Walkers on the summit of Ingleborough during the event. Photo: Yorkshire Dales NPA

Staff from a national park raised more than £3,000 for the upkeep of footpaths on a challenge route – by completing the walk itself.

The workers from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority were joined by friends and family when they tackled the Yorkshire Three Peaks.

The area attracts about 100,000 people a year, putting a strain on rights of way as walkers attempt the circuit of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, or simply tackle one of the fells.

Fifty people of all ages and levels of fitness set out in near perfect weather to tackle the 39km (24-mile) route in less than 12 hours while another six aimed to summit Pen-y-ghent.

The Three Peaks for the Three Peaks day was so successful plans are already underway to repeat it in June next year and invite members of the public to take part.

Steve Hastie, the authority’s Three Peaks Project manager, said: “It’s been a fantastic inaugural event. Everyone pulled out all the stops for our cause, which makes me very proud.

“So far we have received around £3,500 but there is still some more to come in. “I would like to thank all the authority staff, volunteers, family and friends who were doing it in their own time to raise funds to help look after this fantastic area. Others helped organise the event or were there at the checkpoints.

“Many of the walkers were doing it for the first time and weren’t sure of their ability so it was quite an ask and a grand achievement. It just shows you don’t have to be a really experienced walker to do it; you just need some grit, determination and good company.”

Information adviser Sally Howorth, who raised almost £200, said: “I enjoy walking, but usually I walk half the total distance of the Three Peaks or less than that in a day.

“I thought I would challenge myself for a good cause and, although I did manage to get round in 11 hours 18 minutes, I found it hard work and exhausting physically. You don’t have to be super fit to complete the walk but I was pleased that I had done some training before I embarked upon it.”

Authority chairman Peter Charlesworth said: “The national park authority has a huge job on its hands looking after more than 2,000kms of public footpaths and bridleways in the national park. We often receive donations in time, money or materials from outside organisations and individuals, but we need all the help we can get, especially in these times of austerity.

“This was a fantastic effort by staff, volunteers and their friends and families, even though for some of them it was a bit of a busman’s holiday.”