YTO - Who we are, what we do and how to get involved
- Gemma Lumley
- May 26
- 6 min read
Looking for guided walks in North Yorkshire (and beyond!)? Would you love to start paddle boarding near York? Are you seeking a way to meet new friends in your local area? Perfect! Yorkie Talkies Outdoors can help with all of that.
Where can you see what we do? Most of our adventures are posted on social media. We adore sharing what our fantastic customers have been up to and the outdoor events we have available.
Do you feel nervous about taking the first step? We understand that seeing everyone out there having fun on the beautiful hills, rivers, and lakes can make joining in for the first time feel overwhelming.
So, we wanted to take a moment, without the noise, to explain what we do and how you can get involved.
What we do
Guided Day Walks
Guided walks in North Yorkshire, the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District are where the business started. Walks are between 8 and 11 miles but most are 10 miles. We offer a huge variety of routes and try to avoid the honey pot areas. If we do include super popular places in our walking calendar, it won't be the 'obvious' route, so that the paths will be quieter.
*We usually have day walks on Fridays and weekends. Please check the website for day walk dates and locations.
Guided 5 Mile Walks
If you're new or returning to hiking after a long gap, these shorter walks are a fantastic way to begin. Our 5 milers are all in lovely areas of Yorkshire and take place on weekend mornings.
*We usually do one 5 mile walk per month. Please check the website for 5 mile walk dates.
Guided Evening Walks
Our evening walks are perfect for relaxing after work or looking after the kids. They are between 7-8 miles, set off at 5.45pm and are in locations close to either York or Harrogate. Walk on an evening and enjoy the unique light of golden hour and head back to the car under stunning sunsets.
*There is usually one evening walk per week. Please check the website for evening walk dates.
Guided 15 and 20 Mile Walks
Our longer walks are for more experienced hikers. They take place throughout the spring, summer and early autumn. We choose fantastic locations with a variety of elevations.
Paddle Boarding
YTO offers paddle boarding on the river at Aldwark on a weekday evening and occasional weekends. Most of these sessions are suitable for beginners and anyone who just fancies a paddle. You will be on the water for around 90 minutes and all equipment is included. Some paddle boarding sessions have 'progessive' in the event title, these are not suitable for beginners. More challenging paddle events such as 'Ullswater End to End'.
*There is usually one evening paddle per week. Please check the website for paddle boarding dates.
Guided Challenge Events
If you're fundraising or simply want to train for a big challenge, trust YTO to provide expert guidance and support. Professionally guided Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenges and supported Lyke Wake Walk crossings are available, though we also have a big choice of alternatives on offer.
*Our challenge events operate throughout the late spring, summer and early autumn. Please check the YTO website for challenge event details.
Holidays & Weekends
YTO guided walking holidays and outdoor activity breaks are incredible value and take place all over the UK. Deposit and payment plans are available. Just drop us an email to arrange and terms and conditions apply.
*Holidays are available throughout the year. Please check the website for all our holidays.
Navigation & Hill Skills Courses
Our beginner navigation courses include hot drinks and pastries at The Lion Inn at Blakey Ridge and a client led walk in Rosedale. These courses are super relaxed and we'll ensure you leave with confidence in your new navigation skills.
*We try to do one course a month but please check the YTO website for course dates.
Trail Running & Run Club
We have weekly road running club in York and monthly trail runs at various exciting locations in the North Yorkshire countryside. The YTO running community is welcoming and focused on having fun.
*Run club is weekly and trail runs are monthly on a weekend. Please check the website for running events and locations.
Bespoke Events
If you are a charity or corporation looking for help to arrange or staff an outdoor activities event, let us know. We have a fantastic reputation for attention to detail, safety, value, and our experienced and professional guides.
*Email us to discuss your needs.
The YTO Team
*The YTO walking team have been trained and assessed by The Mountain Training Association and the water team are Paddle Sport Leaders, trained by Paddle UK.
*Each team member has relevant insurance,
*Each team member holds an up-to-date Outdoor First Aid certificate.
*The team are constantly working on their professional development so we can deliver the best experience to our customers.
*On events you will be led by one of the core team; Emma, Gemma, Kerry, Lewis, Robb, Becky, Abi and Stu. On occasion, you will meet carefully selected adhoc leaders.
*Emma Shipley is the business owner. It is likely that any contact will be with Emma. When she's on the hill, you may receive updates and information from Gemma Lumley who is a YTO leader and admin assistant.
Our Community
*Everyone is welcome on YTO events.
*You can come to events alone. Most people do.
*Some of our customers are out with us every week, others once a year.
*Our leaders and customers are super friendly and you'll be chatting in no time (or wandering along quietly, enjoying the views if that's more your thing).
*Friendships have been made through YTO, you will see that on our socials. BUT, if you want to be, you'll soon be part of the family.
*Have a read of this blog for reassurance.
How fit do I need to be?
It depends what you want to do. The Yorkshire 3 Peaks requires a very good level of hiking experience and fitness, but we find that most people are capable of enjoying a 5 miler.
We don't race round our routes, there is time to take photos and appreciate the surroundings and leaders are mindful of different levels of ability. (For example, someone who is good at hills may slow right down on the descent.)
We have an 'Ascent Guide' on the ‘What Do You Need’ page on the website that you may find useful.
If you're concerned about whether an event is right for you, contact us.
What kit do I need?
You'll need the following mandatory kit on all walks of 7 miles and over, but we don't expect shiny, new expensive gear. If it keeps you warm, dry and comfortable it's fine by us!
Required Hiking Kit
*Warm Hat
*Gloves
*Spare layer or layers - this is dependent on weather on the day
*Headtorch or small handheld torch - (spare batteries or check it is fully charged)
*Personal First aid Kit (painkillers/Blister Plasters)
Additional Recommendations
Buff (neck scarf), Sit mat, Gaiters, battery pack,
Paddle Boarding Kit
*Waterproof Coat (this can be used to put over your wetsuit if it is cold/windy)
*Warm Hat/Gloves (if we are on the water in colder months)
*Sunscreen /sunhat in warmer months
*Food/Snacks (depending on the length of time on water but this information will be provided if you require food)
*Hydration & hot drink if you like them
*Shoes you are happy to get wet
*Please remember clothes to change into after the event
Personal medication - if you require personal medication such as inhaler or epi pen etc. you will be asked to show the leaderat the start of your event
How do I get started?
Payment
*There is no subscription or joining fee.
*All our events can be booked and paid for on the website or YTO app. Each event is priced individually.
*Bank transfer is appreciated as neither side will pay fees.
*Deposit and Payment Plans are available for challenge events and holidays. Terms and conditions apply and you must email to discuss with us before booking.
Travel
*The Google Maps Drop Pin will be a text link in the event description on the website. We have found this to be the most reliable way for customers to find the start of the walk. We recommend checking your journey the day before you set off.
*YTO customers have a WhatsApp car share group, please email us be added. Please use common sense and courtesy when arranging car shares.
*We try to find free parking, but this is not always possible.
Dogs
*Dogs are allowed but they our dog policy rules must be followed so that everyone can enjoy the event.
The Nitty Gritty
*Before you book an event, please read the description. Miles, ascent, special instructions and the text link to the parking will be listed in there.
*Children are allowed but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
*Day and evening events are non-refundable and non-transferable - please refer to the Terms & Conditions,
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