Classic Three Peaks Challenge in 24 hours Picture 1
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UK National Three Peaks Challenge 24hrs
Trek Adventure
The Three 3 Peaks Challenge is without doubt one of our most popular treks and one of the toughest at the same time. Climbing the Three Highest Peaks in the home nations: Scotland, England and Wales. Starting with Ben Nevis before heading south for Scafell Pike and then finishing at Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).
The challenge is all the more tough as we complete the whole lot in 24 hrs*. Now that is going to be challenging!
A total of 480 miles of driving, a large part during the night, and climbing a total of almost 3000 vertical metres, makes this a special kind of challenge, and not one that everyone is going to manage. Why not give yourself a goal this year to train for. Why not say that you’re going to put yourself to the test, and join the Classic 3 Peaks Challenge. Join a group of like-minded adventurous individuals who will be taking part in this event, looking for a tough weekend, with a few laughs along the way to look back upon….
Unlike other companies we provide a minimum of 2 qualified mountain leaders based on a minimum of 10 participants. In addition to our minimum ratio of 1:10 we also provide an additional leader to support the mix of abilities in the team. We provide reliable minibuses and drivers, a range of acommodation options and bespoke meal pacakages and of course the event management expertise to ensure that this event runs as smoothly as possible. This challenge could change your life - so be prepared!
If you would prefer a decent nights slep in the middle of the challenge you could consider our 36 hour itinerary. Or to take your time to enjoy each mountain more we recommend our 48hr version (3 days trekking and only 2 nights of accommodation). You will however need to fly to Glasgow in the morning to trek Ben Nevis in the evening. Our 36 hour trek is also an option to complete the trek in a shorter time but this requires a 3rd night of accommodation. Alternatively there is always our 3 Day version (with 3 nights) for the maximum time spent on the mountains and plenty of time to get up to Fort William the day before you start your trek.
https://www.adventure-cafe.com/Adventures/Three-Peaks-in-36hrs-(2-days-3-nights)
https://www.adventure-cafe.com/Adventures/Three-Peaks-in-48hrs-(3-days-2-nights)
https://www.adventure-cafe.com/Adventures/Three-Peaks-in-3-Days-3-nights
Itinerary
Day 1
11:00 Departure from Chester Train Station
11:15 Departure from Chester Hoole Road
Journey to Scotland
16:30 Pick up from Glasgow International Airport
19:30 Supermarket shop in Fort William
19.45 Drop bags at accommodation
20.00 Table booked for dinner (not inc. in event fee)
20:45 Event Briefing
21:00 Off to bed!
Day 2
05:15 Wake up call
05.30 Light breakfast and final kit preps
06:00 Depart accommodation, transfer to Ben Nevis
06:15 Arrival Ben Nevis, preparations
06:30 Begin 3 Peaks Challenge, ascent of Ben Nevis
12:00 Return from Ben Nevis and jump in Minibus
(Afternoon hot meal at service station)
18:45 Arrive Wasdale. Ascent of Scafell Pike
23:00 Return from Scafell Pike, jump in Minibus
Depart for Yr Wyddfa…..sleep!
Day 3
03:45 Arrival at foot of Yr Wyddfa….wake up time!
06:15 Arrival at Yr Wyddfa Summit within 24 hours
08:30-11.30 Complete trek—time dependant on overall speed
Coffee stop/breakfast bap at cafe (not included)
10:30-13:30 approx Arrival in Chester
Trains to be booked from 14.00 onwards
Accommodation
Friday night—Accommodation in Fort William. Please enquire as to the type of accommodation required.
Saturday night—our mobile palace on wheels! Or should that be one most unsual and erratic nights of your life! You may wish to bring a travel pillow - and a good sense of humour! You may also wish to ensure you have sufficient warm clothing or a sleeping bag - as even in summer it can feel chilly overnight, when you're feeling tired.
Sunday night—not included, but accommodation in Chester can be arranged upon request.
What is a Level 4.0 Trekking Challenge Like?
You are now moving into the realms of serious challenges - where you are likely to encounter rough and steep terrain, sleep deprivation – ie very long days, or even high altitude. In any case - be prepared for an event which is going to take you well past the limits of your comfort zone. Trekking days will be up to 13 hours, or slightly less if the event stretches over several days. The severity of the challenge may be magnified by various factors - and you will need to be more resilient - variable weather conditions, simple food and maybe camping – these factors forms a part of the challenge. You need to be in good shape to undertake any of these events, and you need to be training regularly. The height gain each day is greater than for level 3 - so expect plenty of hills! A level 4 challenge would involve a very long day (in excess of 28 miles) or some serious hill climbing (multiple peaks in one day) - or possibly both!
How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 4.0 ‘Trek’?
To participate in these events you need to be in very good fitness. You enjoy taking exercise, and do it regularly (a couple of times a week minimum). You may well partake in several different types of activity, possibly including the gym, swimming, running, or circuit training. You probably are capable of running up to 5 or 6 miles, but in a good steady speed (around 9-10 minute miling). If you do not run - you should be regularly undertaking challenging walks or other strenuous exercise. You should be comfortable walking 17-19 miles in the English lowland countryside.
Medical Issues
Please note, it is extremely important for this physical challenge that you are in good health. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please consider carefully whether you should be joining the challenge. Please ensure you fill in the booking form accurately and honestly, this is important. In the case of serious conditions (epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, recent illness or operations), please discuss the challenge with your GP. Please also ensure you notify us of any allergies or similar.
You should be used to walking reasonable distances each day to contemplate this trek. It requires stamina and good aerobic fitness - but good willpower will also come in handy! Failure to disclose medical conditions is a serious omission - that could have serious repercussions on any of our challenges.
Special Notes
For more detailed answers to frequent questions on the 3 Peaks - please click here - FAQs
To find out what previous trekkers have been saying about our events - please click HERE!
Our vehicles and drivers are licensed through the DVSA and well versed in the 3 peaks and they understand the needs of 3 peaks participants. The vehicles are well serviced and in a good working condition. If a breakdown occurs whilst on the challenge, the challenge may be delayed until further transport can be arranged and a revised itinerary may be offered to participants 3 peaks experience. Vehicles have roadside recovery, but participants should be aware that we do not have spare vehicles available to deploy in the middle of the night. We will always get challenges back up and running as soon as possible - and it should be noted that this is a very rare possibility.
Timings are enforced on this challenge. The classic 3 Peaks challenge is conducted in 24 hours. The maximum time frame available is 29 hours due to driver and leader reasonable working times. To enable this to happen the leader will gauge personal fitness levels by the time you have completed Ben Nevis. There may be an instance if your fitness is not up to the challenge that you may be asked to sit out a summit. The leaders decision will be final and taken on experience.
* Please note there will be enforced driver speed limits, a 45 minute driver rest and a 10 minute driver change over and fuel stop.
PLEASE NOTE WE DO NOT AVISE TO BOOK FLIGHTS UNTIL YOU HAVE DISCUSSED WITH ADVENTURE CAFE WHEN APPLICABLE.
Included In Trip
- Minibus Transport & 2 drivers
- Full pre-event consultation
- 1 night accommodation (inc light breakfast)
- Experienced MLTA Qualified Leaders with Mountain First Aid and resources
- Mountain safety equipment. radio comms
- Risk assessment, tour operator insurance and £10,000,000 activity & event public liability insurance
- Emergency and contingency planning
- Event joining instructions, maps, timings, nutrition guidance and bespoke training plan.
- Advice on routes close to London to train on. Team training days can be arranged in the Surrey Hills.
*All transfers provided by Adventure Cafe's transport provider throughout the challenge from pick up and drop off in Chester or Manchester usually on the Friday/Sunday. We can also arrange for pick up from Glasgow airport. The drivers are regulated by current DVSA drivers hours regulations and enforced driving/rest stops.
Excluded From Trip
- Pick up form London can be arranged.
- Upon arrival into Fort William we will give you an opportunity to pick up additional snacks of your own preference whilst on the Challenge.
- Dinner arrangments will all be made for your ease and meals can be included as part of your bespoke package through your company or charity.
Equipment Required
Compulsory or Very Important Items
Walking Boots (broken in with ankle protection), Day Sack (25 - 35 litres)
Walking Poles, Lightweight Gloves, Fleece Hat
Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (Gore-tex, E-vent)
1 Pair Outer Waterproof Bottoms, Walking Socks
Head Torch with spare batteries
Other Recommended Items
Medikit
Suncream, Blister Repair Kit, Plasters, Painkillers, Sunbloc
Hill Walking Items
Bladder System (highly recommended - or other water bottles e.g. exercise bottle/Nalgene bottle), Sun Hat (wide brimmed), Neck Scarf
Lunches - you will have the opportunity en route to the challenge to shop for your event provisions (ie all food once the challenge is underway)
Snack Foods - we recommend good slow burning items - nuts, dried fruit, cereal bars etc.
Clothing
Lightweight Fleece, Medium Weight Fleece
Long Cotton Trekking Trousers, Comfortable Trekking Shirts (long/short sleeved)
Other
Pack of Travel Tissues, Travel Pillow (Bean type is best! Inflatable not as good!)
Camera, Film / Memory Card, Wallet, Credit Cards, Cash
Sunglasses, Spare Comfortable Shoes, Mobile Phone, Washkit
Holdall Bag to carry all items not used whilst on the mountain
Kit Hire
It is possible to hire equipment via our specialist kit hire providers Outdoor Hire Ltd. We have negotiated a 10% discount for all our 3 Peak Challengers.
Safety Information
You will be briefed by your leader, before and during the challenge - but key items to remember are as follows:
1. Wear appropriate clothing - including proper footwear with ankle support.
2. Ensure your waterproofs are in good condition
3. Listen to and follow instructions from your leader.
4. Remain within visual contact of your leader at all times
5. Remain well fed and watered throughout the event.
6. In case of poor weather we normally continue to pursue the challenge - unless we deem it unsafe. This usually would entail high winds or exceptionally high water levels that would render river crossings dangerous.
Weather
Expect variable weather conditions. We are after all trekking at dark, during the day, in Scotland, England and in Wales. So be prepared. We may encounter scorching temperatures but equally freezing cold or even snow (Especially in May on Ben Nevis) pack at both ends of the spectrum. Especially expect rain at some time… all three mountains are on the Western Seaboard and hence bear the brunt of prevailing weather systems coming in moisture laden from the Atlantic.
Notes on Trekking Events
Trek the Mountains of the World with Adventure Cafe, and our fantastic team of qualified leaders. From the UK, to the Alps, Pyrenees, Atlas Mountains, Himalayas and even Kilimanjaro. Put our International Mountain Leaders to the test! Check.
Adventure Cafe Booking Terms and Conditions
By booking an event with Adventure Cafe, you agree to these standard terms of booking. Please ensure that you read the appropriate document for your type of event carefully.
Adventure Cafe Terms & Conditions - For all types of event
To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge
You should fill in the Google Form - linked here below, and then please call us on 01823 444 246 to advise of your payment method. We can accept card payments over the phone, or Bank Transfer.
Please note that your space is not confirmed until you have received your booking receipt.
CLICK HERE:
Adventure Cafe Challenge Booking Form - For Challenge Events