Walking challenges are an excellent way to explore the UK's beautiful landscapes while getting fit and spending quality time with friends, family, and colleagues. One of the most common reasons for our customers hiring our vans and minibuses during the summer months is to take on these vast array of walking challenges, many of which are right on our doorstep here in Yorkshire! Whether you’re doing a challenge with friends or as part of a sponsored walk with work, there’s plenty to choose from across the UK, all offering a different degree of difficulty depending on your fitness levels! Here are some of our favourite spots and frequently mentioned walking challenges from our customers who hire our vans and minibuses.
Yorkshire Three Peaks
We thought we’d start with the challenge that literally is right on our doorstep here in Skipton, the Gateway to the Dales! The Yorkshire Three Peaks is a popular hiking route in northern England, covering a distance of approximately 24 miles (39 km). The route takes hikers up three peaks: Pen-y-Ghent (694 m), Whernside (736 m), and Ingleborough (723 m). The route is challenging, with steep climbs and rugged terrain, but the breath-taking views of the surrounding countryside make it all worthwhile. You can do the walk in any order, but the usual route starts at Horton-in-Ribblesdale, with Pen-y-Ghent being the first peak to take on. Horton-in-Ribblesdale is just a 45-minute drive from our offices here in Skipton.
The National Three Peaks Challenge
Once you’ve completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks, surely the natural progression is to take on the National Three Peaks… or maybe not! The challenge involves climbing the highest peaks in Scotland, England, and Wales within 24 hours. This challenge is not for the faint-hearted and requires a high level of fitness and preparation. However, it is a great way to bond with friends and family while experiencing some of the UK's most beautiful scenery. There's no official route to complete the three peaks challenge, but the suggested order is Ben Nevis (Scotland), Scafell Pike (England), and Snowdon (Wales), the idea being that the highest peak is taken on first! It’s a good idea to either share the driving, or to have a designated driver who doesn’t walk the challenge. We’re sure you’ll have plenty of volunteers for that..!
The West Highland Way
If you fancy a walk further afield, and over a longer period, The West Highland Way is a 96-mile walk from Milngavie, near Glasgow, to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. This challenge takes you through some of Scotland's most beautiful landscapes, including Loch Lomond and Rannoch Moor. The walk can be completed in 5-9 days, depending on fitness levels, and offers plenty of opportunities for group bonding along the way.
The Hadrian's Wall Path
The Hadrian's Wall Path is an 84-mile walk that follows the line of the Roman wall from coast to coast. The walk takes you through some of England's most historic and scenic areas, including Northumberland National Park and the North Pennines. This challenge can be completed in 5-7 days, making it a great option for group walks and sponsored challenges. Because it’s completed over a longer period, you’ll need plenty of supplies!
The Pennine Way
The Pennine Way is a 268-mile walk that takes you through some of the UK's most dramatic landscapes, including the Yorkshire Dales and the Northumberland National Park. This challenge can be completed in 16-19 days, making it a great option for longer group walks. Of course, many people don’t complete the whole stretch of the route which goes from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders, but fortunately the route passes right near us here in Skipton, specifically Cowling, Gargrave, Malham, Horton-in-Ribblesdale and Hawes, so you could complete that section and still get the blood pumping!
The Cumbria Way
The Cumbria Way is a 70-mile walk from Ulverston to Carlisle, passing through some of Cumbria's most beautiful landscapes, including the Lake District and the Pennines. This challenge can be completed in 4-6 days, making it a great option for shorter group walks.
The Cotswold Way
The Cotswold Way is a 102-mile walk through the beautiful Cotswolds countryside, passing through charming villages and historic sites. This challenge can be completed in 7-10 days, making it a great option for group walks with a slower pace and plenty of time for sightseeing.
Lakes 24 Peaks
The Lakes 24 Peaks is a challenging hiking route in the Lake District, northern England, covering a distance of approximately 36 miles (58 km). The route takes hikers up 24 peaks, each over 2,400 feet (732 m), including Scafell Pike (978 m), the highest mountain in England. The route is demanding and requires a high level of fitness and experience, but the stunning views of the Lake District make it a rewarding challenge for experienced hikers.
Welsh 3000's
The Welsh 3000's is a demanding hiking route in Snowdonia National Park, Wales, covering a distance of approximately 24 miles (39 km). The route takes hikers up 15 peaks over 3,000 feet (914 m), including Snowdon (1,085 m), the highest mountain in Wales. The Welsh 3000's route is considered one of the toughest hiking routes in the UK and requires a high level of fitness and experience.
South Downs Way
The South Downs Way is a picturesque hiking route in southern England, covering a distance of approximately 100 miles (160 km). The route takes hikers through the South Downs National Park, passing through charming villages, rolling hills, and stunning countryside. The South Downs Way is a relatively easy hiking route, making it a great option for beginners or those looking for a less strenuous hike.
Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast is a stunning hiking route along the south coast of England, covering a distance of approximately 95 miles (153 km). The route takes hikers along the coastline, passing through picturesque fishing villages, rugged cliffs, and sandy beaches. The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including dolphins, seals, and rare birds.
Hopefully these beautifully scenic locations have given you lots of inspiration for your next walk as a group! Why not think about hiring a van or minibus to get you there, with enough room to carry all your kit as well? Our transit crew vans can comfortably seat up to 7 people with plenty of additional space for walking equipment. That way you and your group can travel together and arrive at the starting point at the same time, whilst also saving money on fuel as well as reducing your carbon footprint. So, you can sit down, relax and chat with snacks for your journey by hiring a van or minibus from us today. Simply call 01756 792911 or book online here.
