What Yorkshire Peak Is Highest?

One of England’s largest counties, Yorkshire attracts tourists from all over the globe for its rolling hills, picturesque valleys, and rugged coastline. Nestled in the heart of Yorkshire are the Yorkshire Dales which play host to a vast collection of valleys, moors, and peaks, offering visitors some of the best hiking and outdoor adventures in the country. Many keen hikers head to the county to take part in the renowned Three Peaks Challenge where each of the Peaks - Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough - is scaled in under 12 hours. But what Yorkshire Peak is the highest we hear you ask. Read on we will explore the challengers for the coveted title of the highest peak in Yorkshire…

What is a Peak?

Before we can start, it’s worth defining what a peak is so we know what we’re actually measuring! Basically, the peak is the highest point of a mountain, hill or ridge is known as its peak. So, the peak’s contending for the highest title are:

Whernside

Whernside, located in the Western part of the Yorkshire Dales, is often considered by many to be the highest peak in Yorkshire. At 2,415 feet (736 metres), the Peak offers those who take on the challenge some truly stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Ingleborough

In the central part of the Yorkshire Dales you will find Ingleborough which stands at a majestic 2,372 feet (723 metres), and is famous for its unique limestone landscape and breathtaking views of the area.

Pen-y-ghent

To the East stands Pen-y-ghent, the third peak in the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge and often believed to be the smallest of the three peaks. However, at 2,277 feet (694 metres), it’s far from small and is an impressive mountain that offers spectacular views of the Dales and is a hugely popular destination for hikers and nature lovers.

The data

Looking at the information above, with the statistics gathered from Ordnance Survey - Great Britain’s official mapping agency - what Yorkshire Peak is the highest? - Whernside gets the top spot. However, online database Peakbagger, which in an online database of the world’s mountain ranges, uses a different method to calculate the heights and suggests that Ingleborough has a height of 1,873 feet (571 metres), and claims Whernside stands lower at 1,069 feet (326 metres), meaning, with that data, that Ingleborough is actually the highest peak in Yorkshire. Getting an answer was never going to be simple and there is also an ongoing debate among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts when it comes to determining which is Yorkshire’s Highest Peak. Many enthusiasts strongly argue that Ingleborough's prominence, or its height relative to the surrounding terrain, makes it the true highest peak in Yorkshire. Whatever the Peak’s heights, each person that makes the journey up and down each of the Three Peaks will no doubt crown their own favourites for different reasons.

So, what Yorkshire Peak is the highest? The winner is…

In conclusion to the question, what Yorkshire Peak is the highest? Whernside is officially recognized as the highest peak in Yorkshire! However, each of the Yorkshire Three Peaks offer walkers unforgettable views of Yorkshire and different challenges to overcome. So, whether you are exploring Whernside, Ingleborough, or Pen-y-ghent or are planning on giving all three a go, you are sure to be in for an unforgettable experience in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. What’s your favourite Yorkshire Peak? Let us know in the comments below and tell us why! We’d love to see any pictures you’ve taken on your challenge too! If you want to make the most of your trip to Yorkshire when you take on the challenge of the famous Three Peaks, why not book yourself a Yorkshire caravan break to relax after putting in the miles? We have a whole host of caravan sites throughout the county catering to all tastes and budgets. Take a look and get booking your trip!

Published on March 26th, 2023

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