Looking for a new hiking challenge? The Three Peaks Challenge could be the perfect test of stamina while providing the opportunity to explore some of Great Britain’s most stunning natural beauty. Here’s everything you need to know before you take on the Three Peaks.
What is the Three Peaks Challenge?
The National Three Peaks Challenge is one of the most famous multi-mountain challenges in the world. It involves climbing the tallest mountain in Scotland (Ben Nevis), the tallest mountain in England (Scafell Pike) and the tallest mountain in Wales (Snowdon) all in 24 hours!
It’s not recommended if you’re a mountaineering newbie. However, if you’re a seasoned hiker or are into fitness challenges, it could be an exciting and unique goal to set for yourself.
What order should you do them in?
The most popular and traditional order to do the Three Peaks is Ben Nevis, then Scafell Pike and then Snowdon. Ben Nevis is the tallest and considered the most challenging. Therefore, it makes sense to get it out of the way first. Snowdon is still not easy, but it does have the simplest route up of the three (Llanberis Path), so it makes sense to do it last. That said, some people do take on the mountains in reverse order.
It’s worth booking yourself a hotel in Fort William and starting your hike of Ben Nevis early in the morning (this will usually take about 8 to 10 hours), doing Scafell Pike in the evening/night, and then ascending Snowdon in the early hours of the next day (treat yourself by booking a hotel near the base of Snowdon such as the The Royal Victoria Hotel).
How should you travel between them?
The fastest way to get between the mountains is to go by road. If you’re climbing, it’s not recommended that you also drive between the peaks. The journey between the mountains is an opportunity to rest. You may even be able to get some sleep between Scafell Pike and Snowdon.
Some people will recruit a friend to drive. Alternatively, you can look into organized tours – in which you’ll get a driver and a guide who can help you find the speediest route up and down each mountain (they can also provide motivation!).
What should you bring?
Invest in some decent hiking gear if you want to be comfortable and avoid injury. This includes hiking boots, merino wool socks and waterproof clothing. A headlamp will be necessary for the overnight ascent of Scafell Pike and Snowdon.
Take a backpack with some non-perishable snacks and plenty of water. Some people use water bladders which attach to your backpack and allow you to drink hands-free as you climb.
Consider also bringing maps or downloading route apps on your phone to navigate if you’re not hiring a guide.
How should you train?
The best way to train for The Three Peaks is to do some long hikes. This will help you get your stamina up and help you to better prepare for the challenge by understanding what you may need to pack to make the adventure more comfortable.
Make sure to also do some uphill training. There are some steep sections on all the mountains, and having strong leg muscles will help you to climb these more speedily.
If you’re already quite fit, you may not need to do too much extra training. If you’re not used to hiking, you’ll need to spend a few months building up your endurance with some long walks.
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