Three Peaks Fundraising Drive

© Dan Bailey

Many charities benefit from sponsored walks on Yorkshire's Three Peaks, but who pays for the upkeep of the area's heavily used paths? Local businesses are being asked to join a fundraising effort to keep the path network going. A week of sponsored events begins on Monday September 19 aimed at boosting support for this much-walked area, which sees more than 250,000 walkers every year.

Helping to erode the paths on Yorkshire's Three Peaks  © Dan Bailey
Helping to erode the paths on Yorkshire's Three Peaks
© Dan Bailey

It may not bring in mega bucks but two local businesses have so far offered support to help raise money for the Friends of the Three Peaks, an organisation set up by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) to provide a way for individuals or organisations to commit to longer-term support for the Authority's work in the area.

On Monday evening (September 19), the Lion at Settle will be hosting a Three Peaks-themed pub quiz devised by Steve Amphlett, from the Vibrant Settle Community Partnership, who will also act as question master.

And Mark Butler from Yorkshire Dales Photography will undertake an alternative Three Peaks walk during the week, climbing Buckden Pike, Little Whernside and Great Whernside.

Steve Hastie, the YDNPA's Three Peaks Project manager, said:

'Seeing local businesses getting involved is really encouraging for the long-term viability of the project and our work in this fantastic area. I hope Mark gets a dry day, and that people turn up to try the quiz.'

'The sponsored week is an opportunity to raise cash towards the maintenance of the network of paths without actually walking on them. Plenty of good causes benefit from having sponsored walks in the Three Peaks area and the idea of the week is to encourage the Friends of the Three Peaks to fundraise without putting additional pressure on the three hills.'

'We are hoping people will do something where they live – for example, climb steps in their place of work or nearest shopping centre, maybe doing the equivalent to hiking up Ingleborough.'

Mark Butler said:

'I've supported the project since the launch and I'm looking forward to completing an alternative walk to fund the good work.'

Ian Pilcher, manager of the Lion at Settle, said:

'Many of our guests walk the Three Peaks and it's great to be able to organise an event to help put something back.'

Anyone who would like to stage an event can email Steve Hastie or call 01729 825242


This post has been read 1,778 times

Return to Latest News

Loading Notifications...
Facebook Twitter Copy Email