The summit of Buckden Pike, on Mr Butler's itinerary

A photographer will raise cash to help maintain paths on the Yorkshire Three Peaks, by walking up an alternative trio of Dales hills.

Mark Butler of Yorkshire Dales Photography will tackle the Wharfedale fells Buckden Pike, Little Whernside and Great Whernside as part of a week of sponsored events organised by the national park authority.

Money raised will go to help the Friends of the Three Peaks, which supports work maintaining paths in the area, which sees more than 250,000 visitors each year.

The events next week, which also include a Three Peaks-themed pub quiz, aim to help footpath work in the area without actually using the paths in question.

Mr Butler said: “I’ve supported the project since the launch and I’m looking forward to completing an alternative walk to fund the good work.”

On Monday evening, September 19, the Lion at Settle will be hosting the quiz devised by Steve Amphlett, from the Vibrant Settle Community Partnership, who will also act as question master.

Ian Pilcher, manager of the Lion, said: “Many of our guests walk the Three Peaks and it’s great to be able to organise an event to help put something back.”

Steve Hastie, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s Three Peaks Project manager, said: “Seeing local businesses getting involved is really encouraging for the long-term viability of the project and our work in this fantastic area. I hope Mark gets a dry day, and that people turn up to try the quiz.

“The sponsored week is an opportunity to raise cash towards the maintenance of the network of paths without actually walking on them.

“Plenty of good causes benefit from having sponsored walks in the Three Peaks area and the idea of the week is to encourage the Friends of the Three Peaks to fundraise without putting additional pressure on the three hills.

“We are hoping people will do something where they live – for example, climb steps in their place of work or nearest shopping centre, maybe doing the equivalent to hiking up Ingleborough.”

The Yorkshire Three Peaks, Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, form part of a 39km (24-mile) challenge walk, and many walkers make the ascent of single peaks, adding to the pressure on footpath maintenance.

Anyone who would like to stage an event can contact Steve Hastie on 01729 825242 or on his mobile 07818 048767 or alternatively, can email him.