of caves and potholes which attracts caversCaving is the recreational sport of exploring caves. The challenges of the sport depend on the cave being visited, but often include the negotiation of pitches, squeezes, and water. Climbing or crawling is often necessary, and ropes are used extensively. from all over the country. It is home to England's highest waterfallTower Fall in Yellowstone National Park A waterfall is usually a geological formation resulting from water, often in the form of a stream flowing over an erosion-resistant rock formation that forms a sudden break in elevation. Waterfalls may also be artif - at Gaping Gill, the Fell Beck drops 110 metres vertically down a pothole, into Britain's largest known underground cavern. The beck re-emerges further down the mountain at Ingleborough Cave, where visitors can take a guided tour of a floodlit part of the cave system. Whernside, being more rounded, is visually less imposing than its neighbours, but its summit is the highest point in YorkshireThis article is about the English county. For other uses, see Yorkshire (disambiguation). traditional county. White Yorkshire rose. Yorkshire is the largest traditional county of England, covering some 6,000 sq. 15,000 km²) with a population of some five.
The area is also rich in historical interest. The summit of Ingleborough has the remains of a huge iron age hill fort, while the Settle and Carlisle Railway runs between the mountains, crossing the Ribblehead Viaduct at the foot of Whernside.
The village of Horton in Ribblesdale is the starting point for the classic Three Peaks Challenge. Walkers aim to complete a gruelling 37.5km circuit of the peaks and return to Horton within 12 hours. Those who succeed become eligible for membership of the Three Peaks of Yorkshire Club. The Pennine Way also visits Horton and crosses the summit of Pen-y-ghent. The
Ribble Way follows the River Ribble from its source near the foot of Whernside to its mouth near Preston.Whernside is sometimes confused with the smaller hills of Great Whernside and Little Whernside , which are located some miles to the east.