Walker Feedback
We know that you will get so much from going on an adventure with us.
But don’t just take our word for it, see what your fellow walkers have to say …
Thank you so much to David & his brilliant team. The information we received beforehand was fantastic & really helped our preparation, and Rachel’s friendly banter kept me going. It was a huge comfort knowing that everyone in our team was looked after and all in all made a difficult challenge a brilliant day. Thank you.
Catherine
David and his team of guides made the impossible seem manageable. Whilst the route may be clear, having guides really boosted our morale, kept us on time (as much as possible at our slow but steady pace!) and helped us prepare for each section of the challenge without overwhelming us. I honestly don’t think I would have been able to complete the Three Peaks Challenge without them. All the guides were fantastic – I completed most of the course with John as the guide of our sub group whose calm and supportive nature was fantastic!
Jenna
I was very impressed with David and his team. The information beforehand was spot on and I felt very secure all day knowing that the guides were in touch with David, and he knew where we were and who was with who. Gillian, who stayed with me for most of the walk was superb. She really looked after me on the Pen-y-Ghent scramble, which petrified me as I am not good with heights. Even though I was at the back I was never made to feel like I was holding up the group. She kept morale high, even up Whernside (what a climb) and was a really lovely person as well. And she even waited until we got back later than everyone else to support us to the end!! So thank you Gillian, you made it a lot easier that it would have been. When Martin took over he got us up Ingleborough by taking slow, steady steps which perfectly balanced how tired we were. He supported me at the top of that ludicrous climb (Humphrey or Hugo’s crack) where again the drop was steep, and I was petrified. And he even found a different way down for me so I wouldn’t be scared. His local knowledge was excellent and really interesting. So, all in all for me a fantastic company to go with and a truly lovely set of guides. And David’s continual smile was worth the pain!! Thank you.
Linda
From the very beginning of this adventure we have been guided by David and his team even through all of the run up to the day. On the day, we never felt like it wasn’t achievable as our guide Gillian was outstanding. She got me through the relentless hell of Whernside and even went back up Pen-y-Ghent looking for my glasses which turned out to be attached to my backpack!!! At no point did I feel like I was holding anyone up as her continued enthusiasm and honest approach to telling us what was in store worked perfectly. She took care of my blistered feet and got me a cuppa when I was queuing for the loo at the farm! After Gillian Martin took over as our guide and got me up and down Ingleborough when I had nothing left to give. His knowledge of the area was great as I love history, and this helped to take my mind off the pain of my blisters. Seeing David at every meet up point, checking in on us and also his team helped a lot. I would highly recommend his company and his team to anyone thinking of taking on the challenge. Thank you very much.
Hilary
A huge thank you to IKIGAI Experiences for an amazing attempt at the 3 Peaks… they were so professional and supportive from the offset and during the day when I unfortunately suffered an injury on my knee. Our Guide Martin, along with my husband had to pretty much act as crutches along the endless hell of steps down Whernside… and although I probably covered Martin in tears and snot all the way down, he kept us laughing and repeating that I was ‘doing a good job’ and, I think without this I think I would still be up there! The team were in communication throughout and David came to the pick us up from the earliest point that a car could reach and then safely back to our car. THANK YOU DAVID and MARTIN! I didn’t complete the 3 Peaks unfortunately, but I dread to think what would have happened if I had attempted it without your professional support!
Ximena Del Castillo
I can’t even begin to imagine what it would have been like attempting this challenge without the excellent guides, they made such a big difference on the day. I loved how supportive, experienced and knowledgeable they were – I really felt we were in safe hands. For much of the time I was in John’s group. I enjoyed the information he shared about the area and the empathetic and calm way he supported all of us throughout. I also thought David’s briefing on teams a week before was brilliant – he managed to remind me not to underestimate how challenging the walk is, as well as reassure me that it was a challenge I could tackle. I am so glad I signed up for the walk and that Ikigai were our guides as it was such a fantastic experience – thank you so much!
Sue
Thank you so much to David and the wonderful team at IKIGAI for helping us to complete the Yorkshire Three Peaks. Gillian was a wonderful guide – patient and calm and never once making me feel self-conscious for being at the back. I really felt I was in safe hands and would not have completed this challenge without the support and expertise of the team. When Martin took over our group, he paced our climb to Ingleborough perfectly, particularly supporting us on the most challenging parts. The communication and support in advance of our walk was key to us all feeling it was achievable. Thank you so much – I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you to anyone considering the Yorkshire Three Peaks !
Alison
Thank you so so much David and team for excellent support through a day of challenges and great walking. Gillian was our guide for the first two peaks. She was so kind, caring, inclusive and supportive over every step. She believed in us and we did it!! A big shout out to Martin who took over on the third peak, who got us over the formidable Ingleborough and back home. I loved the ‘alpine pacing’ which kept us all focused and conserved our energy for getting over the top! It was a day that I will never forget in wonderful company and fantastic guides.
Many, many thanks for an incredible day!
Fiona
David and his skilled team of guides/coaches were truly magnificent every step of the way. I was unable to make the meeting with David in the week leading up to the walk but I watched back the recording, and I am SOOO glad I did. David’s calm nature provided much comfort and I immediately felt reassured and confident that David and his team were just the experts we needed to help us with our endurance challenge. On the day, it felt incredible to achieve the first peak together, give or take some minutes between the first and last up, and then to be able to walk in smaller groups according to our own personal abilities meant that no one was left behind and we could all achieve a pace that worked for us. I have to say a particular huge thank you to John, what a guy, he attuned himself to our little group, knowing just the right way to support each of us when we needed it. I thought I would only be able to achieve one peak but with John’s reassurance and coaching I made it up all three. John is a true legend. Also, David’s top tip of changing socks, that was a game changer.
Philippa
I want to thank you sincerely for being the catalyst to what was the highlight of my trip to the UK. The day we did the Three Peaks Challenge could not have been better. You led and mentored the day so well considering 6 very different personalities joined – and what a great bunch of people they were. It was so refreshing to meet such wonderful people and share the day’s hiking.
I really hope to repeat something like this next year – maybe not the same as it could never be as good as this trip. Perhaps a section of the Pennine Way would be a good alternative.
Rob
I’m just taking a minute to thankyou for the incredible experience we had completing the Yorkshire Three Peak Challenge with your guide Chris on Saturday 20th April 2024.
Setting out from home to the meeting point we had the misfortune to hit a pothole and the result was a very flat tyre …we really thought our day was over. We were so appreciative when you arranged to have a guide wait for us …. it really meant a lot. Chris was a great guide who whilst mindful of safety and us successfully completing the full challenge, was very focussed on us enjoying the day and being able to appreciate the beautiful countryside around us .
We had a fantastic day , tired but happy at the end of it and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend your organisation to anyone wanting to complete the Yorkshire Three Peaks.
Angela
Well, where to start? After deciding to find a challenge to raise funds for a friend and his treatment, we decided on the Yorkshire Three Peaks and thought we might need some guidance.
Right from my initial enquiry, to answering all of my pre-walk concerns all the way through to the guidance on the day, we couldn’t have wished for a better experience from David and his team.
David was so helpful and responsive leading up to the walk, offering great advice whenever I asked. On the day our guide, Chris, was exceptional. He was very calm and patient with us, especially in those tough moments, of which there were a few! What made their support next level was the genuine interest both David and Chris took in the reason we were doing the walk.
Such a brilliant organisation and team, I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them to anyone thinking of doing the Yorkshire Three Peaks Peaks.
Louise
Thank you so much to yourself and your team last Saturday – myself and Scott thought it was a fabulous day and we are at £7030 total now (over £8000 with gift aid) which is an amazing amount for our charity. We thought you were great and would definitely use you again the future and will recommend you to anyone who wants to take on this challenge.
I would like to pass on some amazing feedback below from staff so please pass onto your colleagues:
Luchina – I would like to pass my gratitude on to Chris, who was one of the guides, who was the most supportive person, he helped so many of us and he was just amazing. He carried my bag alongside his own back down when we had to turn back around and was so positive about our experience despite having to turn around and even gave me his green fruit pastels!
Lucy – One of the best things for me about Ikigai was their calm no-nonsense approach. They told it “how it was”, but at the same time were full of encouragement and support for the group. I also thought that their flexibility between groups was the only reason I was able to achieve the challenge. I thought the discs were a very good idea, as I didn’t know anyone except Kate at the start of the race and as we didn’t end up walking together, I knew who other members of our party were! I realise they were primarily for the group leaders, but I felt they worked for us as well!
Chris – I thought Ikigai were fab, really knowledgeable and motivating and made sure we completed in the time we want to.
Girish – I agree what Chris has said. The team leaders were very compassionate and looked after the needs of each member of the team. I would definitely recommend them and will visit 3 peaks with my family too.
Sian – Fantastic day, couldn’t have done it without any of you. Massive thanks to the guides, would personally like to thank them myself if I am able to, without them I don’t think I would have managed to carry on. Very chatty, happy to help and massively helped with my blisters, without them being wrapped I dread to think of the outcome. I also owe my guide a pint, which I unfortunately didn’t get the chance to get him, any support page or donation page for them please send over.
Mark – Ikigai were brilliant, really friendly, knowledgeable and just great company to walk with. The advice before the day was really helpful and made sure I got my prep right.
Thank you again 😊
Jess & Scott
Just wanted to send a quick shout out to John who guided us through our Yorkshire 3 Peaks adventure yesterday. His knowledge, professionalism and kindness were not unnoticed. He was fun and approachable. The welcome you gave us at the finish was the icing on the cake !!
IF we ever did it again we would 100% recommend you . Many Thanks once again.
Clare
Thank you again for your contribution to a fun and memorable day on Saturday. We really did enjoy our walk and felt surprisingly ok on Sunday! Confidence in your guiding meant we could fully relax and be in the walking moment.
Helen
Some of us are still nursing bruised feet, but the money raised for the Prince’s Trust makes it all the more worthwhile, even if it does mean hanging up the running shoes for the next few weeks.
We would like to say a massive thank you to yourself and Rachel for your support on the hike; without it we would have called it a day after the first peak!
Maya | Taylor Wimpey Charity Graduate Hike
David and his team of guides made the impossible seem manageable. Whilst the route may be clear, having guides really boosted our morale, kept us on time (as much as possible at our slow but steady pace!) and helped us prepare for each section of the challenge without overwhelming us. I honestly don’t think I would have been able to complete the Three Peaks Challenge without them. All the guides were fantastic – I completed most of the course with John as the guide of our sub group whose calm and supportive nature was fantastic!
David, John, Rachel, Martin & Gill
I just want to say a huge thank you to you and the team for Saturday, everyone said how great it was.
Kelly | Landsec
I just wanted to drop you a message to thank you from myself and the group for yours and Martin’s amazing leadership / shepherding / encouragement during the challenge on Saturday. Everyone in the group had a wonderful time and said how much they valued you both. From a personal perspective thank you for giving our participants such a fab day, it has been wonderful to have a challenge like this for the charity and for it to be such a big success in every way is incredible
Eve | SNAPS
For anyone looking to complete the three peaks or a similar adventure, David’s passion and enthusiasm for this spectacular part of the world is contagious and helped make the challenge an absolutely amazing experience. He is also a totally unflappable guide with enormous experience, patience, and ability to lead and motivate without pushing people beyond their capabilities. Top day!
Chris | Elevate UK
A first class leader of a fantastic experience!
I took a team of people from TUI on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks with Ikigai to raise money for charity. The weather ended up being extreme, David motivated and led us to victory whilst making time to talk to each individual along the way.
A top guy, some great conversations and I would highly recommend!
Chris | Tui Group
Can’t believe the amazing feeling I got getting up there, the level of support I’ve had from my wife, family, friends and people that don’t even know me has been amazing. We have all pulled together and smashed this challenge. A massive thank you and a well done to you all.
If there’s one message I can leave my children, doesn’t matter how hard it gets, never give up .
I would just like to say again a huge thank you for yesterday, it is by far the biggest most challenging and rewarding thing I have ever done. A complete roller-coaster of emotions throughout the day and I’ve been really emotional speaking with family and friends last night and this morning. I still can’t quite believe I managed to pull it off, especially the last 8 /10 miles and Ingleborough 😁😁 It would not have been possible without you, all 4 of us have agreed with that 👍
This will not be the last expedition myself, friends or work colleagues book with you, next year will bring new challenges, not as a big as this one though. Aching everywhere today, but the adrenaline is still pumping 🏔️🏔️😁😁
Matt, Steve, Joe & Dave
Just wanted to send you a quick note to say thank you so much to you and your fantastic team for a fantastic day and enjoyable challenge on Saturday.
We all had such a great time, despite the weather and tricky conditions! Both girls were really good at keeping our spirits up and keeping us going!
Louise | Central Asia Metals
Thank you again for all you and your team’s help. Each one of you was superb and perfect for our group’s needs, everyone has had something good to say about you all.
Calvin
For anyone looking to complete the three peaks or a similar adventure, David’s passion and enthusiasm for this spectacular part of the world is contagious and helped make the challenge an absolutely amazing experience. He is also a totally unflappable guide with enormous experience, patience, and ability to lead and motivate without pushing people beyond their capabilities. Top day!
Chris
Just a note to say thanks so much for all your support on our walk last weekend – and in the planning stages too.
It was an amazing and memorable day, and I definitely enjoyed it all the more for having your experienced guidance – especially when things got more challenging!
With kind regards and thanks again.
Sophie and Simon
We had an amazing and brilliant experience, walking the Three Peaks with you in April. Your experience, guidance, skills, and practical support when we all needed encouragement at different points in the Challenge was immeasurable, and we will always remember and value this.
You both contributed to an experience which will live long in our collective memories, and we were so pleased that you were our guides.
With our very best wishes, stay safe.
Pat, Tony, Vince and Paul.
We are now back south! Just wanted to say thanks again for putting up with me! It was an experience I will never forget and I’m sure you won’t either!
If you weren’t there I would have certainly quit! I have sent you a little gift to your account. Take yourself out for a meal of buy nice a bottle and think of me 😀
Maybe see you at Ben Nevis!
Dan
Both Gary and I wanted to send you over an email to thank you for such a brilliant memorable walk along the Yorkshire 3 peak, and we look forward to booking up with you again for our next walking adventure.”
Charlotte & Gary