How to train for the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge…

Walking the Yorkshire Three Peaks is an awesome undertaking that shouldn’t be underestimated - 3 peaks and 25 miles in 12 hours or less isn’t something to be sniffed at! That being said, with the right preparation it’s a super-fun, doable adventure that you’ll remember forever.

We’ve guided hundreds of groups on the Yorkshire Three Peaks route over the years, so we’ve seen it all. We know what it takes to get the most out of the challenge, and we know the difference a good level of fitness can make on the day.

To help you get the most out of your epic Y3P experience, we’ve put together some of the training tips we think are most valuable below.

Why train for the Yorkshire Three Peaks?

This is one of the questions we’re asked most frequently. The answer, in a nutshell, is because even for the most active of walkers, this is a big day out.

To put it into perspective, the walk to the summit of Ben Nevis and back is around 11 miles with 1,345m (4,413ft) of ascent. The Yorkshire Three Peaks is a little more than twice the number of miles walked and with 1,585m (5,200ft) of ascent overall, you’re walking both further and ‘higher’. While the peak climbs aren’t as strenuous as climbing Ben Nevis, you shouldn’t underestimate the physical challenge of the Yorkshire Three Peaks!

We therefore recommend that to complete, and most importantly to enjoy the challenge, it does pay to step up your training beforehand. The better shape you’re in, the more fun you’ll have!

How should I train for the Yorkshire Three Peaks?

Some like to follow rigid training plans, but we’re not great fans of these as they can make you feel anxious if you’re not following the training regime to the letter. Instead, we recommend you simply get out walking as much as you possibly can.

Don’t wait until the weekends - fit walks in, every day if possible, even if it’s just to the shops, on your lunch break, or around the block early in the morning. Make it a habit you look forward to. If you feel comfortable, listen to the radio, an audiobook, or your favourite songs, turning even the most familiar routes into an enjoyable expedition.

Hills should be your friends, and if they’re not right now then make sure they are by the time the challenge comes around! If you have hills nearby, build up your stamina by going up and down them. Even if you’re pretty sporty already, walking uphill uses different muscles and tires you out quicker than you’d expect to begin with, so get some hill training in when you have the chance to.

if you live somewhere flatter, consider walking up and down the biggest local hilly street or set of stairs you can find whenever you can - no more taking the lift for now!

Build up your distance and speed gradually until you’re comfortable walking 18-25 miles a few weeks before the challenge.

How fast do I need to walk to complete the Yorkshire Three Peaks?

In theory the walking pace works out at 2mph to complete the circuit within our 12-hour timeframe. This might sound slow, but when you factor in the ascents and breaks (for food and just to enjoy the magnificent scenery), it’s about right.

When training for the walk, a pace of 3-4mph (5-6.5kmph) should be suitable - but don’t forget to include hills on your training routes!

What about kit?

We go into detail on the compulsory kit you’ll need on our General (Walking) Kit List, but just as important is that you get used to your kit ahead of the big day. If we had to make a prediction at the start of each walk on who will be least likely to enjoy, or even finish the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, it would almost always be those who are ripping the tags off their brand new boots or waterproofs at the start line!

Since you’re going to be doing plenty of training walks ahead of the big day, make sure you spend time getting used to your gear. We recommend:

• Wear your boots in. Get a pair of hiking boots and make sure you’ve clocked up a good number of miles in them before the challenge. Same goes for a good pair of walking socks and even a spare pair (changing them halfway round the Yorkshire Three Peaks refreshes your feet just at the time when they need a booster).

• Get used to layers. How many layers of clothing you need is personal to you but bear in mind that temperatures and wind speed can change as we get higher so use the training to get layer-savvy. Know what suits you, and your thermostat, and avoid layers that cause chafing (believe me after 12 hours this will be the only thing you can think about!).

• Get comfortable with your walking poles.  Yes we will always give a thumbs up to walking poles as they can take pressure off your joints, particularly knees during a gruelling day out and support you on rocky terrain. However, as with every other bit of kit, if you’re planning to use them don’t do so for the first time on the day of the challenge itself, as they do take some getting used to for most people.

• Invest in a good rucksack. A well-fitting and comfy rucksack (30 litre capacity is suitable for most people) that carries all your kit will be a saviour on the day. Make sure it has a waist band so you can lessen the load on your back. A good rucksack is a great investment that will last you many years of walking to come. Visit your local outdoor shop for advice and to try different brands and sizes.

What food should I bring for the Yorkshire Three Peaks?

It’s important you’re adequately fuelled-up for your walk and that you’ve got enough food to keep you going throughout. You won’t have time for a leisurely lunch break on the walk (we generally stop for up to 20 minutes), so make sure the food you bring can be eaten on-the-go, and isn’t too heavy or rich. Check out our dedicated Blog on what to eat on the Yorkshire Three Peaks.

How do I sign up for a Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge?

If you’d like to join a sociable challenge with a group of fellow challengers and an experienced Large Outdoors guide, book onto one of our Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge day walks.

If you need accommodation for the night before and after the walk, why not join a Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge Weekend? Great accommodation that’s right on the route, evening meals and breakfasts, and a packed lunch for the day are included.