40k Run Craven: Scenic Adventure through Yorkshire's Peaks

Route Overview & Local Insights

The Skamper Yorkshire 3 Peaks Marathon is a formidable 39.9km loop that challenges even the most seasoned fell runners with 1,475m of elevation gain. Starting in Horton-in-Ribblesdale, you’ll tackle the dramatic limestone scars of Pen-y-Ghent, the long grind up Whernside—the highest point in North Yorkshire—and the steep, technical push to the summit of Ingleborough. The terrain is a true cross-section of the Dales, featuring everything from fast-paced paved sections and well-maintained flagstones to rugged, boggy moorland and rocky descents that require nimble footwork and sharp focus.

Steeped in fell-running history, this circuit has been a benchmark of endurance since the first recorded crossing in 1887. Along the way, you’ll pass the architectural marvel of the Ribblehead Viaduct, its twenty-four arches standing as a testament to Victorian engineering against the backdrop of the bleakly beautiful fells. The local "Twelve Hour Rule" looms over hikers, but for runners, this route is about finding a rhythm between the peaks. After conquering the final descent, the tradition is to recharge at one of Horton's local tea rooms or pubs, where the camaraderie of the trail is as much a part of the experience as the climb itself.