Steve Hastie heads up the challenge on the summit of Pen-y-ghent. Photo: Yorkshire Dales NPA
National park bosses are hoping for a head start to fundraising with a whacky challenge to walkers.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority wants walkers to wear a silly hat while ascending one of its famous Three Peaks and take a selfie at the top.
Park bosses want you to chip in with a £5 donation to the upkeep of the footpaths in the area and then upload the picture to the authority’s social media pages and encourage three mates to do the same.
There’s no financial incentive, just the warm glow and smug satisfaction of knowing showing your silliness to the online world will be helping the upkeep of rights of way on Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.
Steve Hastie, the authority’s Three Peaks project manager said: “To take part, all you need to do is to donate £5 to the project, take a selfie at the top in your hat – the sillier the better – share it on the national park authority’s Twitter or Facebook pages and challenge three friends to do the same.
“Taking on one of the Three Peaks is an achievable challenge that can be done on your own, as a family or with a group of friends and it’s easy to join in. All you need is a sense of fun and – to cap it off – there is the reward of a great day out.
“There are many circular walking routes in the Three Peaks area to choose from and the YDNPA website features three – one for each peak – to help get you on your way. There is a six-mile loop taking in Pen-y-Ghent, a 7½-mile circuit past Ribblehead Viaduct and to the top of Whernside and a nine-miler that includes the summit of Ingleborough.”
Nick Cotton, the authority’s member champion for recreation management, said: “Walking is a great way to improve your health and wellbeing, while experiencing the beautiful countryside of the national park at the same time.
“So dig out your Easter bonnet, boater or beanie and help us raise money towards our work caring for Yorkshire’s beautiful Three Peaks.”
Details are on the Yorkshire Dales authority’s Three Peaks website.
