We’ve all heard about the 3 peaks, but what other walking challenges can you try this summer? Take a look at our blog for some inspiration for some great challenges around the UK.
Yorkshire 3 Peaks
The Yorkshire 3 peaks is a great alternative to the national 3 peaks challenge. Cutting down on a lot of travelling time allows you to enjoy the assents of Yorkshire’s 3 peaks.
The challenge includes: Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough covering a total 24 miles (38.6km), and including 1585m (5200ft) of ascent.
The route can be started from Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Ribblehead or Chapel le Dale, and is a circular route finishing at the same point.
Walk the Wall
This one is for walkers and history buffs alike. The Hadrian’s Wall Path is an 84 mile (135 km) long National Trail running alongside Hadrian’s Wall. Taking in historic forts and Roman outposts, there is plenty to see along the way!
Spanning from Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne to Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria this challenge is relatively easy and should be no problem for fit walkers.
Cairngorms 4000s
The highest concentration of mountains over 4000ft in the UK is in the Cairngorms in Scotland, making it the perfect place for a walking challenge! As if it was planned, five of them are arranged in a nice loop, making it possible to ascend all five in one go.
This is a tough 21 mile challenge – but if you are looking for something less challenging you can stay in nearby Aviemore and tackle the peaks over a few days.
Did you know the record for completing the five peaks is under four hours!
Thames Path
When you think of the Thames, skyscrapers and the hustle and bustle of London might come to mind, but there is so much more to this legendary river. The Thames path follows the river for 184 miles (294 Km) from its source near Cirencester in the Cotswolds through to the heart of London.
This trail has a bit of everything; from picturesque rural villages to wildlife filled meadows all in reaching distance from the Capital. The 184 miles of this trail make it a great challenge to chip away at over the summer or for the hardcore, to crack in one go!
Welsh 3 Peaks
Another alternative to the national 3 peaks challenge, the Welsh 3 peaks includes a total walking distance of 17 miles (27.4km) and an ascent of 2334 metres (7657ft). The challenge spans the length of Wales summiting Snowdon in the North, Cadair Idris in mid-Wales, and Pen y Fan in the South.
Most people set themselves the challenge of completing the 3 peaks in 24 hours, but if you want to take it slow you can do it over a few days!
If this has inspired you to take on a walking challenge this summer, make sure your footwear is up to the challenge too. Check out our range of walking boots – perfect for your next walking challenge.
Looking for something more long term? We are part of #walk1000miles from Country Walking Magazine. The idea of this challenge is to walk 1000 miles over the course of a year.
