Training hikes by region

Choose practical training routes you can repeat, then build duration and ascent steadily across your training block.

What to look for in a training walk

Pick routes you can repeat every 1-2 weeks so progress is measurable.

Start around 2-3 hours, then work towards 5-6 hours in full kit by 2-3 weeks before event day. Include descents and at least one poor-weather session.

For National, include at least one early or late session to test tired walking. See night walking and head torches.

North England

Lake District

Closest terrain match to National: rough ground, steep ascents and long descents.

Helvellyn via Striding Edge

13km 730m ascent

Mountain day with scrambling and exposure. A full day out that tests navigation, fitness and nerve on the exposed ridge.

Skiddaw from Keswick

16km 950m ascent

Long steady climb for pacing practice. A clear path to the summit makes this a reliable all-weather option.

Old Man of Coniston circular

11km 780m ascent

Shorter but steep climbing session. The ascent is relentless and the views from the top across Coniston Water are a good reward.

Peak District

Accessible for repeatable 4-5 hour sessions.

Kinder Scout circular from Edale

15km 600m ascent

Long boggy plateau day with steep climbs. The terrain underfoot is demanding and the navigation on top requires attention.

Stanage Edge to Burbage

10km 350m ascent

Shorter ridge session for consistent volume. Easy to fit into a half day and good for building weekly mileage.

Mam Tor and the Great Ridge

10km 450m ascent

Exposed ridge with steady climbing. The rolling profile along the ridge is satisfying and the views into the Hope Valley are excellent.

Yorkshire Dales

If Yorkshire is your event, training on route or nearby gives the best specificity.

Pen-y-ghent from Horton-in-Ribblesdale

8km 520m ascent

Direct event-specific peak session. Walking the actual route builds familiarity and confidence for event day.

Ingleborough from Clapham

12km 550m ascent

Longer approach for endurance pacing. The walk through Ingleborough Cave area and past Gaping Gill adds interest to a solid training day.

Malham Cove and Gordale Scar

11km 400m ascent

Varied terrain and pacing practice. The limestone pavement at the top of Malham Cove and the dramatic Gordale Scar make this a memorable training walk.

Route details for the full circuit: guided Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.

Midlands

Shropshire Hills

Long Mynd from Church Stretton

13km 500m ascent

Long ridge with steep valleys. The closest the Midlands gets to proper hill terrain.

Stiperstones circular

10km 350m ascent

Rocky ridge with exposure. Good for bad-weather practice.

Derbyshire / Staffordshire border

The Roaches and Lud's Church

8km 300m ascent

Short but interesting. Combine with Hen Cloud for more climbing.

Dovedale to Milldale and back

10km 250m ascent

Gentle valley walk. Useful for building base miles early in training.

If you are Midlands-based and want a bigger day, the Peak District is an hour's drive. Kinder Scout or Mam Tor will give you a proper hill session.

South England

Southern routes are often lower ascent; focus on time on feet and sustained pace.

South Downs

Devil's Dyke to Ditchling Beacon

14km 350m ascent

Long rolling ridge walk. Good for pacing over 3-4 hours.

Seven Sisters from Seaford

18km 500m ascent

The repeated chalk climbs are surprisingly demanding. An excellent Three Peaks prep walk with dramatic coastal scenery.

North Downs and Surrey Hills

Box Hill circular

10km 300m ascent

Steep short climbs. Accessible from London by train.

Leith Hill from Holmbury St Mary

12km 400m ascent

The highest point in Surrey. Combine with the Greensand Way for a longer day.

If your team is building fitness from scratch, the Surrey challenge is a useful stepping stone: guided Surrey Three Peaks Challenge.

South West

Dartmoor: Haytor and Hound Tor circular

10km 300m ascent

Open moorland with wind and exposure. Good for testing waterproofs.

Exmoor: Dunkery Beacon from Horner

12km 450m ascent

The highest point on Exmoor. Steep wooded valleys and open hilltop.

Wales

If Welsh is your event, on-route training is ideal preparation.

Eryri (Snowdonia)

Snowdon via the Llanberis Path

15km 940m ascent

The guided event route. Train on it at least once if you can.

Cadair Idris via the Minffordd Path

10km 850m ascent

Steep and relentless. One of the best single-peak training days in Wales.

Tryfan and the Glyderau

10km 900m ascent

Scrambling and rough ground. Harder than anything on the Three Peaks but builds confidence.

Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

Pen y Fan from Storey Arms

6km 450m ascent

Short and steep. Easy to fit into a half day. The car park at Storey Arms (LD3 8NL) fills quickly on weekends.

Fan y Big horseshoe

14km 650m ascent

A longer circuit that includes Pen y Fan. Better for building endurance.

Welsh event details: guided Welsh Three Peaks Challenge.

Scotland

Central Belt and Pentlands

Pentlands Skyline

26km 1,400m ascent

A long day that covers multiple summits. An excellent event-day simulation.

Arthur's Seat from Holyrood

4km 200m ascent

Short but steep. Useful for a weekday lunch session if you work in Edinburgh.

Highlands

Ben Lomond from Rowardennan

12km 950m ascent

The southernmost Munro. Accessible from Glasgow and a good National Three Peaks warm-up.

Ben Nevis via the Mountain Track

17km 1,350m ascent

The guided event route starts from the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre (PH33 6PF). If you can, walk it before event day.

No hills nearby?

If local terrain is flat, focus on 4-5 hour steady walks plus stair sessions. Stair repeats or StairMaster work is not a perfect substitute, but regular climbing volume improves uphill readiness.

Prioritise boot break-in on long flat walks before adding bigger hill days. See boot guidance.

Check weather and conditions before heading out. Carry a map and know the route. Do not rely solely on your phone. Countryside Code.

Next steps

Build a training plan around these walks

Choose 2-3 repeatable routes, place them into a structured plan, then book your event date.