Foreword
So for those who don't know me I'm Les, I'm 53, single and suffer with Anxiety, mostly social Anxiety.
For relief of this and piece of mind, I like to run and hike trails, especially in areas of exceptional beauty and especially with like minded individuals.
I've also been plant based since 2017 and vegan since 2020, which is a major part of my day to day life.
To enable me to actual get to areas of outstanding beauty and get to run or hike there I usually go away with a company called Focused Performance, which is based in the North West of England in the UK.
I've had some great times on those events and met some really great people who I am proud to call my friends, and I genuinely feel closer to a lot of them than a lot of my older friends who have slowly gone their own ways over the years.
I've been to a fair few of the events this year as I lost my Dad last year, so life's priorities have taken a turn as I try to make the best of life in the great outdoors while I can. We never know what tomorrow will bring, so it's important to enjoy your life, and not just waste it sat on the couch or in the pub.
I don't drive so thankfully I get lifts off Geoff, who owns Focused Performance and actually is Focused Performance, as he is a UK Athletics affiliated coach and run leader and an accomplished mountain runner himself.
I've learned a lot off Geoff in recent years running wise, especially as I've listened to so many of his masterclasses at events, and I'm very thankful for the lifts and the chance to meet such great people at the events.
This time round the event I am attending is a Yorkshire 3 peaks hiking weekend, staying at the Old School bunkhouse near Chapel le Dale.
Travel day
Travel day for me and Geoff was actually the day before everyone else, as Geoff likes to get there in plenty of time to get accustomed to the accommodation, and get last minute jobs done and to start prepping for the arrivals the next day.
For me the start of the day is packing my gear for the weekend and making my final decisions based on the weather and conditions in the area subject to the latest forecasts. I usually have to pack fairly light as space is limited in the car, and I have to get the train to where Geoff picks me up, so don't want to be carrying too much stuff.
The weather forecast didn't seem too bad, so I packed all hiking gear as opposed to my usual trail running gear, and enough for each day just in case it all got wet. I also needed evening clothes for the general socialising time in the accommodation lounge and in the all important local pub!
The journey up was pleasant enough, if not a bit grey weather wise as per the forecast. We got there late in the afternoon and picked up snacks in one of the local shops on the way through. I got myself the all important Digestives to go with my brews, and peanut butter for toast and much needed protein, and a few vegan/plant based curries just in case we didn't go anywhere for an evening meal.
We already had alcohol in the back of the car, and most of the journey sounded like we were driving along in a posh milk float with all the bottle chinking going on.
Once we were in and everything seemed fine, it was time for the first recce of the day, to check out the nearest pub. The first and nearest The Old Hill Inn was closed, so that was a no. So it was the next nearest which was the Station Inn near Ribblehead and the well known railway viaduct there.
It was a Thursday, so quiet, so a table was no issue. Drinks ordered and it was time to check out the menu. A decent selection to be fair, but I'm vegan, so I'm always more limited in my choice, but happy to take that hit for the sake of the animals, the environment and my health.
After a few drinks and the meal it was back to the bunkhouse to finish all the unpacking and time to chill for me, and for Geoff a bit or work time on his laptop.
I was lucky enough to get a small little room with a bunk in for myself, which always helps with my Anxiety and worrying that I might snore and wake someone else up etc. It also allowed me to spread all my clothes and stuff out on the shelves so I could find it quick.
After watching some late night episodes of Frasier on All 4 it was time for me to get some sleep ready for a long weekend ahead. I was really looking forward to seeing everyone else, especially when I didn't actually know fully who was coming.
Arrivals day
It was now Friday, and arrivals day and after a lie in it was time to get up and to go food shopping for the group. After a breakfast stop at a cafe down the road we were off to Lancaster to pick up a car full of food for everyone, and of course the all important bottles of welcome 'Prosecco' or fruit based beverage for the ladies as Al would say ;)
Lancaster is a nice place, but a little confusing with all the one ways and twists and turns, and I'm thankful I wasn't driving. My niece also goes to Uni there , so I kept wondering if I'd see her walking by lol.
Shopping was all done and then it was back to the bunkhouse for more chill time for me, as it was another 4-5 hours before people were due.
After rechecking the weather I decided to take on nearby Whernside on my own for a bit of leg stretching and a chance to get some decent photo's while we had occasional sunny intervals. Rain was forecast from 5pm so I was pretty keen on pace at times to try and stay dry.
I took the steeper ascent up Whernside along the Three Peaks path itself and passed loads of groups coming down. I didn't see a single person going my way, and when I actually got to the summit itself and the trig point, there was no one there whatsoever!
I enjoyed a brief stop and decided to take the long way down heading towards the viaduct and turn my route into a loop instead of a mere up and down which was my original time plan.
It was nice to do a bit of self nav and decision making and I enjoyed the sights along the way. I particularly enjoy taking pictures as I go on my phone, so I can view and share them later for others to see the area involved.
What was going going to be a mere up and down turned into a just short of 9 mile hike, with the odd little jog on the way down to save some time in case the forecast rain arrived.
I particularly liked the waterfall I almost completely missed as I walked past it, and thought the sound was the wind and maybe the rain blowing in. Turned out it was a spectacular cascade, so I went back to get some pictures etc.
I enjoyed the hike but I could feel it by the time I got back, and started to wonder whether it was a good idea with two mountains to do tomorrow.
When I got back Ryan the chef was there prepping food etc, it was good to see him again, as he's a decent vegan chef especially.
I disappeared off for a quick shower before the others started to arrive and got into some more comfortable clothes, and was delighted to see my great new friend from the New Forest Karen.
I get on well with Karen and it was great to see her again, and just knowing she was there would guarantee a good weekend would be had.
Next I saw Nigel, another regular guest and great friend from the events. Always a pleasure to see Nigel, and he takes some great photo's on the events too.
The evening meal was 8pm so as this time approached new people slowly started arriving in the lounge, and it was great to see people I'd met before, especially Steph and Sharon and also Heather one of the run leaders who I've met on many an event. It was good to see Dean and his partner Steph too again.
The evening meal was a treat, especially my vegan options, and the several glasses of welcome cava also went down a treat.
After the meal it was time to visit the nearest local pub that hopefully this time would be open. Some guests stayed in the lounge at the bunkhouse to chill and some took early nights eventually ready for the day ahead.
The local pub was nice enough and luckily hardly anyone in as it was late.
Several drinks were had and peoples eyes started to wander around the room at the antiques and objects around the room. Especially the items on a rather large dresser with crockery on etc.
One particular item caught someone's eye and as we had mostly all had several drinks and were quite comfortable in each others company (which is great for me with Anxiety) ones attention was drawn to a large jar labelled in big bold letters MOIST SUGAR.
We found this hilarious and pondered what it actually meant, other than the obvious moist sugar, which to me I assumed meant slightly damp but not dry sugar, likely brown (I used to work in a bakery).
We pondered, we laughed, we Googled (carefully) and even after asking our chef, were still non the wiser. Funny and rude suggestions were made. I suggested Facebooking friends with a poll and asking people if they went down a street and saw a door with MOIST SUGAR above it in lights, what exactly would you expect to find behind that door?
It was probably a good idea most of us had no signal, and no access to Facebook. I'd suspect some of the Google image suggestions may have been X rated too.
After one of the party drank the bar dry of Vodka, and a rather late bar due a barman who didn't mind us ringing a large town crier sized bell left on the bar, that could wake the dead whenever we wanted another round, we eventually left in the small hours!
Back to the bunkhouse, and coffees or more drinks in the lounge, at this point I can't remember what I had to drink!
I was just glad of the company of Karen and Nigel and the others that were left by now, as we know each other well enough now to chat openly about our lives. We seem to hit a comfortable and happy mix of good things, not so good things, confirmation that we are not the bad ones, and back to happy times again, a hard mix to achieve.
1.30am arrived and we were definitely overdue some sleep, so we left in one final mass group off to our respective rooms and retired for the night/morning!
Day one...
Morning arrived in a blink of an eye and a feeling of where the hell am I after waking up in unfamiliar rooms, and after a slow and consistent stream of the pitter patter of feet down the hallway to and fro the toilets and showers etc, it was time to actually get up and dressed ready for the day.
The lounge was now filling with familiar faces and the kettle was on extra time as everyone wanted their morning caffeine, be it one cup or two. I was straight on the Digestives to keep me going until breakfast was ready.
The lounge had comfy couches so it was nice to chill with friends pre breakfast and have a bit more of a catch up, and a further introduction to new guests as conversations opened up around the room.
Breakfast time was here, and we moved into the large kitchen with a humungous dining table which easily accommodated us all. Next was the anticipated arrival of our pre ordered breakfasts, and the 'what did I order?' feeling. I'd ordered the vege/vegan breakfast which was vegan bacon, beans and mushrooms with toast. This was a treat for me as I have the bog standard toast in the morning normally with peanut butter to keep up my protein intake as a vegan and it gives me plenty of fat calories to get me through activities.
After breakfast it was a brief chat on the day and the layout of the day ahead and then it was off to the car park after last minute toilet breaks etc, and then into the cars.
Peak One Whernside (2415ft)
We stopped at Ribblehead viaduct, or just down the road while everyone got out, bar the drivers who were going to park up at another car park at the end of the route, and then be driven back in one car to join us again.
The non drivers set of to the viaduct to check it out and to take photos etc, and we waited for the others to return before we all set of as one big group.
Once back together we were off, on a long slow ascent of Whernside on the Three Peaks route, which was the route I'd actually come down the day before, so familiar to me by now.
It was nice to walk with different people and chat and to stop and take pictures or a sip of a drink or snack while we made a conscious effort to remain as a group. We always spread out as a chain with multiple leaders anyway, so no ones lost anywhere.
Some of us go off at the front a little, but this just gives us a chance of a longer break ahead, and always with a leader or within sight of the leader.
Personally if I know where I am I do go ahead, but this gives me chance to take multiple photos of the landscape, and to try and get shots with the group approaching in the photo so everyone has photo's they can use later once shared. Nigel does the same.
Sometimes I'm off the back off the group too taking pictures from there to give another prospective. It must confuse people as I'm never in the same place for long lol.
I did try and stick and chat with Karen mostly as we are both single so it's good to have someone to chat too and feel like you can talk to them without feeling like you are taking up someone's couple time etc and also good not to look like you are trying to chat everyone up too!
After a longish slog up from Ribblehead and past the waterfall we were now heading up towards the North North Eastern end of Whernside along several stretches of steps and limestone paving which was a unique feeling for someone used to running rocky or gravel trail like myself.
One thing I did find due to spending soo much time looking at the ground so I didn't fall up one of the limestone slabs, was that I constantly had to look down in front of me. This was fine enough as Karen was in front of me and is always a pleasure to see from front or back, but Karen had recently discovered the latest to her, run and walk tech 'waterproof socks!'
As you would expect in ladies run wear they were pink! This meant I was mesmerized by the constant pink flashes before my eyes, but this did aid my concentration and stop me falling over, and indeed impressed Karen as to how dry her feet were at all times and also warm.
Funnily enough along the climb we saw a couple out with litter pickers braving the now windy weather and picking up litter and trash left by thoughtless people. After seeing them a second time Karen passed them and thanked them for what they were doing, and it turned out I knew the lady (Emma P) from years ago from running events and Facebook running groups etc. It was great to see her again, but what were the odds lol.
More little stops and breathers, more steps, more mud and more steps (starting to see a pattern here) and eventually we were on the ridgeline of Whernside, and now it was the long approach along the top to get to the summit. It was at this point that little Miss pink socks alerted me to the fact that her cheeks were a bit cold (and I'm not talking face) which raised a laugh, but there wasn't much I could do about that without risking a slap in the face or a kick in the teeth ;)
As you would expect for a busy route it appeared like someone had just dumped a coach load of passengers at the summit itself, but thankfully it was sheltered when we stood on the right side of the wall, and getting your picture taken at the trig point was easy enough.
We all had a little break for food and drink, and to fully regroup as we now had a front middle and back of like minded and paced hikers within our group, and we were settling into those groups.
Multiple photo's were taken at the top, and for me it was the second time up there in two days, but from different directions, so I was still able to get different sets of photo's.
It was great to see people achieve the summit and have their respective pictures taken, and see the sense of achievement in peoples faces. I try my best nowadays to go along with many different types of groups, be it beginners, intermediate or beginners improver to see those achievements, and to chat with and help where possible. There are no ego's in our groups, just friendly mutually supportive people.
The descent commenced, and we were off again in our little groupings along the ridge and eventually down the steep side of Whernside I'd gone up the afternoon before. I knew these were slippy and slightly poorly sloped steps so was glad it wasn't raining.
I again had the pleasure of following good old pink socks down the descent and doing my best to position myself near enough to catch her if she slipped on the steps down. Thankfully it was an incident free (bar one 'Woah!' moment) descent, but as our little group got lower down the odd little passing shower passed over and hit those who were still on the steps, and I heard they had a few close calls.
It wasn't long till we got back to the bunkhouse from the bottom of Whernside as it's nearby and we were looking forward too our lunch stop back at the bunkhouse lounge and fresh coffees etc.
Fresh individual sandwiches were brought in once we were all back and crisps available and Mars bars etc, and if you didn't want them then, you could take them along with you for the next mountain of the day Ingleborough.
After our lunch and break, time was going to be of the essence, as we still had a full mountain and peak to do and a long descent to the cars over at Horton in Ribblesdale.
A plan was established for two options so all walkers could get down before the light went. Some would go up to Ingleborough summit, then back down again to the bunkhouse, and the others would go the full route over and off the other side of Ingleborough down to the cars which had a long timely descent.
Peak Two Ingleborough (2372ft)
When we were ready and round two of toilet breaks was done we were back out the door, and this time to the next part of the Three Peaks path which was only just down the road, so no driving involved.
It was nice to get going again, but also slightly nerving that we still had another mountain/summit to do, but this time with a shorter ascent, so at least we were quickly at it again and making progress.
The ascent was a slow one, and one were we could see the peak literally all the time, and it got bigger and bigger as we got nearer, which also made the top look further and further away as it got bigger and scale started to become apparent.
At one point I noticed a rainbow behind us and above the back of the group. I pondered whether Geoff had opened his wallet and the rainbow was indicating a pot of gold at that point :)
I can't remember a lot about the first half of the ascent as I was either talking, taking pictures or trying to work out where the path was that actually makes the rapid ascent up towards the ridge from the gradual approach we were currently on along the side of Ingleborough.
We eventually hit a more direct approach which involved lots of nicely lined up limestone slabs and steps, and random spacings so you never quite knew where to put your feet. I of course was now following the pink sock light trail in front of me like a cat mesmerized by a piece of string....
After several breaks to keep us all together or within sight of each other we finally saw the actual almost straight up approach to the ridgeline above. I think the term the 'Steps of Hell' was mentioned a few times in the description!
It looked like a 100m or so straight up, but with a bit of zig zagging along the way. It was certainly a challenge avoiding getting puffed out and trying to avoid a lactate build up in the muscles if you went too fast without enough air to oxygenate the blood to the hard working muscles.
I was distracted as ever following Karen up and had been told I may need to give her a little push, which I was more than happy to do so, but ever the gentlemen I waited for instruction to do so before landing myself in trouble by being presumptuous enough to place my hands on her rear and giving her a shove up. I may have misunderstood the system involved as I sadly never got the call to 'Push' lol.
Once on the ridge we regrouped again and regained our breath. One person got cramp and Geoff swung into action helping relieve the cramp and encouraging some salted crisps consumption and adequate water replenishment along with some calf massage.
It wasn't that long before our little grouping arrived at the massive summit of Ingleborough and we took to taking photos again of our achievement. Even the chef Ryan had come along too to take on the summit and is pictured with me in my summit picture at the trig point.
Once rested, our group regrouped, and we set off across the top to the other side with an improvised lets pretend we know where we are going/sightseeing tour of the mountaintop!
We eventually got to our junction where we would start to split off with the other group who were taking the direct route down, so we said our respective 'well dones' for the days second peak as everyone did well, as we had all climbed and walked the same distances at our own personal ideal paces, equal achievements all round, and we then set off on our separate descents down.
It was a long long long slog down, and a fair amount of stops along the way to ensure all members and groups were in sight of the respective leaders. Bringing several layers was vital as the temperature was dropping as we slowly began to lose the light of the day.
It was an entertaining slog down though as Karen was picking up litter as she went and had commented on what she would do if she got hold of the person who discarded their water bottle on the floor, just as a lad thought it wise to joke it may have been his. That may have been his first and last mistake!
It was also funny when we passed a lone shoe on the floor and we joked with Geoff about whether a certain ex had been by discarding or returning singular shoes to him lol. You would of had to have heard the entire story in the lounge the night before to understand the link or humour involved :)
We did finally arrive back in Horton in Ribblesdale and the parked cars before it went dark, and it was nice to be at the end and in a nice warm car ready for the journey back.
Originally the plan was the pub there, but after a recall of a not particularly warm welcome from one of the hosts from one of the local pubs on a prior event, it was decided to stop at the welcoming and more local Station Inn prior to our return for our evening meal!
The pub was busy to say the least, which was clear from the amount of camper vehicles and cars parked nearby, so we had one drink outside, whilst admiring the photogenic moon. I did get an important picture of the outside of the pub, so at least you know where to go in the future.
Drinks finished, and it was time to return for showers if needed or a change of clothes etc and into the kitchen and dining area for another great two course meal cooked by Ryan. I had Hummus and flatbread followed by Bang bang cauliflower, which was 'Bang on!' pardon the pun.
Next was retirement back to the lounge, more people getting showers and either people going for the PJ's and chill option or getting ready to visit the local pub again.
It was the pub option for me, and thankfully the pub was quiet, as again it was fairly late by now, as we'd had several drinks in the lounge at the bunkhouse first.
Headtorches on for a few of us to keep the others safe, and into the pub. Sadly the vodka hadn't been replenished and several other beers were now empty, so several people were now doing random rounds and refreshers of drinks from their childhood/teen years as familiar bottles were spotted on the shelf. I just went for pints of cider which was thankfully still in stock.
The conversation returned to MOIST SUGAR again with great hilarity, and I pondered a funny T-shirt with the slogan on for my charity fundraising tee shirt website shoutoutwear.
photos to follow..
Multiple bell ringing for secondary and third rounds prevailed and we were given an official last orders and drinking up time, and actually left the pub prior to Midnight this time.
We of course returned to the bunkhouse lounge for drinks or coffees and after the usual open chats with friends, eventually dispersed for bed at 1am.
Day two - Pen y ghent (2277ft)
Up again for pre breakfast coffees in the lounge, and with a slight headache this time round, but not too bad as I didn't honestly drink that much and I wasn't dehydrated, I did get a solid sleep though instead of two hour slots.
It was good to see people slowly arising for the day ahead, especially after a fairly tough day the day before, two full mountain ascents is no lazy feat in a day, and we had all done well. Thankfully we were all safe uninjured and ready to go, except for '2 peaks Geoff' who managed to injure himself I think while having a little downhill blast in his mountain boots, as opposed to his trail running gear.
It's easy to do, it only needs a little slip or the wrong angle at the wrong time. I've had two different ankle sprains in just over a year myself, so am highly aware, yet still had the odd partial ankle roll.
Thankfully there were enough leaders for Geoff to stay at the bunkhouse and rest it ready for his next event, as it is obviously key he is able to host them. We wish you a safe and fast recovery Geoff!
We all had a good chill and chat as we ate our breakfasts ready for the day ahead. The forecast for the day was good, although possibly colder. It was reiterated about having ample layers and hat and gloves etc and snacks and liquids with us in our kit, just in case we needed it.
Once ready it was back in the cars, and off to Horton in Ribblesdale again. It's a lovely little village and in an ideal location between two of the three, three peaks and with ample parking in a field just of the road too if the roadside is full.
We set off mid morning with Dean, Steph and Heather as leaders, which was ample for our group as we would stay nearer together today as there weren't any long stretches were you might stretch out. After a little bit of meandering around the roads, it was onto the official three peaks route again, to take off were we left last time.
As we ascended I walked on my own sometimes, and other times chatted to others. Nigel was often ahead as he'd done the route twice before on other Focused Performance events there. I mostly did my own thing as I was taking pictures and stop starting so hard to maintain a chat with anyone in particular, and at this point it wasn't a narrow single berth track or trail.
We'd walk up a bit, and then it would level off a bit allowing a stop and a breather, and a bit of regrouping and ample photo opportunities along the way. The challenge ahead Pen y ghent after a while came into sight, and was a formidable looking challenge ahead, as we were rapidly approaching its steep sided peak.
I'd occasionally walk with Karen and Nigel and take pictures of each other either on our own or as a group pic so we had memories to take back etc, and I had a chance to chat to others I'd not really chatted too or walked with the day before which was nice.
We'd stop briefly to regroup again and have little breathers as we went, keeping us all together, and again everyone was doing well, and as we were going up and warmer we didn't really lose heat when we stopped on the up.
We hit another section of limestone single path and I again followed Karen's pink socks up the path, reminding myself to look down and not ahead, so I didn't trip up. Eventually we hit the steeper approach to the summit that was going to involve a bit of a scramble, and this was going to be fun for me, as I love scrambles.
It was a tad windy on the way up, Nigel went first and like me stopped to rest and take pictures of those below achieving great things and for many breaking new barriers with heights etc, and tough climb sections to be fair at that point, and we took photos of the group below.
Thankfully it was dry and we progressed upward the second section of scrambling, and I joined pink socks again and positioned myself in the hope of a 'push/shove' request. I'm not sure it was actually requested when I did take it upon myself to shove her up the next bit as she let out a scream as I pushed likely at the wrong time, which was kind of why I was shoving and holding her rucksack at the same time and not shoving a cold rear!
We eventually got up to the start of the ridge and I got some decent photo's of the group scrambling up the section below us...and a decent picture of Karen and myself as I'm practically holding onto her to stop myself being blown of the side of the spot we were on.
We were now greeted by a nice smooth and gradual limestone path up towards what I hoped was the final summit.
I decided to attempt to jog up the last 100 metres or so, which wasn't easy in my boots and with my gear. But I managed it, and promptly jogged back to Karen and Nigel at the front again.
Finally at the top and windy city was in full force as we struggled to take pictures of each other at the trig point.
Congratulations a many were given as we were finally finished with regard to actual ascent and climb, and it was literally all downhill from here.
Everyone had done well, we managed a group picture too at the top before we all started to freeze as it was a very cold wind up top, and the forecast for the top was a 'feels like' 0c! And it felt like it too, plenty of hoods up pictures, congratulation hugs or handshakes and we soon on our way down again on the less windy descent.
We had a couple of pause breaks on the descent in sheltered areas to regroup, especially as the long limestone step descents suited some legs more than others. I found it a challenge to find a rhythm and ended up trying to jog down them, but then having to stop as I'd get too far ahead.
Nigel would normally be ahead anyway, so I'd join him and take pictures etc of the scenery, and the descending group members.
Further down the trail there a little diversion available to see a cave or eroded hole in the ground, caused by the local waters etc. It worth the visit, but as it was a dryer day, the waterfall wasn't in flow at all, but you could see water down below pouring out of a cave exit below.
After the little break we regrouped with the back of the group who had chosen not to do the little detour, and we were off down the final bit of the hillside back to where we started the route just outside of the village.
There were some stunning views on the way down too, and it was hard to concentrate on the views as well as your feet, as the path down was rocky and I managed to roll my ankles twice, but thankfully without injury.
Nigel, Karen and myself tottered back into the village at the front and had a joint sigh of relief that the walking was over and a seat available too!
Once everyone else had finished it was back to the nearby cars, and back to the Old School bunkhouse for our final sandwich and snack lunch in the lounge as a group. The kettle was on and the sense of relief was abundant, but I sensed a lot of pride in everyone for what they had achieved today, as well as yesterday. This in itself makes it all worthwhile.
Final chats were had, packing was started, and the final goodbye's started. This is the saddest part of the day, but arrangements to meet again at more events are often fostered or agreed at this point, and this in itself helps positiveness that it needn't all be over at that point.
I for one am really glad I went, I met some lovely friends I'd met at other events, and new ones from this event, and I will genuinely be sad at how long it will be to see some again. I will forever dream of pink socks, and moist sugar forevermore :) xx
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