The Yorkshire 3 Peaks Route:

Anti-clockwise circular route starting and finishing in Horton-in-Ribblesdale.


  

Saturday Timetable:

06:30 Registration opens in Horton 

08:00 START Challenge (Anti-clockwise)

09:00 Summit Pen-y-Ghent

10:00 Refreshments at Ribblehead

13:00 Summit Whernside

14:00 Philpin Farm refreshments

15:30 Summit Ingleborough

19:30 Expected end of challenge 

IMPORTANT INFO:

• A WHATSAPP group will be created to share info and photos on the day. In signing up to the event you are agreeing to be added to this group, which will contain other participants. This is necessary so that details can be shared in the run up to the event, including last minute changes, reminders or cancellations.
• Charity involvement: many of our walks are being run in partnership with charities. As such, sign up information is shared with the charity involved for the purpose of running the event and communicating its purpose, which is to help raise awareness and funds for the charity. By signing up, you are agreeing to receive information from Get Outdoors and the charity. 
• Booking Terms & Conditions (Including cancellation policy): are found here. PLEASE READ BEFORE MAKING A BOOKING.
• Kit: Packed lunches, walking boots, multiple layers and waterproofs (including trousers!) are essential. The weather could be very cold and wet. Please visit our recommended kit list.
• While on the walk: we ask you to remain with the group and following instructions from Get Outdoors leader(s), who have the final decision in all instances.
• Parking Charges: may apply. Good idea to bring cash/change.
• Problems: on the day call Chris: 07885157903
• Dogs: are welcome on the walks, but are entirely the owner's responsibility, must have a lead and be under close control at all times. Please check your accommodation's policy.
• Livestock: If encountered do not walk too close or get between a cow and calf. If threatened, let go of your dog so it can escape and reduce the risk to yourself.
• Public rights of way: please keep to them and respect the landowner’s property at all times.
• Stiles: are often present on the route to negotiate on this type of walk.
• Countryside walking: can often include hills and uneven terrain. Our group ethos is to support everyone in group to achieve their maximum potential in terms of completing the route. As such, we endeavour to walk at a pace all participants are comfortable with. We apologise if this causes any frustration to fitter walkers.
• Health: please consult your doctor if you are at all worried about your fitness and ability to take part. Please inform the walk leaders, Get Outdoors, of any underlying health conditions that may affect your walking ability before signing.

Health & Safety Application Form:

If you have not already (or if circumstances have changed), please complete the participant health & safety form at this link, so we know how best to look after you.   

Weather:

Hill and mountain walking can be hazardous! Not being prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions can lead to over exposure or heat stroke. Layers are key, allowing you to easily adjust your level of warmth. We are likely to experience some nasty weather, so for your safe enjoyment please bring the items specified on the kit list.   

Food & Drink:

Walkers are expected to bring all of the food they need for the walk. 

As with kit, make sure you have tried and tested anything you eat during the walks, as you do not know how your body might react.

You are going to be walking for 12 hours. You will consume body fat reserves, expel water and salts that need replacing to prevent muscle cramps, dehydration and fatigue. Hydration is the most important aspect of nutrition. It is essential to take on water in regular, small amounts throughout the walk. It is easy to underestimate how much you need and suffer dehydration, particularly in hot weather.  Each walker should carry a minimum of 3 litres of fluid; water and sugary drinks. It is important to bring plenty of high energy food and snacks as well as something substantial like a sandwich for lunch. You need to provide your own food and water for the duration of the Challenge. We expect to have several refreshment stops on the route, but best to prepare for the unexpected!

Fitness & Training

The Yorkshire Three Peaks is often underestimated. This is a tough walk that tests anyone to their physical and mental limit. It requires a significant level of fitness, stamina and determination.

The level of training needed depends totally on what level of fitness you are starting from, but the biggest motivating factor to getting fit is undoubtedly to have a goal to work towards. So you have already taken the first step in targeting this challenge.

For the Yorkshire 3 Peaks it is extremely important to focus on both the distance and also the hill climbing fitness! This is a long 25 mile challenge, but there are also 3 big peaks to climb, which is where your fitness will be tested the most. You will ascend more height during the challenge than if you were climbing Ben Nevis or Snowdon twice!

As a rough guide, we recommend vigorous exercise at least 3 times per week for as long as possible in the build up to the event. So get started ASAP! You may wish to concentrate on shorter, faster walks/runs in the week and a longer, steadier walk covering more miles at the weekend.

Cardio:

Improve your cardiovascular fitness by walking your shorter walks as fast as you can. Jogging uphill is an even better way to improve cardio. Walk briskly on the hilliest routes you can find, such that you are regularly out of breath. Depending on your starting fitness, you may wish to start around 30 mins twice a week and increase this until you are going for over an hour or for as long as time allows.

Stamina:

Include a long weekly walk, building up to at least 18 miles or more. This is a LONG walking challenge, so make sure you build time on your feet. For example, to reach this goal start with a weekend 5 mile walk. Add 1 mile each week and after 13 weeks (3 months) you will find you have made it to 18 miles. 

Try to make these long walks as hilly as you can. Visiting mountains such as Snowdon, Scafell Pike or Kinder Scout (Peak District) are great ways to make your training more interesting, prepare you for the rough terrain and give you intermediary goals to help motivate you.

Equipment and Nutrition Test:

Failing to do this is one of the major reasons people fail this challenge! Make sure you check our Kit List for anything you may need, but even more importantly try out all of the kit and food you are planning to use on these long walks. You don't want new boots giving you blisters on the day, so make sure they are well worn in. You want to make sure you've worked out and adjusted to the most comfortable position for your rucksack. You need to try out all of the food and drink you plan to use, so you can make sure you won't have any adverse reactions on the big day. If you plan to use walking poles, they take some getting used to, etc.

Strength and Condition Exercise:

Strength and condition exercise, such as weight training or Pilates are beneficial for working on your leg power and core strength, but do not be overly reliant on this type of exercise, you need to get out there and cover hilly distances.

Taper Time: 

Make sure you reduce your training and take it easier for the 2 weeks running up to the event. It takes roughly this long for your muscles to recover and grow to have any benefit from training. So anything you do in the last 2 weeks should just be aimed at keeping things ticking over rather than thinking you can improve your fitness at the last minute. You are much better getting to the start of the challenge with fresh legs ready to go rather than over worked tired ones full of lactic acid. Also make sure you sleep, eat and drink well in the build up. It's time to rest, carbo load, hydrate and be ready!

Conclusion & Get Outdoors Training Walks: 

The fitter you are the more enjoyable the challenge. Give yourself plenty of time to build up by joining us for some training soon. Get Outdoors has lots of walks such as the 20 mile Edale Skyline, the 22mile Ullswater Way in the diary that are great for training. They also provide an opportunity to ask questions about your upcoming event and possibly meet other members of the team. So please browse this website and come join us soon. We are always adding new dates. Taking part in build up events is also a great excuse to push fundraising pages and update supporters about your challenge journey.