Written by: Andrew Forrest
Updated: July 2025
Having a Support Crew - a friend or family member (not participating in the walk) who provides assistance - can significantly help with some Three Peaks attempts. Here's how to effectively utilise a Support Crew and what they should know:
Typically, a support person will meet the walkers at one or more road-accessible points to provide food, water, spare gear, or moral support. For the Yorkshire Three Peaks, the convenient meeting points are:
Some Support Crews meet at just one point (usually Ribblehead) to keep it simple; others leapfrog to multiple points.
Develop an approximate schedule with your support person. e.g., 'We plan to leave Horton at 7 am, expect to reach Ribblehead by around 11 am, then Old Hill Inn by 2 pm, finish by 5 pm.' Emphasise that these are estimates - the crew should be ready for variation.
It's often better for them to arrive early and wait (bring a book!) than for you to arrive and find nobody there. Use phone/text updates where possible - though note that Ribblehead has patchy phone reception (some networks receive a signal, while others have patchy coverage). Chapel-le-Dale has even less signal. Therefore, don't rely on live updates; set a plan.
The support car can transport bulky or additional items that you would rather not carry the entire way. For instance: extra water (so you can swap out empty bottles), a thermos of hot tea or soup (invaluable on a cold day to warm up at Ribblehead), a cooler with cold drinks (on a hot day, an ice-cold sports drink or fresh fruit can be wonderful).
They should have extra first aid supplies on standby, along with spare boots or socks in case of footgear failure (someone in the group should always have a first aid kit). Some individuals change into fresh socks or a different pair of boots/shoes halfway to give their feet a rest. If rain is forecasted later, the crew can bring heavier, waterproof clothing or dry layers. Essentially, use them as a mobile aid station.
A good Support Crew will also check on the condition of their friends or teammates. They can quickly assess whether someone seems very tired or in pain. They can encourage a short rest and perhaps provide a chair for 10 minutes (a luxury during the mid-challenge!). Sometimes, just knowing you'll see a friendly face and enjoy a cuppa at Ribblehead keeps you going through the long trudge after Pen-y-ghent.
The crew should also provide honest feedback if they believe it is unwise to continue (e.g., if a walker is limping badly at Old Hill Inn, it may be better to advise stopping rather than limping over Ingleborough, potentially in the dark if they are moving slowly). Ultimately, it is the walker's decision, but an outside perspective can be helpful as people can make poor choices when fatigued.
The support driver should be familiar with the route to the meeting points. The roads between Horton in Ribblesdale, Ribblehead, and Chapel-le-Dale are reasonably narrow. Drive carefully and watch for walkers, especially early in the morning in and around Horton in Ribblesdale, as there are often many people milling about. Also, be careful in the mile leading up to the Ribblehead Viaduct, as all walkers must walk along the road here.
Ribblehead can become busy on weekends from April to October. Drivers must refrain from parking in passing places or blocking farm gates. It is advisable to park a little further away at Ribblehead and walk to meet the team by the viaduct if necessary.
The driver could also use downtime to sightsee: the Ribblehead Viaduct is worth exploring, and Ingleton is not far from Chapel-le-Dale if they have some spare time. Just ensure they return to their position well in advance of the walkers' arrival.
If you have a team and multiple support vehicles, coordinate to avoid crowding small lay-bys. Consolidate everything your walkers need into one car. Always leave space for locals and emergency access.
If a walker needs to quit at Ribblehead or Chapel-le-Dale, ensure there is a plan with the Support Crew to collect them. In the Yorkshire Three Peaks walk video, we mention a few points where walkers can return to Horton in Ribblesdale if they feel that, after walking Pen-y-ghent, the trek will be too strenuous for them. No one should be left stranded. The crew should maintain a list of participants (if the group is large) to check off, so you know who is where.
Many people manage well without any Support Crew, simply carrying what they require and potentially refilling at the refreshment stops along the way (if open). I've walked the Yorkshire Three Peaks over ten times now, and all of those have been unsupported. Myself and the people I've walked with, have just carried what we needed the entire way round.
However, if someone is willing to help, it can make the experience much smoother. The ability to dispose of rubbish or fetch some water or a fresh snack from a car is a small joy amidst a long walk.
Remind your support person that they should also ensure their own safety. They ought to carry a map so they know their location relative to you. They must ensure they have warm clothing, as standing around can become cold.
If you are partaking in a charity or organised walk, they will generally provide the support vehicles and often refreshments.
Having a Support Crew generally means you have someone to drive you home or to your accommodation, which is wonderful if you're exhausted. If you've all hiked, ensure that any designated driver is fit to drive (not completely fatigued). Even better, plan to stay overnight so that no one has to drive long distances after the lengthy walk.
Essentially, a Support Crew functions as your personal pit-stop team. While not everyone enjoys that luxury, if you do, make wise use of it. It can enhance your chances of success (and enjoyment), reassuring you that you have backup.
Just remember to treat your Support Crew to a generous thank-you meal or drink - they've had a long day as well, in service of your achievement!