• 13 January 2025

Embracing the Winter Walk

As the Active Blaby team prepares for the ambitious Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, winter walking has become an essential part of our training regime. This formidable challenge, covering Yorkshire’s three highest peaks – Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough – demands serious preparation, even during the colder months. Our team’s commitment to training through winter has revealed not just the challenges but also the unexpected joys of cold-weather walking. Whether you’re training for a similar challenge or simply looking to stay active, winter walking offers unique rewards for those willing to brave the elements.

The physical benefits have been transformative for our team. Regular winter walking helps combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD), boosts vitamin D levels (even on cloudy days), and maintains the fitness levels we’ll need for tackling those Yorkshire peaks. The cold air has notably improved our cardiovascular endurance, as our bodies work harder to maintain temperature – essential preparation for the challenge ahead.

Weather Awareness:
Our team always checks detailed weather forecasts religiously before heading out, paying special attention to wind chill factors and precipitation predictions. Winter weather in the UK can change rapidly – a lesson we’ve taken to heart during our training walks. Being prepared to turn back if conditions deteriorate is crucial, especially as we build up to longer distances.

Proper Clothing:
Through trial and error, we’ve mastered the three-layer system: a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating middle layer, and a waterproof outer layer. Our team members always pack spare gloves and socks – a lesson learned from some particularly damp training sessions!

Footwear and Equipment:
For our Yorkshire challenge, we’ve invested in boots with good ankle support and deep tread patterns. Our training walks have proven the value of walking poles, particularly on slippery surfaces and for maintaining balance in strong winds. These will be essential for the steep ascents and descents of the Three Peaks.

Navigation and Timing:
Winter’s short days have taught us to start early and plan carefully. Even on our local practice routes, we carry reliable torches and ensure phones are fully charged. This discipline will be crucial for the time-limited challenge of the Three Peaks.

Essential Supplies:
Each team member carries a enough to drink and high-energy snacks – vital for maintaining energy during cold weather training. We’ve assembled comprehensive first aid kits and always carry emergency foil blankets. Our support network knows our planned routes and expected return times for every training walk.

Urban Walking:
Many of our team members begin their training with urban walks around Blaby district. We’ve learned to watch for black ice on pavements, especially in shaded areas and early mornings. These urban walks have been valuable stepping stones toward more.

Mornings:
Take extra care on steps and slopes, which can become treacherous when wet or icy challenging terrain. Despite the challenges, our winter training walks have offered rich rewards beyond physical preparation. The stark beauty of frost-covered landscapes across Leicestershire has given us a new appreciation for our local area. The exhilaration of crisp air and the satisfaction of maintaining our training schedule through the colder months make it all worthwhile.

As we build toward our Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, we’ve adopted the motto that there’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing choices. With proper preparation and respect for winter conditions, we’re not just training safely – we’re discovering the unique character of winter landscapes right here in Leicestershire and beyond.

Despite the challenges, winter walking offers rich rewards. The beauty of winter landscapes, the crisp air, and the satisfaction of maintaining an active lifestyle through the colder months make it well worth the extra preparation. And most importantly it builds strong team bonds as we go along. By following these safety guidelines, you can enjoy all the benefits while minimizing the risks.