The Three Peaks, Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent, lie, or rather soar, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Each year, thousands of visitors take up the challenge to reach the summit of one, if not all three.

The Three Peaks Challenge is to walk 24 miles in 12 hours, reaching the top of each, in a circular route.

Rich in historical interest, the summit of Ingleborough has the remains of a huge Iron Age hill fort, while the Settle-Carlisle Railway runs between the mountains, crossing the impressive Ribblehead Viaduct at the foot of Whernside, itself the highest point in Yorkshire. The hills are a magnet for walkers. The scenery is breathtaking and brings visitors from around the world.

Another demanding challenge is the Three Peaks Race, covering 37.4 kilometres (24 miles) with 1608 metres (5,276ft) of ascent and descent over the most rugged and spectacular countryside in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, taking competitors to a height of 723 metres (2,400ft) above sea level..

There are less demanding ways of enjoying the Three Peaks. The Ingleborough Walk takes you to the summit of Ingleborough from Clapham through some fantastic limestone scenery, including the caves of Ingleborough, Gaping Gill and the impressive Trow Gill.

For many people, the Pen-y-ghent Walk is their first peak of choice. This is a classic circuit from Horton-in-Ribblesdale with good paths, great scenery and the impressive Hunt and Hull Pots on the way down.

Lastly, but equally impressive, the Whernside Walk starts from the historic Ribblehead Viaduct. When you reach the summit, on a clear day there are great views to the Howgills, the Lake District and Morecambe Bay.

For the less adventurous, there are plenty of leisurely walks around the foothills where the scenery is no less spectacular.