IT may have a 'lot of up' but a walk to the top of Penyghent is hugely rewarding; I've never done all three Yorkshire Peaks one after another, in a single day, but I imagine the sense of achievement at the end is similar to completing a marathon - only harder. When I did it, on the New Year bank holiday, the weather was crisp and sunny. I hit snow almost immediately and the climb was very slippery in parts, so I was very grateful for my proper walking boots and several layers of clothing, plus gloves and a muffler. This is not a walk to do if you're looking for a nice stroll in the Yorkshire Dales to enjoy the view, and certainly not if its in the winter months. The route I took involved a hard climb up, and a more gentle walk back down. The ascent did involve some quite testing scrabbling, so probably better to go up - and down - the more gentle route, if scrambling is not your thing. You may also want to think twice about taking a dog along, if its not nimble enough to cope with the climb - especially at busier times of the year. At 694 metres (2,277ft), Penyghent is the lowest of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, and the easiest of the three to climb. The 'parent' peak, Whernside is 736m (2,415ft), and Ingleborough, 723m (2,372ft). To find out more about walking in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and about the Three Peaks Project, go to the website yorkshiredales.org.uk

1. From the Golden Lion, cross over the road towards Horton Church, and continue along the road, with the church on your left. After a short while, take the minor road to the left, and follow it, passing Horton Primary School, on your right. Continue along track, steadily climbing uphill and just before you reach some buildings, take the footpath on the left, signposted to Penyghent.

2. Follow the obvious route, through fields, with Penyghent straight ahead of you. You will go through a series of gates until you reach the foot of the peak and a three fingered sign post. Pick up the Pennine Way here and head for the summit.

3. At the trig point, bear left and over a stile, following the Pennine Way back down the peak.

4. After much zig-zagging, you will eventually come to a junction of footpaths, go left along a well trodden path marked, Horton. When you reach the road, either go left back to the Golden Lion, or right to the national trust car park.

Factfile:

Start/finish: Horton in Ribblesdale

Distance: Six miles, allow three hours

Difficulty: Moderate, but strenuous climb

Terrain: Tracks, moorland, can be muddy

Livestock: Sheep - keep dogs under control.

Stiles/gates: Easy

Refreshments: In Horton

Parking: Golden Lion Hotel car park £2 for all day honesty box, or national trust car park, £2.50 for two hours, £4.50 for over two hours.

OS Map: OL2