STUDENTS and staff of a school in Fairford teamed up to conquer the three highest mountains in Yorkshire in a day as part of an arduous challenge.

17 sixth form students and nine members of staff, including head teacher Matthew Evans, from Farmor's School set out on Saturday, April 23 to conquer the ‘Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge.’

In just under 11 hours the team finished, having summited the three highest mountains in the northern county, climbing over 1,500 metres and walking more than 22 miles.

This perilous task was undertaken by the mountain expedition group of Farmor's Sixth Form as the final stage of preparation for an attempt at the National 3 Peaks Challenge in July.

In an account of the trek, Mr Evans described how the team set out early in the morning from their bunkhouse with an ascent of the smallest of the three mountains, Pen-y-Ghent at 691 metres above sea level.

"There was a rapid descent followed by a gruelling trek to Ingleborough [723m], by which time the legs were beginning to ache for many," he said.

By 2.30pm the group were descending the second peak only to start climbing again to reach the final summit of Whernside, the highest of the mountains at 728 metres.

"The weather was kind and there was time for a brief stop on each peak to admire the stunning views, the Lake District skyline visible on the far horizon.

"The long descent to the finish point was a struggle as many experienced pain in their feet and legs, blisters and fatigue," Mr Evans said.

However, morale was high and the sight of the magnificent viaduct – used as a location in the Harry Potter films – kept the team moving forwards to their goal.

After a well-earned sleep, the students and staff headed home, looking forward with some trepidation towards their final goal of climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales in under 24 hours.

The mountain expedition group were launched this year as part of the school's wider outdoor pursuits programme, which also includes participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and aims to develop resilience and an appreciation of the natural environment.