Yorkshire peak crowds giving villagers summit to moan about

VILLAGERS in Yorkshire say the county’s three peaks challenge is making life hell as tourists wreak havoc in their communities.

Some residents even leave their homes at weekends to escape the ‘pandemonium’ – while one woman was forced to give birth in a pub as daytrippers blocked the road.

Bosses at the Yorkshire Dales National Park have launched an investigation that could see the route changed and a ‘code of conduct’ introduced for walkers.

They will look at the impact of the 100,000 a year who take on the challenge, a 24-mile walk which takes in the summits of Pen-yghent, Ingleborough and Whernside at the head of the valley of the River Ribble. Many walkers aim to complete it within 12 hours for charity. Concerns have been growing since barmaid Michelle Clamp, 26, had to give birth in Ribblehead’s Station Inn during the three peaks fell race in April.

Residents have also accused walkers of swearing and relieving themselves on walls.

Bryan and Hilary Bowman, of Horton-inRibblesdale, said their lives were being made ‘hell’ and neighbours now go away every weekend. Local councillor Richard Welch said: ‘It is absolute pandemonium.’