Training

Now that you’ve signed up for the Yorkshire 3-Peaks Challenge, it’s time to put on some walking boots (or trainers for now!), and start your training, especially if you’ve not taken on many long-distance walks before.

You can download the event training plan to help you or do please contact TFA who will be happy to discuss any training needs. You can do this by clicking here.

Regardless of your fitness level or miles you’ve walked, the training information below will guide you through all you need to know to get you ready for the challenge. As the warmer weather arrives, it’s the perfect time to get some useful miles into your legs, before the big day!


What level of fitness do I need to have for this challenge?
This is not an easy walk, but don’t let that put you off. You’ll be walking for 10-12 hours up steep ascents in one day. If you give yourself enough time to train (see Training Plan) and get used to your equipment (shoes and back pack), this is a challenge that everyone can overcome.

What type of walking boots do I need?
Above all, one that you feel comfortable wearing for a whole day. We’d recommend a comfortable and waterproof pair of socks as well as a backpack with straps that feel comfortable on your shoulders and back.

I have a medical condition, what should I do? We strongly recommend anyone who has a medical condition should seek approval from their GP / Consultant before signing up for a challenge.

When registering for the challenge, you are agreeing to be fit and healthy enough to take part. The Health and safety of all participants and members of staff are paramount to us.

Depending on the type and severity of your condition, we may require a letter from a medical professional stating that you are fit enough to undergo the activity.


Stay motivated - Fitness comes from endurance which takes time to build up and ultimately will only come with consistent miles of walking. Why not go out walking with like-minded friends, in general walking is great for chatting and the social element tends to vary your routes as you set different distance and destination goals.

Warm-up and cool down - You should ensure that your muscles are ready for a bike ride and that you stretch out post-exercise muscles.

Try a warmup that includes at least 10 to 15 minutes of easy riding at high cadence (spin the pedals faster) before starting your training.

Do the same at the end of the ride, this method calms the muscles down gently. Many cyclists now also swear by a foam roller for keeping leg muscles tuned up in good shape.

The right terrain - Whilst you’re unlikely to find steep hills, like the Yorkshire 3-Peaks, during your training, it’s important to get used to walking in similar conditions to the ones during your chosen event.

That means spending at least some time on local hills that will allow you to get used to walking up hill for a sustained period of time.


Eat well - When training and during events, you need to ensure your body and mind are properly fuelled.

Many walkers find that they forget to eat regularly – and then it can be too late. You should take a snack onboard every 30 minutes to 40 minutes even if at first you do not feel hungry.

A banana, a small bit of flapjack, or even some jelly babies in the back pocket can be a lifesaver. Test the type of food you plan to eat during training. The last thing you want is to end up feeling ill because the snack or energy hasn’t agreed with you on the day.

Always have lots of fluids to drink in your water bottles, you will tire rapidly dehydrated.

Steady build-up - Your training progression will depend on where you are starting from but wherever this is, you’ll need to progress steadily. If you try to build up too quickly you will end up sore and less likely to want to go out for a walk again, or, worse still, injure yourself.

Find a good training plan that’s right for your level and keep consistent with it. Do feel free to talk to us in advance, especially if you plan to buy new equipment.


Training Tips

  • If you are new to walking or haven’t exercised in a while make sure you take a few weeks to get your fitness up to speed before you start training.

  • It’s important to rest in between long walks - make sure you don’t push yourself too hard and give your body a few days off.

  • Eat a balanced diet with plenty of carbohydrates. Don’t train on an empty stomach.

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and try to avoid alcohol the day before the challenge.

  • Make sure you warm up and down to avoid injury.

  • Start slowly and set yourself achievable targets each week.