Yesterday, in prep for the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge (24 miles, three peaks in 12 hours or less) I dragged a friend up Pen-y-gent mountain in the Dales.

It’s a 6.6 mile round trip with what is described as a “short scramble” to get to the top. Short and scramble don’t really fit the description I’d use!! More like – 2 mile upward hike culminating in a full blown climb up a steep cliff.

The path was crowded – it’s a popular route with plenty of walking groups of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels. My friend, Di has much shorter legs than me so some of the climbing proved a bit of a challenge (think giant rocks!) – BUT we did it! 4 hours in total too – good going I reckon and not a blister in sight!

We had plenty of antics on the way – having to negotiate a drone being flown above us, loose dogs getting in the way, 20 somethings just sprinting up the trail with not a jot of sweat on them and gleeful smiles.

Di had help from a lively gentleman who aided her with a shove up a particularly nasty rock step which was almost as high as her.

We diverted to visit a waterfall and hidden cliff called Hull Pot. It’s a lovely spot, very peaceful.

A fun day, great weather with a good friend. Legs are fine today too!