Are YTO events good value? Let’s ask the customers!

“You’re charging to go for a walk?!” We get this comment often.

So, why would you pay for a YTO activity?

Every walk, paddle, run or holiday is led by qualified, experienced and insured outdoor professionals.

In the background the YTO team are;

•Planning varied routes and activities  in beautiful locations.

•Carefully considering safety before and throughout an event

•Deciding on potential escape routes and diversion options.

•Looking for safe, easy to find (often free) parking options.

•Finding comfy and affordable holiday accommodation.

•Checking the weather and ground conditions in the days before an event.

•Learning all about the geology, history and nature in a location so it can be shared with our customers.

•Taking continuous development courses to refresh and refine our leadership skills.

The YTO community is fantastic too. Care, support, laughter, memories, motivation, confidence, inclusivity, understanding and friendship are all joyfully included in the price.

We asked our customers what they value most about the YTO experience, here’s what they said:

“The friendliness of the group. You'll work together as a team and they are very supportive.” Jo O

“The motivation of having booked a walk and the opportunity to explore areas that are new to me. Everything is taken care of (navigation, route planning/amendments) and safety is paramount. Feeling safe builds confidence which encourages trying new challenges. But the thing I value most is the walk leaders knowing (and remembering) where you might struggle on a walk, where you might need someone to stick close or offer encouragement. This has been a turning point for me on so many walks and for me is reason enough to pay for a YTO walk.” Rachel H-T

“I want to go out walking, but I’m rubbish at navigation (even with a phone) and I have no idea where to walk and how challenging / easy it might be! In a nutshell, you do all the hard work so I don’t have to! And I can pick and choose based on the walk description. Plus, of course, you get to meet new people.” Leanne B

“A walk with friends is better than a walk on your own, and if one of those friends knows the route and is qualified in navigation and first aid then it is worth every penny!

If they know where the best cafés and tea rooms are, bonus!!

If they bring hot chocolate and brownies, double bonus!!!” David L

“You get to enjoy the scenery more and enjoy your surroundings. When I walk on my own, my nose is constantly in OS Maps on my phone and I miss so much!

Walking with YTO means I don’t need to worry about where I’m going or what I’m doing, it’s so much more relaxing for me!”

Jade J

“I love the the chance to see new places knowing that the route has been planned ahead. I also know that whichever YTO leader is looking after us that day will get us all safely round, and if detours are needed, they are managed for the safety of all.

The motivational push, increased confidence and the support to do things you once thought you couldn’t do is so important.

My life is so much fuller having my me time with Yorkie Talkies Outdoors.” Jane H

“I love the YTO focus on safety, having all the thinking done for me and meeting like minded people. I also like the incentive it gives me. Booking and paying for a walk in advance means that I have to get out of bed at 5.30 on a dark winter morning!” Joanne S

“Why YTO when I am happy planning routes/ exploring alone? It’s the guaranteed scenery (routes are recce’d in advance), being able to switch off (no navigation required by me) and the companionship (usually I only get to talk to the dog).  YTO also entice me to locations I may not have previously considered (excellent marketing of recce photos)! I’ve also been spurred on (through listening to conversations) to try activities I may not have contemplated - paddleboarding is a huge summer hit.” Joanne B

“Routes planned, camaraderie, encouragement when you think you can't get to the end of a 20 mile walk and pulling you back onto the paddleboard after you fell in the river. It all adds up to great value and money well spent.” Bill W

“I love the fact you can get me safely off a mountain should the weather suddenly turn and the confidence that I can get up there in the first place!” Deana F

“It’s safety first for me (in case of an accident, changes in the weather etc) and the fact I don’t have to think too much about the route as know as this has been planned well.

You get to meet lots of like minded people who can chat away whilst being guided.

We learn a lot whilst out on walks and the YTO leaders really do care about us all.” Lorraine F

“It’s the best money I spend. The fact I can turn up and follow along knowing the route has been planned for me is brilliant. You know you’re in safe hands. Always great to meet new people too.” Sophie R

“The care and planning from the YTO team makes sure everyone gets back safe, v important!” Louise D

“YTO takes care of all aspects; route, parking, start time, duration, necessary mid-activity adaptations, everything. All that is required of me is to turn up ready to go.The real question is "Why wouldn't I pay for a YTO activity?!” Ian S

“All the pre planning & safety, especially in Scotland!” John W

“I regularly do the walks, paddle boarding and have been on the holidays. It’s hard to pick one thing I value but knowing I’m in safe hands is important to me. I’ve been to incredible places I would never find myself  and have met some amazing people.” Debbie C-Y

“I like to try new routes, not that I couldn’t do them on my own, just that I wouldn't, I much prefer to do them with like-minded people.” Kath S

“I enjoyed the fact you could try the paddleboarding with a small group and enjoy the experience knowing it was being led by a qualified and very experienced leader. I'll be back on the river in Spring and this winter at the indoor pool lessons.” Julie T-S

“I like someone else planning the route, telling me where to park and what time to turn up!  It’s just so easy!” Michelle C