Year on year, group after group attempt the Three Peaks Challenge hoping to achieve the goal of completing it in 24 hours. Despite the desire to succeed, many are left feeling disappointed because they have either exceeded the time limit or not finished it at all.
If you are either hoping to redeem yourself from your last failing or nail it first time around, make sure you follow these tips to keep that time under 24 hours.
Don't Underestimate the Challenge
It is so common for people to talk it down once they have completed it but this is a dangerous attitude to have in front of a future group of hopefuls.
It is imperative that you do your own research and are aware of your ability. This is so you know what is required and what can be done to meet these requirements; If your a bad traveler, take the relevant pills, If you've never climbed a mountain or peak before, climb several prior to the trip.
After all, you will be climbing the UK's three highest in the space of a day!
During your challenge, you will be spending most of your time climbing but also a fair portion of it travelling too, both demanding in their own ways.
Climbing estimations:
Ben Nevis - 5.5 hours
Scafell - 4.5 hours
Snowdon - 4.5 hours
(These are estimated times but will vary depending on your fitness and how adapt you are)
Driving estimations
Ben Nevis to Scafell - 5 - 5.5 hours
Scafell to Snowdon - 4 - 4.5 hours
Break it down into sectors and ensure you have a good understanding of the time frame to keep within for each part.
Choose Your Team Wisely
Keep your team relatively small and take into account fitness level, teamwork skills and climbing/hiking experience.
Choose wisely and you will have a team you can trust.
Plan, Organise & Plan Some More
Considering every possibility is the key to being prepared. Factors to think about include:
- Necessary gear and equipment
- Potential weather conditions
- Food & drink requirements
- Routes (mountain and road)
- Costs (petrol, food, parking)
- Time of year
Again, this comes back to doing your own research and knowing what lies ahead. The Scout motto will do you no harm here, 'Be Prepared'.
Think Logically
A simple one but equally important! Don't rush or overlook decisions hastily, whether that be mid-challenge or in your planning. This can be basic things like planning your transportation.
For example, If you're a team of five and all plan to go in one car, well, let's just say it will be cosy.
It would be much more logical to go in two as you will want comfort when resting between peaks, room to change clothing (frequency depending on the weather) and plenty of space for your gear.
Sure, you might have to sacrifice a little extra when splitting petrol costs but you will be glad you did once finished.
Remember Your Motivation
Most people tend to attempt the three peaks in aid of charity, so reminding yourself of what your efforts contribute to is a good motivator to keep you going.
Obviously, if you don't manage to complete it within 24 hours you will still get donations, but if successful, people will be inclined to increase their amount thus leading to a happier you and happier charity.
If you are simply doing it for personal reasons rather than fundraising, the same applies. Think of your motivation and use it as energy.
A little cheesy but it works.
Challenge Stats
Height of Peaks
Scafell Pike - 3,209 feet
Snowdon - 3,560 feet
Ben Nevis - 4,409 feet
Total - 11,178 feet
Driving Miles
Ben Nevis > Scafell Pike - 260 miles
Scafell Pike > Snowdon - 215 miles
Total - 475 miles
Most of all, enjoy yourself and just appreciate being outdoors. Oh, and book the following day off work... your body will thank you.
