Nine employees from various James Jones's sites came together to complete the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge last week in aid of Mind BLMK.
The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is a tough challenge with over 1600m of ascent and 39.2km in distance, all to be accomplished within 12hrs. This means an average walking speed of 3.5km/hr considering short breaks and a lunch stop.
The team started the challenge at 6:30am on Saturday morning and reached the summit of Phen-Y-Ghent by 8am in good spirits and enjoying the weather. Phen-Y-Ghent is the smallest of the three peaks at 645m, its name means ‘hill on the border’ (Celtic) or ‘hill of the winds’ (Welsh). A steep ascent with views across the Dales, it can be exposed, but the rocky terrain makes for an interesting challenge.
The team then took a long walk to the viaduct to their first check point before approaching Whernside. At a height of 736m, this is the highest of the Three Peaks with views of Morecombe Bay and the Irish Sea on a clear day. Although this is the highest of the 3 Peaks, the ascent is not as dramatic as the other two, a slow gradual climb, but the views and scenery along the way are stunning. The team then stopped at a cafe before tackling the final of the peaks - Ingleborough.
With a height of 723m, this is one of the most popular peaks for its dramatic steep side, flat top with picturesque views from all aspects. It once had a circular defensive wall around it built by the Brigantes to fight the Romans. Another steep ascent, but it has breath-taking views (weather permitting), then a gentle descent into Horton-in-Ribblesdale.
The team found the final peak to be the most challenging, but they persevered and completed it in good time and arrived back at the camp just as they were beginning to lose daylight.
The James Jones team has raised £1620 for the charity so far. Mind BLMK works across various communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing and its aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone. Should you be kind enough to make a donation, the link can be found here.
