NationalThreePeaks Challenge

The Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing the three highest peaks in England, Wales and Scotland, often within 24 hours.

The three peaks are:

  • Ben Nevis, in Scotland (1344m)
  • Scafell Pike, in England (978m)
  • Snowdon, in Wales (1085m)

The total distance walked is estimated at 42 kilometres (26mi)with a total ascent of 9,800 feet (3,000m).

To complete the National Three PeaksChallenge in March there will only be 11 – 12hours of daylight, hence some of the walking will be in darkness.

Typically, you should allow the following times for each mountain:

  • Five hours for Ben Nevis (followed by a six hour drive)
  • Four hours for Scafell Pike, from Wasdale Head (followed by a five hour drive)
  • Four hours for Snowdon

Bear in mind, these timings are for good weather, in the summer months. Weather in April is likely to be a lot worse, making the event considerably more challenging.

Although the target is still to complete in 24 hours, if conditions are bad the priority will be for everyone to complete the walk, with the sub 24 hours being a secondary objective.

Timing (TBC)

1400 / Start Ben Nevis.
1900 / Finish Ben Nevis and start drive to Scafell Pike (six hour drive)
0100 / Arrive and start climbing Scafell Pike (Wasdale Head)
0500 / Finish Scafell Pike and start drive to Snowdon (five hour drive)
1000 / Arrive and start climbing Snowdon
1400 / Finish Snowdon, and complete challenge

Sunrise approx 06.30

Sunset approx 18.30

This will give us plenty of daylight for the last peak should bad weather slow progress.

NationalThreePeaks route

The National Three Peaks Challenge driving route is 462 miles long, and takes around eleven hours.

Three Peaks Challenge postcodes

Postcodes for popular start locations for each mountain are:

  • Ben Nevis (Visitor centre) - PH33 6PF
  • Scafell Pike (Wasdale Head) - CA20 1EX
  • Snowdon (Pen-y-Pass) - LL55 4NY

Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis, the highest of the three peaks at 1344 metres (4409 ft), has one main path, marked clearly on theOS Explorer 392map. Unlike Snowdon and Scafell Pike, the path to Ben Nevis starts close to sea level, meaning much greater vertical ascent.

Ben Nevis route

A single path runs up Ben Nevis, from Glen Nevis, which can be followed from either Glen Nevis Youth Hostel, or the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. Early on the two paths join, and then continue to a Loch - Lochan Meall an t-Siudhe. From this half way point, the path follows a zigzag pattern to the peak.

Popularly known as The Pony Track, this route is 10.5 miles long, 17km, up and down, and includes 1352 metres of ascent.

Scafell Pike

While Scafell Pike has several paths, most Three Peaks Challengers will begin at Wasdale Head, to the North of Wast Water. Paths on Scafell Pike are marked on theOS Explorer OL 6 map (SouthWesternLakes).

Scafell Pike routes

Key to Map

A = Scafell Pike1 = Route via Brown Tongue
B = Scafell2 = Route via Mickledore
C = Lingmell
D = Great Gable
E = Wasdale Head
F = StyheadPass
H = Hollow Stones

Two usual routes are available for climbing Scafell Pike - either from Seathwaite, or Wasdale Head. A further route via Lickledore is eroded and probably not suitable for the NationalThreePeaks.

Route from Wasdale Head

From the Wasdale Head car park, follow the road to the footpath, and follow this over a footbridge and onwards to Lingmell Gill. Here, bear to the left, heading uphill before crossing the river and passing Brown Tongue, and continuing to the peak of Scafell Pike.

The Wasdale Head route is six miles long, up and down, and includes 989 metres of ascent.

Route from Seathwaite

From the parking, walk through the farm, over StockleyBridge, to Styhead Gill. From Sty Head, continue to Corridor Route to LnigmellCol, and on to the peak of Scafell Pike.

The Seathwaite route is 9.5 miles long, up and down, and includes 996 metres of ascent.

Snowdon

While Snowdon has many paths with varying difficulty, most Three Peaks Challengers will follow either the Pyg Track or Miners Track, leaving from the Pen-y-Pass car park, on the A4086. While this car park can be full at weekends, further parking is available either to the East, at Pen-y-Gwryd, or to the West at Nant Perris. Shuttle buses run every half hour or so during busy times, between all three car parks.

Both the PYG track and Miners track are marked on theSnowdon OL 17 OS Explorer Map.

During the Summer months, the Snowdon visitor centre, Hafod Eryri, will be open at the peak, for a quick refreshment before descending.

Routes on Snowden

Key to Map

A = Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)1 = Snowdon Horseshoe
B = Garnedd Ugain2 = PYG Track
C = Crib Goch3 = Miners Track
D = Y Lliwedd

Pyg Track

Leaving from the Pen-y-Pass car park, the Pyg Track leaves from the higher level area of the car park. Beginning as a tarmac path, it is mostly rocky with steps towards the top. A large upright stone half an hour from the top marks the join of the Miners Track. A second upright stone at the base of the final ascent marks with other paths, including Crib Goch.

The Pyg track includes a distance of 7 miles, 11km, up and down, and an ascent of 723 metres.

Miners Track

The Miners Track also begins from Pen-y-Pass, but leaves from the opposite side of the car park. The Miners Track is largely smooth, as it winds around Llyn Teyrn, Llyn Llydaw and Glaslyn - the three lakes leading to the peak of Snowdon. The Miners Track then ascends quickly, to join the Pyg Track, and continue to the peak of Snowdon. When descending, the Miners Track intersection with the Pyg Track is marked by a large standing stone.

Also starting from the Pen y Pass car park, the Miner's Track also ascends 723 metres, and is 8 miles, 13km, up and down.

Training for walking and endurance challenges

Introduction

The level of training involved to complete an endurance challenge, such as the National Three Peaks Challenge or Welsh 3000's, is personal choice. It is assumed that most people attempting such Challenges would either currently have a reasonable level of fitness, or would be looking for a goal to help them improve their fitness.

Either way, at least some training should be done in order to minimize the possibility of injury, and reduce the recovery period. By building your fitness levels before taking part in an endurance challenge, you will also enjoy yourself more and relax.

For those relatively new to mountain walking, it's certainly worth organising a practice walk to assess if there are any specific weaknesses, which could commonly be:

  • aching calves when walking up hill
  • back ache possibly caused by a backpack
  • weak thighs when walking up hill

Any specific muscle issues that may show themselves can only really be dealt with by gradually increasing the level of physical activity, either by organising regular practice walks, or perhaps a quicker method, targeted and planned weight training. Do try not to train on aching muscles - at this point in the muscles development, they should be left to recover and repair. This process makes the muscles stronger and will allow you to push them harder and further than you could before.

Some other issues caused by equipment, such as toes being squashed into the front of your shoes when walking downhill, should also be thought about, so wear the gear that you plan to wear on the challenge itself. Provided all equipment is fitted correctly, there should be no rubbing or painful areas.

Build Up

There will be a series of four days available for build up training in the Brecon Beacons, gradually increasing in difficulty. It is MANDATORY that to participate with the group you attend at least two of these days.

Three Peaks Kit List

This list may appear to be excessive, but remember that weather conditions can change very rapidly in the mountains and that conditions on the mountain tops will be very different to that in the valley.

You must have all of this kit to participate in this event!!!

  • Good Walking Boots – Either leather or strong fabric. These need to be broken in prior to the event commencing
  • Waterproof jacket – Gore-Tex or similar – (There will be a small number of these available for loan)
  • Base Layer – e.g. Helly Hanson Lifa or similar (cotton not ideal as it has poor wicking qualities)
  • Warm ‘puffa’ or ‘down’ jacket or similar. This would be carried in your daysack (in a waterproof bag) for use when static or in cold conditions
  • Walking Trousers – No jeans
  • Good walking socks (3 pairs) – comfortable and good wicking qualities to help avoid blisters
  • Good Quality medium size rucksack
  • Waterproof bag (i.e. a ‘canoe drybag’ not a tesco carrier bag) to keep your kit dry in your rucksack
  • At least 2 litres of water, either in bottles or a ‘camel-bak’ type system
  • Food and snacks for on the hill – sandwiches, fruit, malt loaf, sweets (haribo’s are good), mixed nuts, chocolate, cereal bars, anything that has slow release energy. This is an endurance event however, so avoid quick release things such as boost gel’s, as your body will crash once the boost wears off
  • Good head torch with spare batteries – There will be a fair amount of walking in dark hours
  • Set of comfy dry kit to remain in the transport to change into as soon as your off each hill – i.e. jogging bottoms and a hoodie, flip flops….
  • Basic First Aid Kit – Plasters, blister kit, painkillers etc
  • Warm Hat – ideally waterproof but must be breathable
  • Gloves
  • Flask
  • Whistle – The clag (hill fog) can come in quickly and it is easy to get disorientated, if you become separated from the group a whistle will be essential
  • Sunglasses/Goggles – if we are lucky enough to get bright sunshine on a snow topped Ben Nevis these will also be essential, also for use in windy conditions to protect the eyes
  • Mobile Phone – turned off with full battery for emergency use only

Optional Equipment

  • Waterproof Trousers (optional but advised)
  • Camera (optional)
  • Small GPS (optional)

Equipment Notes

Clothing

Several layers of clothing to cope with different conditions are better than one thick heavy layer. Conditions at altitude are almost always much colder and windier than in the valley. Warm and windproof clothing may not be required when climbing the mountain but they are likely to be required during rest stops, on the tops and during the descent later in the day. The layering principle of outdoor clothing is designed to cope with widely differing conditions by adding or removing layers as required. Pay particular attention to the base layer because this must wick moisture away from the body without causing too much heat loss. Thermal fabrics are much better than cotton in this respect and can be used as a T shirt in hot weather. Fleece in its many guises is the most popular choice for the mid-layer. A windproof and waterproof outer layer is essential in all but the most stable summer conditions. Modern breathable fabrics are more versatile and comfortable than conventional non-breathable shell garments.

Jeans are far from ideal because they are heavy, cold and uncomfortable when wet. They should be avoided except for low level walks in fine weather. If using shorts it is advisable to carry alternative warmer leg wear. Remember that legs are very vulnerable to cuts and bruises during rock scrambling.

Footwear

The choice of footwear depends on the seriousness of the route, but good quality, good fitting comfortable boots, are probably the most important part of your kit. Trainers do not support and protect the feet and ankles adequately; modern light-weight mountain walking boots do – don’t buy heavier boots than required for your intended level of activity, take advice from a good specialist retailer and try on as many types as possible. Ask to have your feet measured and take your favourite walking socks with you to the shop. Alternatively ask the retailer to recommend suitable socks before trying the boots on.

Torch and whistle

Both are useful for attracting attention in an emergency. The internationally recognised distress signal is 6 long blasts / flashes repeated at one minute intervals. The reply is 3 blasts / flashes.

A head torch or small hand torch can prove a very useful aid to a safe return from the hill in failing light. Head torches such as the popular Petzl zoom can be fitted with a halogen bulb which gives a bright white light which is good for map reading (but shorter battery life). The modern high intensity LED head torches give a very bright white light and are very reliable.

First Aid Kit

Make up a small kit in a waterproof pouch to suit personal requirements or buy one designed for walkers. Suitable contents could include a crepe bandage (very versatile), medium wound dressing, safety pins, plasters, blister kit, Paracetamol, lipsalve, etc. Groups will need a more comprehensive kit.

Rucksack

A good quality rucksack is a good investment. It is almost as important for your rucksack to fit comfortably as it is your boots. Make sure it is big enough to carry the maximum load you need to carry (depending on your level of activity) but don’t buy a bigger rucksack than you require – again take advice and try on as many as possible before making your choice, with comfort and stability being the prime requirements. A rucksack for scrambling needs to be stable, neat and uncluttered. No rucksack is completely waterproof, so protect important kit with resealable plastic bags and/or use rainproof sack liners / sack covers.

Mobile phone

Mobile phones are well worth carrying in most areas and can be a very useful safety aid, but can not be relied on completely in the mountains as the terrain will often block the signal. Normally better reception is found on the tops, but sometimes the phone can be fooled by receiving too many signals from distant base stations. If a phone is carried check that the battery is fully charged before you set out, and know your own phone number.

In an emergency dial 999 or 112 from any phone (free) and ask for the police who will contact the local (volunteer) mountain rescue organisation. Be ready to give as many details as possible about your exact location (give grid ref if possible), your phone number, the number in the party, nature of injuries etc. Make sure that the emergency operator knows that you require mountain rescue assistance and what mountain area you are in, so that you can be put through to the correct control centre.

Don’t be fooled, take a look at this report from another groups experience in April……

We set off on Wednesday the 3rd April to undertake our challenge, 3 peaks, here's how we got on.

After a 10 hour drive to FortWilliam we arrived to stay with our fantastic hosts for the nightChris and Sue. They looked after us so well, feeding us and putting us up for the night intheir lovely home. The next morning we were fresh and raring to go. Before we set off we had a quick lookaround the town buying a few last minute bits and bobs before we climbed at2pm, still joyfully ignorant of what was awaiting us.

First of all was Ben Nevis, UK's highest peak at 4409 feet or 1344 meters.We were going well until we reached the snow when we had to attach our crampons. I didn't even know what crampons were until this trip andin caseyou still don't they are spikes things you attach to your feet to help you grip in the ice. When we were told we would need them they were not lying. 10 mins later, crampons attached, we were ready to continue. Now walking at any altitude is hard, but with these stupid things on your feet every step is like carrying dead weights! So our progress slowed but we got to the summit in the end. About 3 quarters of the way up I was about ready to give in, it was so hard and know they're were 2 more mountains to come really was a mental struggle. With a lot of encouragement from the team we all got to the top together.

Coming down was an altogether different story, you can see a little video of how we coped to the side! Crampons working in our favour now we were able to cut out a massive part of the path by losing it and walking and straight down the side of the mountain, great fun. We rejoined the path and hurried down as quickly as possible. All in all it took us 5 and a half hours on Ben Nevis, given the conditions we were happy with that.