Carnegie Great Outdoors: Side by Side Challenge 2008 - Yorkshire Three Peaks

Leeds Met staff took to the hills, as they tackled the three highest peaks in Yorkshire to raise funds for the RFL Benevolent Fund, a charitable trust to support players whose lives are affected by serious injuries sustained while playing Rugby League.

The challenge began at 9am, as the competitors assembled at Horton-in-Ribblesdale to ascend the first peak of the day, Pen-y-Ghent (2,273ft). High humidity and heat failed to dampen participants' spirits, but ominous grey clouds hinted that a change of weather was imminent.

Competitors made their way across heath and marsh to begin Whernside (2,414ft), the highest of the Three Peaks. The wind had started to freshen, and increased in strength, obscuring walkers' views of the valley below as they made their way to the top. The wind brought hail and rain with it, making the descent from Whernside treacherous.

The final peak of the day was Ingleborough (2,373ft), which although smaller than Whernside, provided a gruelling final challenge. Competitors ascended the steep side of the hill in mist, which thickened to the extent that some of the later participants were unable to complete the Three Peaks on safety grounds.

The event was one of a number of 'Side By Side' challenges organised by the RFL Benevolent Fund and Leeds Met Carnegie, which included a walk along the length of Hadrian's Wall.

Category:

Sports

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• Leeds
• Met
• Carnegie
• Side
• Challenge
• University
• RFL
• Rugby
• League
• Benevolent
• Fund
• 2008
• Yorkshire
• Three
• Peaks