I have walked the Yorkshire Three Peaks at least 5 times. I highly recommend it but please remember…

Here’s my top ten tips for surviving the peaks!

1. 1. Don’t over pack! The first time I walked the YTP I had no clue what I was doing. The kit list I read was obviously for walking the National Three Peaks and recommended that you take a change of clothes for each peak! That is really not necessary for the Yorkshire ones. Do take spare socks though. Here’s a pretty good kit list.

• Motivational music. My MP3 player was my saviour on that first trek up there. Get your playlist sorted before you go and don’t underestimate the power of cheesy pop 😉
• Do wear in those new walking boots. You do not want a blister to be your reason for dropping out. (It is a perfectly reasonable reason, they bloody hurt.)
• Get to know your group members. If you’re doing it with your friends or colleagues anyway then that’s great. However I have done both YTP and NTP on my own, which meant I had loads of people around me that I didn’t know. I made some great friends and it was nice to have people to talk to when I thought I couldn’t go on. Plus they might share their jelly babies with you 😀
• Be prepared. Okay so this applies to every thing in the world ever really… This isn’t just a stroll through the woods. It’s bloody hard work and if the weather turns, which it can do quite quickly up there, you need to be ready for it. A safety whistle, a fleece and a survival bag are essential and won’t take up much room in your pack.

1. Mini chocolate bars! This is not the time to be worrying about your weight watchers points, you will be burning so many calories it really doesn’t matter. Plus you’re probably doing this for charity so you’re allowed the chocolatey goodness…
2. Carry some spare change. There’s a snack bar before you head up Whernside and one before you go up Ingleborough. There’s also a pub which won’t allow you to use the toilets unless you buy something or “pay”. And don’t forget you’ll need some pennies for that celebratory pint at the end!
3. Slow down. It is not a race. You are walking in a beautiful part of the world, take a moment to take in your surroundings. It’s so peaceful and there’s some gorgeous wildlife around you.
4. Be respectful of your surroundings too. The route is well signposted, there is no need to cut across fields. Many people work very hard, voluntarily, to conserve the wildlife and environment of the Yorkshire Dales, please stick to the footpaths and don’t trespass on private property ♥
5. Have fun! Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Slow down when you need to, take it all in, rest, drink lots, eat snacks and smile 🙂

Don’t ever let anyone make you think you’re not good enough. 

Follow your dreams right now! Don’t wait until tomorrow, 

next week, next year. Stop planning, start doing 🙂

Be happy and keep smiling 😀