Peaks for PKD Blog
August 23, 2024

Training Hike on the Isaac's Tea Trail | Peaks for PKD

Eric_01.png

Hi everyone,

This past weekend I did a major hike / climb / camping to prepare for Kilimanjaro. It’s a loop in north England called the Isaac's Tea Trail, and it’s a challenging trail of 59km.

I'm sharing a bunch of photos and videos from the hike that both describe the journey, show my camp and gear, and explain why I’m doing all of this.

I can tell you my feet and legs are killing me, but it has made me confident that I’ve got the stamina and drive to complete the bigger challenge.

Cheers!

-Eric

Eric Hampel is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in October 2024 in order to raise awareness and funds for polycystic kidney disease (PKD) research and patient supports. As part of his preparations for this significant physical and mental challenge, Eric is training with a combination of running and hiking. Here we find him on a two-day hike of the Isaac's Tea Trail in northern England.

 

YT_thumb_for_blog.png

Watch the YouTube video of Eric's update, here!

 

Support PKD research and patients

 

2026 update: PKD patient Eric Hampel is taking on the U.K. National Three Peaks Challenge in June 2026, climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales within 24 hours to raise funds and awareness for polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Inspired by his family’s experience with PKD and his own diagnosis, Eric is using his training and the challenge itself to support PKD research and patient programs in Canada and the U.K. Through regular training updates, he’s sharing the reality of preparing for a demanding endurance challenge while fundraising toward a future without PKD. This is Eric’s second climbing challenge to benefit people affected by PKD; in October 2024 he successfully summited Mt. Kilimanjaro.

More