Our course tips

Here are some of the tips we have picked up during training;

• Section to Gargrave, just walk at a steady pace and let your muscles warm up, if your feeling good dib in and carry on, as no need to stop unless you need a drink.
• Section to Malham, along the limestone track try to keep to the edge of the grass, it will save your feet for later on. When joining the pennine way on this section be careful as this is not a very clear path.
• Malham cove needs to be taken at your own pace, the steps are un-even and differing heights
• Dropping down into Horton-in-Ribblesdale, if the weathers wet then take care on the slope and the scrabbles as can be very slippy.
• Horton to Cam Farm, this section is mainly on hard going un-even limestone track and can really hurt your feet, the climbs don't look much but in total are the 2nd highest on the walk. Once dropping down towards cam farm, its slippy and tricky in good weather so any rain will require extra care, the path through the wood is tricky too with broken branches underfoot.
• When leaving Cam Farm the tracks through the fields aren't very clear and can also be a little boggy. This is followed by a long road section, the good news being this is down hill.
• The section in to Buckden is along the river and gets very wet underfoot with just a gentle down pour.
• From Buckden again the path follows the valley and river and can be very wet and muddy underfoot all the way to Kettlewell.
• Once at Kettlewell the path climbs then drops back to the road, then its the very sneaky and steep climb, the will test legs after over 60km. Then your out in the wide open on the top of the hill and if the weathers bad, it will feel like the worlds against you, just keep your head down and follow the path, if its a clear morning the views are awesome.
• The path down in to Coniston is a steep winding road, that again will take its toll some what on tired feet, save and energy drink for here and just focus on breakfast at the check point, we've ordered bacon butties
• From Coniston the walk climbs again toward Malham moor, the paths here get a little mixed up, due to lovely mountain bikers not staying on the bridle path, so care needs to be taken. Again if the weathers poor you will feel like your in a washing machine as there is no were to hide. The section just before you start the decent to Hetton is very boggy, so care needs to be taken, then its down the old roman road into Hetton and your nearly there.
• Unfortunately we didn't do the final 10km due to being soaked to the skin and Matthew not having waterproofs at all.
• Top tips I've had was using alcohol gel on my feet to dry them up and reduce blisters, also flap jacks are great energy food. Get a bum bag or as i do an old camera bag on your belt for snack (thanks to the ladies who gave the talk at Aireville for that tip). Walk at the pace of your slowest member, and if they are in the zone just let them walk. When climbing hills if a team member is dropping back take a break let them catch up, but don't just set off they may need a break too (they will get very down if you set off after having a breather and they don't get one). Remember you are a team so work as one.

PS i have raffle tickets for sale and also sweep (pain) stake for the time so if your interested email me, raffle prizes include £50 Yeomans outdoor voucher, 2 tickets for Leeds Rhinos rugby, DVD's, Wine, Chocolates. at a £1 a strip, to be drawn on Friday at registration.