about the leader
The Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge is founded and led in person by David Pritchard — a qualified Mountain Leader and Climbing Instructor with over 30 years’ mountaineering experience and four years’ service in RAF Mountain Rescue.
Meet David Pritchard
David Pritchard has been guiding the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge for almost 30 years. A highly experienced mountaineer, he has climbed, hiked and trekked on almost every continent – with expeditions in Antarctica, Chile, Yosemite, the Alps, Kilimanjaro and Nepal – and leads walks across the UK’s best-known ranges, including the National Three Peaks, the Lake District, North Wales, the Peak District and many Munros in Scotland.
RAF Mountain Rescue and qualifications
David served four years in the RAF Mountain Rescue Service before completing his internationally recognised Mountain Leader and Climbing Instructor qualifications. He is a member of the Mountain Training Association and has held a first aid certificate for as long as he has been mountaineering. Years spent reaching stricken walkers mean he plans meticulously and, should anything go wrong, can calmly and quickly find the safest way down. There are few safer pairs of hands to walk with.
Local knowledge
David lives just outside the Yorkshire Dales National Park – perfectly placed to lead walks across this beautiful area of rivers, dales and far-reaching views. He knows the routes, the weather and the terrain intimately.
Bespoke walks and adventures
While the Yorkshire 3 Peaks is one of the most popular walks in the country, David can also arrange something different – an alternative route, a walk off the beaten track, or an overnight wild camp. Share your idea and he’ll plan it with you to make sure you have a great experience.
There to make your day
David has a great sense of humour and understands just what a challenge like this means to the people he guides. Above all, he’s passionate about making sure everyone has fun and enjoys their day on the hills.
Credentials at a Glance
Role | Founder & lead guide, the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge |
Experience | 30+ years’ mountaineering |
Qualifications | Mountain Leader; Climbing Instructor (internationally recognised) |
Professional body | Member, Mountain Training Association |
Background | 4 years, RAF Mountain Rescue Service |
First aid | Qualified throughout his mountaineering career |
Expeditions | Antarctica, Chile, Yosemite, the Alps, Kilimanjaro, Nepal |
UK guiding | Yorkshire Three Peaks, National Three Peaks, Lake District, North Wales, Peak District, Scottish Munros |
Based | Just outside the Yorkshire Dales National Park |
About the Leader - Your Questions Answered
David Pritchard, the founder, organises every walk in person, and selects a guide from a handpicked team. He is a qualified Mountain Leader and Climbing Instructor with more than 30 years’ experience.
Yes. David and all handpicked guides hold internationally recognised Mountain Leader qualifications, are members of the Mountain Training Association, and are first-aid trained.
Over 30 years, including expeditions in Antarctica, Chile, the Alps, Kilimanjaro and Nepal, and four years in RAF Mountain Rescue.
Safety is David’s priority. His RAF Mountain Rescue background and first-aid training mean every walk is carefully planned and led, with a clear plan should the weather or conditions change.
Yes — alternative routes, off-the-beaten-track or practice walks can all be arranged. Get in touch with your idea.
Walk with an expert
Take on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge with a leader who has spent a lifetime in the mountains. Then get it booked!