Orange John Three Peak Challenges - Durham

Steph D.

We can’t thank John and the team enough for leading our 10 and 20 mile hike in the Lake District. They made everyone feel safe, supported, and encouraged from start to finish.

This was our second hike with John, he also guided us in the Peak District last year, and once again, his calm presence, clear knowledge of the route, and ability to work to our pace made a huge difference. We never felt rushed. He also patiently answered all our questions and supported our training in advance, never making us feel like we were asking too much.

For a group of adults who’ve had cancer, being supported physically and emotionally makes a real difference, especially when many of us are still rebuilding confidence or feeling unsure about our bodies and what we can do after treatment. John really understands that, and his thoughtful approach meant a lot.

Thank you from all of us at Life after Cancer, we’re already looking forward to next year’s hike with John and the team.

Laura A.

I first met John back in October when I attempted the Yorkshire Three Peaks on a private guide, unfortunately we were hit by a bad storm after the first peak and John called the walk off and offered my friend and I another date for free to complete the challenge. We went back in November and completed the three peaks in just over 13 hours. It was so challenging but John kept me going, with his positive words and encouragement. John is very personable and friendly, making spending 13 hours with him seem like you are with an old friend catching up. Whilst he’s personable and friendly, he’s also very professional. I’ve since joined John on a map skills reading course where John and three other guides taught a group of us about map reading, using a compass and pace/calculating where you are going. John explained everything in great detail and made the session fun and engaging. I’m looking at joining a couple of Johns events in 2025 and would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to get out hiking and needing a professional and friendly guide, John is definitely your man! Also not forgetting little Orange Deeks who has joined each time and keeps everyone motivated with his energy!

Jane W.

I met “Orange” John on a map skills day yesterday in the Lake District along with members of his team and had such a fab day. John was such a great leader with a relaxed vibe and so easy to chat too, you felt you could ask him anything. Absolutely loved his “Orange” theme and I learnt some very useful map reading skills which I hope to put into practice very soon….thank you

Sharon A.

I've joined John on 3 events he's run National 3 peaks, Yorkshire 3 peaks and a guided hike and map reading day out on the hills of Silver How and honestly I've had the best time on all of them. What a great guide him and his team are. Never a dull moment and have met some great people along the way. Even better when seeks the unstoppable cocker spaniel comes along. Even the weather couldn't dampen the spirits on his events and that's saying something when the wind and rain were coming in sideways on whernside! Can't recommend John and his team enough and will definitely be booking to do more in the future.

Sarah W.

Absolutely fabulous day of an introduction to navigation skills -learning about maps and the use of a compass! I was very new to all this and so it gave me a great insight into what to look out for, and key information to become more confident to practice on my own after this! Lovely group and superb teacher! Made the whole experience fun and practical. Definitely will be booking onto more adventures of learning!

Marie H.

I attended an introduction to map reading / navigation day with Orange John and the team. It was a fantastic day out and I came away feeling as if I had learnt a lot. The pace was just right and we had opportunities to practice what we had learnt. Now I am keen to build on and keep practicing these new skills. Thank you for a really enjoyable and educational day! 😊

Ryan P. S.

Brilliant day with John and the group. Thoroughly enjoyed it, had a good laugh, dropped on brilliant weather and stunning views. Would definitely recommend.

Almona C.

Excellent guides in John, Tash and Alex! We were a cohort of 18 (ratio 6:1) for a 14 mile hike in the Peak District to raise money for cancer support charity ‘Life After Cancer’.
The final furlong was particularly a challenge but the guides were able to successfully coax all to the finish line.
The next big expedition is Base Camp Everest in November 2025 for which I have tentatively signed up for!