What is the Three Peaks Challenge?
In 1926, three avid mountain walkers gained national press coverage for climbing the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours, hiking a total of 23 miles and ascending 3,064m (10,052 feet). It’s since become one of the most iconic endurance feats in the UK. Each year, 30,000 people register for the National Three Peaks Challenge, with roughly the same number attempting it without guided support.
What's the route?
Most participants begin with an early morning climb of Scotland’s Ben Nevis (1,345m), the UK’s highest peak. Mountain Leader Dawn Patterson describes it as a punishing first ascent, with steep, mid-section zigzags to extraordinary summit views. It’s a six-hour drive to Scafell Pike (978m), England’s tallest and Patterson’s favourite. After a five-hour drive, climbers then tackle Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon (1,085m), Wales’ highest summit, where moonlit mountain paths culminate in a breathtaking sunrise view from the summit.
How to organise the challenge
Logistics and navigation are as testing as the physical aspect. Join a professionally organised group for support from qualified, experienced Mountain Leaders, with a minibus linking the peaks. “You can concentrate on enjoying the experience while we worry about safety, navigation and transport,” says Charity Challenge’s Jenn Payne.
How should you train for the Three Peaks Challenge?
As well as having a head for heights, you need to be sure on your feet in the mountains. You’ll be following steep, rocky pathways and clambering up rough-hewn steps while carrying a heavy load of water, snacks and equipment. “I always recommend walking poles,” says Patterson. “They provide vital balance on uneven terrain, keep your arms active, help maintain pace and provide support for your ankles and knees while ascending and descending.”
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“Mountain hiking requires specific fitness and strength,” explains Patterson. “Begin training 16 weeks in advance wearing all your kit, including an 8–10kg-weighted backpack,” adds Payne. “Walk frequently on uneven ground, practice with different step heights on climbs, introduce intense aerobic interval training and include elevation challenges wherever possible.”
What should you wear for the challenge?
“For mountains, it’s all about grip, weather protection and layers,” says Patterson. “Whether you choose supportive hiking boots or agile trail shoes, good grip significantly reduces the risk of slips, especially in wet or uneven conditions.” Be sure to bring at least one spare pair of socks for an easy refresh between peaks. “The weather changes quickly at altitude, so you’ll likely rotate sunscreen, caps, woolly hats, gloves and waterproofs during the same hike,” Payne adds.
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What food should you eat and bring?
Eating and drinking correctly before and during your walk can have a huge impact on your ability to complete the challenge. “A hearty meal before and after is paramount, alongside taking salty snacks such as peanuts or pretzels and a favourite treat for emergency comfort,” explains Payne. “Hydration is key: we suggest taking a minimum of two litres of water on each climb, ideally in a bladder with a hoser or straw, plus a small bottle for isotonic drinks to top up essential sugars and salts.”
What if things go wrong?
“Most mountain incidents are the results of impaired navigation or lower leg injuries, but can escalate quickly,” says Patterson. Joining an official group means you have expertise and support on tap. For self-organised groups, she suggests pre-registering for the 999 text service, using the OS app to pinpoint locations, and carrying emergency blankets, a torch and a first aid kit.
What else should you consider?
With increasing participant numbers comes growing sustainability concerns. It’s not just the traffic hurtling between the peaks but also evidence of increased visitor numbers in the form of human waste. “Clear up other people’s litter as well as taking away your own,” Patterson says. “Fruit peel, nut shells, tissues and even your own poo should all come back with you in a small bag.”
Alternative challenges
Don’t fancy so much driving? The Lakes 24 Challenge is a two-day event climbing 24 Lake District peaks from one base. The Welsh 3000s tackles the 15 peaks in Wales over 914m, with no vehicular travel permitted. To up the pace, fell-run the Bob Graham Round: a 66-mile circuit summitting 42 Lake District peaks in 24 hours. Alternatively, cycle the fearsome one-day Fred Whitton Challenge, looping some 112 miles across a series of mountain passes in the Lake District, with an elevation gain of around 3,170m.
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Top image: hiking up Yr Wyddfa. Credit: Getty