How to Train for the Edale Skyline Challenge + More Preparation Tips
How to Train for the Edale Skyline Challenge + More Preparation Tips
The Edale Skyline Challenge is a fantastic hike, but as the name suggests, it is a challenging walk. In this guide, we will look at how to train for the Edale Skyline Challenge to ensure that you are available to enjoy the experience to the fullest.
What is the Edale Skyline Challenge Walk?
The Edale Skyline Challenge Walk is a classic hike that is based on the race for fell runners. The route usually starts from Hope. The route takes you to some of the most beautiful places in the Peak District, including Win Hill, Kinder Scout, Brown Knoll, Rushup Edge, Mam Tor, Back Tor and Lose Hill. Then back down to where you started in Hope.
Where to park for the Edale Skyline Challenge Walk?
If you are driving to the start point in Hope, then you can park at the Hope Village Car Park (in Hope Valley, postcode S33 6SB). There are free toilets available here, but they aren’t always open!
Taking the train to Hope
When doing the Edale Skyline walk from Hope, you can also travel there via the train which can be very convenient. Just check the train times before you travel and factor in the time getting from the station to the starting point. If walking, this takes about 15 minutes.
How Long Does it Take to Do the Edale Skyline Challenge Walk?
Since this is a very long and demanding hike, it will take you around 8-10 hours to complete it, depending on fitness levels and weather conditions. The Edale Skyline Challenge route is 20 miles/32 km long and the many peaks that you climb mean that the total amount of ascent is over 1,000m.
How Hard is the Edale Skyline Challenge?
The Edale Skyline Challenge walk doesn’t have a technical route but since it covers a lot of distance, it is tough. You need to have a good level of fitness and you need to be able to walk over hilly terrains (with many steep ascents!) for a full day with only short breaks.
How to Prepare for the Edale Skyline Challenge – What I Did
I did the Edale Skyline Challenge in the summer of 2023 (in very rainy conditions – more about that experience in a different blog post!). From the moment that I booked the walk 4-5 months earlier, I focussed on preparing for the hike. It was my first organised walk and my first proper challenge hike and I was very excited.
To train for the Edale Skyline Challenge, it’s a good idea to focus on building both your fitness and your stamina. You can do this by doing a lot of walking. Walk briskly and make sure that you include longer walks and hilly hikes. Practise routes with similar elevations and work up your endurance gradually to longer and longer hikes. You can even do some sections of the Edale Skyline or other routes in the nearby area to familiarise yourself. You should be able to comfortably do 15 mile walks before you attempt the Edale Skyline Challenge.
As part of my walking training, I tried to do 20,000 steps per day as often as I could, and occasionally 30,000. If you’re wondering how many steps the Edale Challenge Walk is, it was around 50,000 for me.
I also trained with a backpack similar to the weight of the pack that I would be carrying on the day to make the conditions as similar as possible.
More on Training – and Resting!
Other exercises are of course great for building your fitness too but to train for a long, difficult hike, the best thing you can do is to do a lot of hiking.
Don’t do too much in the days before the big event though to ensure that you can start with well-rested legs and muscles. Also schedule in a couple of days of rest for after the walk – the DOMS after such a long hike can be quite extreme!
What Gear Do You Need for the Edale Skyline Challenge Walk?
Before you head out on any hike, it’s important to ensure that you have the appropriate gear. For the Edale Skyline walk, essential gear include:
Clothing:
- Walking boots – waterproof, well-worn in and with good ankle support.
- Daypack – a comfortable hiking backpack that can hold all your gear for the day. Don’t forget a waterproof cover or a dry bag to line the backpack with to keep your stuff dry.
- Layers – pack extra layers to make it easy to adjust to changes in temperatures.
- Waterproof hiking jacket and trousers – when hiking in the Peak District you should always have a waterproof jacket with you. Rain trousers are great to have with you in your pack too.
- Hat & gloves – a sun hat or cap for sunnier conditions, and a warmer hat and waterproof gloves for when the weather isn’t warm/dry. I had a waterproof rain hat but no gloves for my Edale Skyline Challenge. It was in August but I really wish I had had my hiking gloves with me as my hands got really cold from the wet and windy weather. Higher elevations mean cooler temperatures, so when climbing high, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for this.
- Spare socks – for long hikes (especially in wet weather), spare hiking socks are great to have in your backpack to freshen up your feet.
Other Essentials
- Food & water – Pack a lunch and plenty of high energy snacks to keep you going all day. Also pack at least 1.5 liters of water. In warm weather you’ll need more water and in cold weather a hot drink can be wonderful.
- Personal first aid kit and other hygiene items – any medication that you might need, plasters (including blister plasters), antiseptic wipes, sun cream, lip balm, hand wipes, hand sanitisers, tissues, a bag for rubbish, etc.
- Fully charged phone – make sure your phone is fully charged for the day and take a charged power bank (and cable) with you too. If it’s likely to be raining, a waterproof phone pouch is also a good idea!
Edale Skyline Challenge Walk – Other Considerations
Weather
What kind of weather you get on the day can considerably change the walk and what you need to consider. If you know it’s going to be a wet one, prepare with good quality waterproofs, spare socks, gloves, etc. If it’s going to be hot and sunny, you’ll need to choose clothes that keep you cool and protected from the sun, pack extra water, and make sure you don’t forget sunny day essentials such as sun cream, sunglasses and a sun hat. Check the weather the day before and pack/prepare accordingly. Always be prepared for unpredictable weather changes too – things can fluctuate a lot in the hills!
Navigation
If you are confident with navigation, then you can navigate the Edale Skyline Challenge route with a physical map and a compass or an online map. If navigation is not your strong suit, then an organised hike is a good option. There are many companies that organise hikes in the Peak District, including the Edale Skyline Challenge Walk. By choosing to go with a group like this, then you can completely focus on the walk and not worry about where you’re going.
Safety
When heading out on an adventure, always let someone know the details of your plans – where you are going, when you are expected to return, any potential dangers, and plans in case of a potential emergency.
Conclusion – Get Ready for the Edale Skyline Challenge
Hopefully the above tips will help you get ready for tackling the Edale Skyline Challenge. It’s a fantastic but challenging hike – you’ll be so happy with your achievement afterwards and you’ll love the beautiful scenery and views along the way. The Edale Skyline medal above is from Earned It Co and makes a nice memento after completing the challenge!
