‘RUN FORREST RUN’ – FORREST GUMP MOVIE
Panic creeped in once I emerged from my cabin on the Caledonian Sleeper, and I began to talk with others, who were also clutching nervously at coffee in hiking gear. Funnily enough the magnitude of hiking up mountains without sleep had not dawned on me. Suddenly my local hikes paled in comparison to the months of training everyone around me was reporting. Luckily the jagged peaks jutting proudly from the rugged land distilled my panic, as our train chugged into Fort William, Scotland; our start point for the UK’s National Three Peaks challenge.
I was surprised at how many people were gathered at the unassuming train station. I was even more surprised at those who had not brought a waterproof, or other essentials on the list. As they were marched off to make necessary purchases, I was allocated to ‘Group A’, based on my submitted health questionnaire.
Fantastic. I might have a waterproof but do I have any fitness?
I eyed up the others in my group, imagining the huge amounts of training they had done. Once we reached the Ben Nevis trail and said goodbye to our minibus drivers, any performance anxiety subsided. We had a fun group of various ages, some doing it for the challenge of hiking the UK’s highest three peaks in 24 hours, some for charity, and some for other personal reasons. And plenty without much training. Phew. Off we went.
The National Three Peaks Challenge is to climb UK’s three highest peaks in 24 hours; being Scotland’s Ben Nevis, Scaffell Pike in the Lake District and Mount Snowdon in Wales. Dependable on whether you do it as part of an open challenge; with others who have signed up, or as a group of friends independently, timings of hitting each peak will differ, but it is likely you will hike one peak during the night. Travel time is included in this 24 hour challenge time. With a bit of running a few of us made it back to the car park in 23 hours, 42 minutes.
Below is information about the open National Three Peaks Challenge peak by peak, hour by hour (or maybe a little less…).
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general tips/FAQ about the three peaks challenge
BEN nevis, scotland: The start
Height: 1345 metres
distance: 17km, with 1352m of ascent
time taken: 5 hours, 6 minutes
route: there is one way up and down, most start from the ben nevis visitor centre car park
We were lucky to have a dry day on Ben Nevis. The trail is steep at times, with loose scree on the upper sections that were (and are often), covered in snow. Visibility was good and we had glimpses of views such as the above, along with gushing waterfalls, and lush green slopes. This eventually gives way to the upper section, which resembles a lunar landscape. Cloud soon engulfed us; demanding serious motivation as energies soon dipped quicker than the temperature. Our excitement was put aside as bodies began to ache and we realised this was only .5 of 3 peaks. Silence set in. Just another 21.5 hours to go.
Descent was slippery and we were held up by a few dramatic falls, including by yours truly. Someone hurt their knee and needed first aid, but luckily the only thing broken was any remaining ice between the group. We bonded not only through our stories and the challenge ahead, but the enormity of the experience.
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Ben Nevis was my favourite hike. This may have been because I was fresh but it was a scenic hike with unreal vistas. It is often said to be the most demanding out of the three, due to the length of time and vertical ascent.
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This is the time to fuel up and take breaks, after all you have two other mountains to conquer if you are doing the Three Peaks challenge.
scafell pike, Lake district: next up
height: 989m
distance: 9.4km with 899m ascent
time taken: 3 hours 50 minutes
route: we started at wasdale head (lake head car park). as we were doing it in the dark i was grateful for our guide once we neared the summit. the trail seemed pretty indistinguishable amongst the loose rocks.
After sleeping through Scotland we all groggily tried to eat some food before setting out on the trail up Scafell Pike. Turns out we were not the only ones who thought it was a good idea (or mad enough) to climb when dark. The picture above is not my finest but gives an idea of the trail of headlights that crawled up the trail. And I mean crawled. We had to learn to walk at a slower pace than we wanted, due to the busy and narrow trail. Hence the headlight trail was a source of awe but also frustration ,as a patience was tested and we had to trust we would make it in time to complete the Three Peaks Challenge.
Despite it being early September, it was cold. Stopping provided temporary relief before the cold bit hard. Silence replaced pleasantries and a few of us took to jogging on the spot. After hopping across the Lingmell Gill crossing- feet slightly wet- the crowds dispersed and our pace increased. Breath slowed and the unrelenting ascent kicked in. At times I willed the crowds and narrow passages away. Tiredness hovered in the background, as we tried to navigate through the summit’s bounder field. Every so often someone tripped, reminding us to stay present and awake.
After a hurried moment at the summit we descended slightly ungracefully with a renewed appreciation for our guide’s navigation skills, and the coffee which greeted us at our minibus.
It was bizarre to be at such a scenic destination at night, but I am sure stargazing would be epic on a cloudless night. The moon briefly peered through the clouds to light up one of the lakes, as we drove to our final stop: Snowdon.
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For me, Scafell Pike was the toughest hike. This was in part due to the lack of sleep, and views. Instead we had to focus on the person in front of us. The trail of headlights became our point of reference ahead and behind; lighting the way through the darkness.
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If you decide to climb Scafell Pike at night, or do it as part of the Three Peaks Challenge, be mindful it is likely you will not be alone. Take a headtorch and be mindful of local residents based near the start point who will be asleep. Keep it that way!
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A map and navigation skills are essential at night. Have some mountain safety knowledge. During the day this is also important, especially when visibility is poor.
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If you are in trouble Ring the police on 999 and if needed they will put you through to the Mountain Rescue Team.
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mount snowdon, wales: the final peak
Height: 1085m
distance: 11km, ascent 729m
time taken: 3 hours 45 minutes
Route: pyg up, Llanberis Path down
Due to a closed motorway and lengthy detour we knew we had limited time to complete Snowdon in the 24 hours the Three Peaks Challenge demands.
Despite this we took time to appreciate the views such over Llyn Teyrn, Llyn Llydaw and Glaslyn; the three lakes around Snowdon. Pyg trail is my favourite, as the views make up for it being the shortest and toughest route up. Initially, you can see Crib Goch; an impressive peak at just over 900m. After a period of steps and scrambling you will reach the views in the above picture, before the terrain becomes uneven again, and the Miners trail links joins to form one trail. Then there are some challenging switchbacks before you reach the summit; symbolised by the train track in front, and the trig point to your left.
Again cloud greeted us as we huddled round the summit trig point marker. Most of our group opted for soup and hot drinks at the cafe (note: most open challenges count reaching the summit of the final peak as the completion). However three of us continued on to make it back to the minivan in 24 hours. Asides from its initial steep decline, Llanberis path is a good option for descent. After all, you get to experience different views, an easier path and finish with plenty of facilities in the town.
For us it did go on,and on, and on. We broke into a run towards the end which became particularly painful once we hit Llanberis town’s concrete roads. Nevertheless, after 23 hours, 42 minutes later with some hobbling, the odd run, plenty of snacks, and not enough sleep; we made it. The Three Peaks Challenge complete.
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Snowdon offers various hike options. Pyg or Miners are mostly used on the Three Peaks challenge, as these are the quickest routes up. Pyg is one of the hardest routes but plenty do it regardless of their fitness or preparation.
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Understandably, being the final peak exhaustion does set in. Be sure to have snacks to hand.
also hike the brecon beacons in wales
GENERAL POINTS ABOUT THE THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE
- What is the open Three Peaks Challenge group like? If you opt for an open group there are scheduled departures, so check the website. Tons of people do it alone but there were also several groups who joined us, who did not want to worry about logistics by arranging an independent trip. It is a nice way to meet others or simply an accessible way to try this challenge, should you not know anyone who is interested!
- Will I be able to keep up? I learnt my lesson not to worry or compare on this trip, as those who had trained for months were in other groups anyway, and it is not a competition against others (unless you are taking part in one!). You fill in a health and fitness questionnaire before departure which determines the group you are in (for example, as Group A we went first). However you can fall back into another group or join a group ahead, although you will have to return to your original minibus to travel to each peak.
- Cost? £349 pp for the open group at time of writing. This includes a mountain guide, water, some food, and minibus transport between venues.
- Do you need a guide? No, but you need navigation skills and some idea of mountain safety should you do it alone. This is especially the case for Scafell Pike.
- Are there other options? There is also the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, The Surrey Three Peaks Challenge, and the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge. These can also be arranged through the website link above. There is also the option to do the National Challenge over three days. There are also cycling challenges, sailing challenges and more!
- Can I do the challenge with a private group? Yes. There is the option to self-organise if you have a minimum of 4 people which helps reduce logistical planning. You can opt for certain services such as registration for guidance on a safe trip, drivers, a certificate, and minibus. Alternatively you can arrange it with friends without using a company, which is likely to be cheaper but involves more planning.
- Why do it? Yes, it can seem strange to walk 37km and ascend 10,052ft in the space of 24 hours, whilst throwing in travelling from Scotland to Wales. However I found it to be the perfect way to experience peaks I would otherwise have to spend the weekend travelling to, along with meeting new people and physically challenging myself. It is the perfect taster for these wonderful parts of the UK.
- Doable to complete? Definitely. Travel time does play a role and for many they did not make it in 24 hours due to a closed motorway but you could choose not to count this and just consider average journey times. Fitness, the right gear and eating enough will improve your chances significantly.
- How do I get there? If you are doing the open challenge everyone meets at Fort William train station. The most affordable way to get here is on the Caledonian Sleeper train, for example from London. The challenge leaders expect most people to be arriving on this train, which tends to get in just before the start time of the challenge. Either purchase a cabin with a bed or a chair. Having done both, I seriously recommend a cabin to get enough sleep. I actually had mine to myself by chance. You can pre-order breakfast, with options including porridge and toast. Alternatively travel up the night before and stay locally in Fort William.
- How do I get home? You can either be picked up or make your own way from Llanberis (Snowdon), or they offer to drop you at Chester train station, so pre-book a ticket from here. We arrived much earlier than my advanced ticket, so consider an open ticket if possible.
- Any other advice? The website I linked above and will link again below gives kit information. Prepare by hiking a lot and breaking in your boots. Also take all litter with you, be respectful of local residents, wary of your limits and sticking to the trails (standard responsible hiking).
Also consider hiking poles as you will be descending quickly and it can be easy to slip. - To note: Most people count completing the Three Peaks Challenge as reaching the top of Snowdon.
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