The Three Peaks Challenge.By Jim Ellis
 Saturday the 6th September, 2003, the alarm awoke me at 5 o'clock in the morning, it was the day chosen to attempt
the3 peaks walk in under 12 hours. The walk is 26 miles and the 3 Peaks to be climbed were Pen y Ghent, Whernside and Inleborough, a total of about 5000ft.
 Alan Meadows, Frank Denis and myself left the car park in Horton in Ribblesdale at 0700hrs, the weather was ideal, slight drizzle and not too warm. The climb to the top of Pen-y-Ghent which was shrouded in thick mist went really well, a mobile call to Hilda was made to arrange our first meeting at the Ribblehead Viaduct which we thought would be at about 1200hrs.
As we left Pen-y-Ghent with the rain now lashing down our progress was such, we arrived at the Viaduct at 1130hrs. After a quick cup of tea at the mobile cafe we set off to climb Whernside unaware that Hilda had arrived just before us and was in her car sheltering from the rain.
The climb to the summit of Whernside was rather steady the rain having now subsided a little.
We were concerned we had not been in contact with Hilda, all was not lost, a local Scout Group had set up communication stations at various points of the walk, they very kindly got a message to Hilda who then met us on our descent and force marched us back to her car for refreshments.
After a break of 15mins. we were off again, this time it was the last climb, Inleborough. Whilst we made our way up the steep face of Inleborough,
Hilda drove round to the car park in Horton-in-Ribblesdale then walked to meet us as we were leaving the summit.
Hilda again showing no mercy, turned on the gas and marched us back to the start in Horton our legs going like windmills.
Having completed the walk in 10hrs. 20mins. we returned to Franks home for a superb buffet and chat about the day in general, then home for a good hot bath.
 The question has been asked what training did we do. Alan, Frank and myself walk/climb  in the Lakes one day each week,
I also attend the Phase 4 Keep Fit classes, this really does help with the warm-up before a long walk and just as important,
the stretching techniques used afterwards.
The whole day was a fantastic experience and we hope our efforts will have raised over £1000 for the North West Air Ambulance Appeal.

                     “THANK YOU” everyone who sponsored the Challenge.  Jim Ellis.