Planning a UK Challenge or Overseas Trek? Good preparation is essential. Read our ‘Guide and Client Top Tips’ and discover a range of Training Walks to support you…
Wherever you go, you can look forward to stunning scenery, challenging walking, the experience of different cultures, and making good friends along the way.
Some preparation tips we’ve learnt along the way…
1. Start Training Early. If you are not a regular hill walker, then start your training and preparation at least six months before your trek (see more about our Peak Walking Adventures training walks below).
“Have a training plan – keep it mixed and fun!”
2. What’s Expected? Find out what is expected of you and plan that into your training. Find out how much weight you will have to carry, what distance you will walk each day, how much ascent and descent during a day, what type of terrain you will be walking over, and whether you will be camping.
3. Health Check: If you don’t exercise regularly or have doubts about your health, then seek medical advice before starting your training programme.
4. Get Fit: Once you have started training, do it regularly. Build exercise into your daily routine. Walking, cycling, going to the gym, running up and down stairs and active sports are all useful.
“Have a personal reason to climb your mountain”
5. Terrain: Hill walking is an essential part of your trek training so get out in the hills or mountains if possible. Try trek training hill walks in the UK that are more challenging than the trek you are preparing for – especially if you will be trekking at high altitude where walking is difficult due to the lower oxygen levels in the air that you breathe.
6. Clothing and Kit: Research the clothing and kit you will need in good time. If you need to buy anything, do so well in advance of your trek. Wear it and carry it on your trek training walks for at least a couple of months before your trek.
7. Boots: Ensure that your walking boots are comfortable and a good fit. There should be a gap between the end of your toes and the end of the boot. Wear them regularly for walks up and down hills for several months before your trek.
“Hike in all weathers and test your equipment”
8. Vaccinations: Seek medical advice regarding the vaccinations and medicines you need. Some diseases may require a course of vaccinations over a period of time. You may also need to think about budgeting for them as many are not available on the NHS and can be expensive!
9. Culture and Sustainability: Rest for a few days before you go – invest the time finding out about the culture, customs and sustainability practises associated with the area you are visiting.
10. Enjoy It: Take time to stop, stare, and share. Savour the moment, and value the local customs and culture you’re experiencing – it’s an experience of a lifetime!
“Make sure you hydrate well at high altitudes”
Our Challenge Walks: Our challenge walks range from 13 to 35 miles/ 21 to 56km – they build stamina, helping you build up the hours on rough hill, moorland or mountain terrain with ascents and descents. Start with an introductory walk, like our ‘Chase the Train’ Challenge 7.5 – 15 miles/12 – 25km, before working up to a longer challenge such as the Edale Skyline (20 miles/32km).
Our Fitness Walks: These are shorter, usually 10-12 miles/16-20km with up to 1200m/4000m of ascent. They focus on ascending and descending steep terrain over a shorter distance. Start with less ascent such as the Alport Castles and Kinder Fitness Walk (737m/2414ft of ascent), before moving onto something tougher, like the Kinder Scout Double (1131m/3711ft of ascent).
“It’s a great experience, a lasting memory – enjoy it!”
Have a great time trekking! When you come home, we’d love to hear and share your story.
