Three Peaks walkers warned about fading daylight

Four walkers had to be rescued after going the wrong way while walking the Three Peaks route in darkness

Walkers have been warned about waning daylight hours on the popular Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge route after four men had to be rescued.

The hikers, aged between 19 and 51, had "become disorientated and lost" as they descended from Ingleborough in the dark on Saturday night, the Cave Rescue Organisation (CRO) said.

They were found and escorted home, with CRO volunteers warning would-be walkers to expect the challenge to take between 10 and 12 hours. As British Summer Time draws to a close, there are 12 or fewer hours of daylight per day.

"Hill walking in the dark can be great fun but requires a much greater range of navigation skills and equipment," a spokesperson said.

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is a 24-mile route, taking in the summits of Ingleborough (2,372ft/723m), Pen-y-ghent (2,277ft/694m) and Whernside (2,415ft/736m), with participants aiming to complete the walk in under 12 hours.

The four men descended from Ingleborough the wrong way in the dark, despite being "experienced and reasonably well equipped", CRO said.

The group called North Yorkshire Police who involved CRO in the search, with the walkers being found near the Ribblehead to Ingleton road.

Outside of the summer months, the challenge is likely to involve walking in the dark, CRO said.

"Torches, warm layers, extra charge for your phone and proper maps or mapping tools are basic essentials.

"What looks simple in daylight becomes much more challenging in the dark – and remember there is no street lighting up on the hill!," a spokesperson added.

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