Yorkshire Three Peaks

[Jonny]

I was thinking about doing this, and feeling up for the challenge I need to get some miles under my boots before trying it. So I need some places to walk basically and being in London that doesn't seem likely..

Anyone have any places where I could get some experience?

[dave_mc]

there are loads of parks in london, surely?

EDIT: i have no idea about hiking, though, so if it needs to be mountainous, you might be out of luck.

[Philly Q]

Er, Hampstead Heath?  :?  But tread carefully....



No, seriously, I'm ashamed to admit that despite having lived in or near London for 27 years, I have no idea.

I found these:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Time-Out-Book-Country-Walks/dp/1904978886

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Time-Country-Walks-Near-London/dp/1904978088/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b

[Will]

Brecon beacons?

[dave_mc]

Er, Hampstead Heath?  :?  But tread carefully....

:lol:

even just go to one of the big ones, like regent's park. that big one in greenwich is fairly big, too.

[Afghan Dave]

Er, Hampstead Heath?  :?  But tread carefully....

The Heath is great fun, loads of really friendly guys to chat to and hang out with day or night.... Just say you know me and you'll be cruising around working up a sweat in no time...  :)

[LazyNinja]

I did this earlier this year and it was great fun. If you're reasonably fit, shouldn't cause a problem as long as you have appropriate boots and carry plenty of water. Also make sure you have big plasters ready for when someone inevitably gets a blister on their foot. Wear thick socks to prevent this.

At a very steady comfortable pace (slow enough you don't really run out of breath), it takes about 10 hours. I think we did it in just over 8 and a bit and I thought it was too fast for me I was totally shattered afterwards. You gotta have a pint at the village afterwards too it'll be the best pint ever, well earned!  :D


Edit: Actually, are you thinking of doing it in the winter? Could make it considerably more difficult. Slippy rocks, boggy paths (if they are still walkable at all), cold, dark etc etc.

[Will]

Just a note on plasters: when I have fencing weeks I am on my feet a lot, and plasters stick is very cr@p. I find electrical tape holds them on whilst letting the skin breathe enough

[Jonny]

I did this earlier this year and it was great fun. If you're reasonably fit, shouldn't cause a problem as long as you have appropriate boots and carry plenty of water. Also make sure you have big plasters ready for when someone inevitably gets a blister on their foot. Wear thick socks to prevent this.

At a very steady comfortable pace (slow enough you don't really run out of breath), it takes about 10 hours. I think we did it in just over 8 and a bit and I thought it was too fast for me I was totally shattered afterwards. You gotta have a pint at the village afterwards too it'll be the best pint ever, well earned!  :D


Edit: Actually, are you thinking of doing it in the winter? Could make it considerably more difficult. Slippy rocks, boggy paths (if they are still walkable at all), cold, dark etc etc.

I'm planning on doing it in the summer.

I'm just looking for places to hike, not just for a brisk walk.

[Philly Q]

Still on the equipment front, I have running socks which are supposed to prevent blisters.  They have two layers, so in effect one layer sticks to your foot, the other to your shoe and they slide against each other, so your bare skin isn't rubbing against anything.

They actually do seem to work.  Maybe there's a walking sock equivalent?  They're made by "1000 Mile".