So...we made it back on Sunday from our Yorkshire jolly...(?).
Having woken at 5am on Saturday to that heart-sinking sound of rain, after another duvet-hour daylight confirmed....it was peeing down.
After a sketchy YHA breakfast, a 30-minute drive took us to the start point - a windy and wet car park at the Pen-y-Ghent Cafe, Horton-in-Ribblesdale. Still...nil desperandum....
As we rose towards the hulking, mist-shrouded, flank of the first objective - Pen-y-Ghent @ 2277 feet - the wind howled and drove the rain into our faces. We passed quite a few sensible folk heading back down with second thoughts and sheepish looks.
Eventually topped, we turned for the long 8 mile slog to the Ribblehead Viaduct....whilst I tried to figure out why my right boot felt decidedly wet on the inside.....
Thankfully, the rain and wind eased a tad.
Then, on reaching the viaduct, we noticed the pub was open....
After a swift pint (yes, just the one!), battle was resumed just as the heavens reopened and the wind rose to new heights.
Some bright Gore-Tex-clad spark commented that the next peak - Whernside @ 2415 feet - was easier. A local simpleton, obviously.
Well, the first half-mile was a relative breeze....which, having lulled one into an almost cocky frame of mind, quickly turned into an interminable calf-wrenching slog to the summit in scything winds and freezing rain.
Getting down the other side was equally joyous, involving picking one's way through rain-slicked, polished limestone lumps and crude steps that took forever.
When we finally reached the road....we noticed the second pub was open.....time for a conference....
The weather and, it has to be said, our inexperience had put us quite a way behind schedule, with the prospect of being caught at altitude as darkness descended. The four hardiest (and fittest) souls decided to plough on to the third peak. The rest of us, seduced by the unaccustomed warmth and proximity to Dent beers, decided our kind sponsors would agree we'd at least completed the spirit of the Challenge. I sincerely hope we didn't assume too much!
We assembled at the finishing line to check they made it down in the gloom....and thankfully they did.
Then, back to the hostel, a welcome shower, then an equally-welcome "feed and water" at the local hostelry.
A great weekend, with some wonderful banter, and a few aching muscles as souvenirs!
If anyone feels they'd like to make a donation to this wonderful charity, the page is still open via the link in my first post above.
Cheers, all!
Stan