Chatsworth Challenge : Date : Sat. 26th June 2010
The history of the walks so
far in words and pictures
Up to date financial details and other information about our fundraising activities
Annual financial details of the totals raised from our Walkers and Corporate Sponsors
The ups, the downs, and all the bits in between
Preparation, Hints & Tips
Handy tips and sound advice for tackling those peaks.
Some interesting features associated with our walks
All the other bits we couldn’t fit in anywhere else
threepeakschallenge.com are organisers of fund raising challenge walks in support of the Dave Owens and Frank Goodall Memorial Fund to raise monies for nominated charities in support of cancer research, prevention, and treatment.
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Gerard’s Tips For The Day
You've read the hints and tips of the Mountain Goat on other parts of this website. Now here's the personal recommendations and ideas on getting through the punishing Three Peaks Challenge in one piece from our own Three Peaks Challenger and Event Organiser...
Gerard Mitchell
Experience
Over the years a great deal has been spoken and documented about the equipment required to ensure a safe and enjoyable day in the countryside and hills. Most of these articles have been written by experienced walkers and are based on their own encounters over a number of years. I find that experience is usually gained immediately after you actually required it, i.e. we often learn the hard way. If these comments contribute to you to enjoying the Three Peaks Challenge’ without learning the hard way it will make my efforts worthwhile. I have segregated the areas I feel need addressing to allow easy reference.
the time he was forced to retire! Even when feet and boots are well matched, over twenty six miles blisters can occur. Most walking shops sell specialised blister patches. They resemble clear pads of silicon and provide an excellent cushioned barrier between raw skin and boot. These patches aren't cheap but I've seen them in action and I know they work. Good quality fabric plasters are cheaper and more readily available and they will do you a job if you apply them as soon as you realise you have a problem.
Food & Drink
The amount of food you eat during the day is down to personal preference. I have walked with people who seem to munch their way right through the twenty-six miles and with others who will make a sandwich and a couple of chocolate bars last all day. The choice is yours but most inexperienced walkers over-cater. However, what isn't arbitrary is water. Water is essential even in poor weather, but if the sun shines and you’re not carrying enough you'll be in serious trouble. Most walkers are happy to share food (particularly the ones with the six pork pies left) but you try scrounging water at three o'clock on a hot June afternoon. You will find that a different proposition all-together. Drinking from streams?... You're on your own. After taking on board as much as I can before I start each of the three stages I take two 500 ml bottles with me. This has always worked out in the past.
Clothing
The experts all agree that layers of clothing rather than a couple of thicker heavy garments are more comfortable and practical. Layered clothing allows better adjustment between the 7.00 a.m. chill of Pen-y-ghent and the potential 3.00 p.m. heat of Ingleborough. The weather in the Yorkshire Dales is notoriously un-predictable with high winds accompanied by rain materializing from nowhere. Lightweight waterproofs should always be carried. Though it isn't essential, if you are prepared to pay for Gore Tex do it. Gore Tex does exactly what it says on the tin. I see people without waterproofs walking in the rain seemingly oblivious until the wind starts to blow. Wind on a wet body sucks the heat out of you at an alarming rate. It won't kill you in June but it might ruin your day.
Sun-block
During the lead-up to a summer's day out in the dales that un-predictability in the weather always leaves me devouring every weather forecast within reach in an attempt to best guess what might happen on the day. Despite all this I usually find myself on the morning of the walk packing everything from sweatshirts and waterproofs to tee shirts and shorts. In these enlightened times one thing that should always be included on your packing list is a high factor sun-block. Even if you are one of the speed-merchants who can complete the walk in eight hours (but there won't be many of those) you are still going to risk over exposure if we get the weather we should do in June.
Summary
To summarise, I often read on walking web sites that you shouldn't allow your boots off the tarmac unless you are carrying twenty maps, a compass, a GPS navigator, enough food and spare dry clothing for a week, and a bivi-bag for if you have to spend a night out on the hills. This may be good advice for the Lake District or the Cairngorms in mid winter but I feel it's a bit over the top for what we are trying to achieve.
Footwear
I think the first and most important area to cover for the three peaks is footwear. On a June day in the Dales, notwithstanding a serious fall or some other injury, nothing will ruin you day quicker and more efficiently that ill-fitting or un-suitable footwear. Twenty-six miles, including plenty of ascents and descents will seek out any weakness in your choice of footwear. Decent walking shoes and boots start at around £35-00. They might not keep your feet bone try if severely tested, but bought in advance and broken-in sufficiently they will do you proud on the day. Plenty of mileage around your local streets should do the trick. I find that a pair of fresh socks at the start of each stage refreshers the old plates of meat. I feel that borrowing boots should be a last resort. They may be well broken in but to suit somebody else's feet. Without doubt the worst blisters I've ever seen were sported by a lad who'd borrowed a well-broken pair of size elevens to go on his own nines. His feet were a mess by
For tackling the three peaks in June I'm confident that if you follow the advice offered here, watch where you’re putting your feet, show the hills the respect they deserve, don't go wandering off on your own and you are physically fit enough to take up the challenge in the first place you will enjoy a great day out in good company in some of the finest surroundings England has to offer.
Gerard
One thing they don't usually mention carrying is toilet paper. Whilst I'm not going to dwell in the subject, (thank goodness - Ed.) not having it when you need it can also ruin an otherwise pleasant day.
Jeans : Light cotton trousers or shorts are much better suited to walking than jeans. Jeans, particularly wet ones, are famous for causing localised chaffing; capable of taking a grown man (or
woman for that matter) to the verge of tears.
The real downside of chaffing is that nine times out of ten it occurs in places where even your best friend will not administer any ointment that might be to hand.
Page Acknowledgements
Text : Philip Lynskey : Gerard Mitchell :
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threepeakschallenge.com are organisers of fund raising challenge walks in support of the Dave Owens and Frank Goodall Memorial Fund to raise monies for nominated charities in support of cancer research, prevention, and treatment.
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