The National Three Peak Challenge has become one of the most popular mountain challenges in the UK. It is attempted by individuals & groups looking to test their physical ability and increasingly a challenge used by individuals and charities to raise funds for worthy causes. However, to conquer the 3 mountains is no easy feat and it is not for the faint hearted. The challenge will not only test you physically but will also test you mentally.
Snowdon, Wales (1085m) – Scafell Pike, England (978m) – Ben Nevis, Scotland (1345m)
Preparing for the challenge
1. Walking Boots & Practice Walks
Walking boots will arguably be one of the most important parts of your kit. They will be paramount to ensuring you are comfortable and can be the difference between completing the challenge or failing it. Specialist walking boots are better than shoes as they will offer much better support on the terrain you will encounter on the mountains.
Look out for boots that are waterproof and breathable as not all walking boots will be.
The National Three Peak Challenge is a huge physical challenge and should not be taken lightly. A high level of fitness is required to complete the challenge within the 24-hour time frame. It is common for people preparing for the challenge to climb one of the mountains as part of their training programme. This will help you familiarise yourself with the type of terrains you can expect on the challenge.
Choose the closest mountain out of the three to you and climb it as part of your preparation for the challenge
If that is not possible then ensure you include plenty of long distance walks and uphill walks in your training programme.
2. Socks
Pack enough socks to have a fresh pair for each mountain. After each mountain don’t leave your socks on in your transport. Take them off as soon as possible and give your feet the opportunity to breathe. It is the little things that go a long way.
3. Plan route & timing
If you are hoping to complete the challenge in 24 hours you need to ensure you plan your route and timings. You will have to complete at least one mountain climb at night, but by starting the first mountain as early as possible in the morning you can have more hours of daylight.
The National Three Peaks Challenge driving route is 460 miles long and takes around 11 hours in good traffic. That leaves 13 hours for climbing and you should aim for this to be split like the following:
Ben Nevis – 5 hours
Scaffel Pike – 4 Hours
Snowdon – 4 Hours
4. Get a dedicated driver
If you are attempting the 3 peaks challenge on your own or a small group you should have a dedicated driver. Do not even think about attempting to drive and climb the three mountains. You need rest between the climbs and give your body a chance to rest. By driving you are not allowing this to happen.
Travel SOS offer a Minibus Hire with a driver service allowing you to concentrate on the challenge and not have to worry about the stress and inconvenience of driving. We have a range of vehicles from, 8, 12 & 16 seater minibuses available. If you’re leaving from Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield, Solihull, Warwickshire, Wolverhampton or Walsall and require Minibus with a driver contact us today.
During the challenge
1. Stick to speed limits
If you fall slightly behind schedule on the mountains, do not be try to make up time by breaking the speed limits and driving too fast. This doesn’t only put you and other road users at risk but is also a cheat as you gain time in an unfair way.
2. Be Prepared
You may not be expecting rain or to complete that mountain in the dark but pack waterproofs and a torch in your day pack anyway. You may take longer than anticipated to complete the mountain and you don’t want to get caught out in the rain or in the dark without these. Even in the height of Summer it will be cold at the top of the mountains, bring gloves, hats and layers to keep you warm.
3. Food & Drink – Stay hydrated & Eat little and often
Food equals energy, even if you are not hungry or don’t feel like eating. Tiredness may cause you to lose your appetite but you need to eat. You will burn around 8,000 calories over the course of the challenge. The trick is to eat small portions. This will help you to avoid feeling sick and most importantly keep your energy up. Cereal bars, dried fruit and nuts are ideal for keeping in your pocket as you can snack on them whilst walking. This will help limit a number of times you need to stop and improve your timings.
It is recommended that you drink at least 2 litres of water per mountain. A hydration pack is a brilliant way to carry the water as you do not have to stop to take out bottles from your bag. This helps to keep you on the move and limits time wasting.
4. Stick together and support each other
You are only as fast as your slowest teammate so let the slowest member of the team set the pace to ensure no one gets left behind. If you set a pace which not everyone can keep up with you will end up stopping more and resulting in time being wasted. Also, if you decide to do it as a group it is best to stick together to avoid the risk of getting lost, especially during the night time walking.
5. Stay on the planned route
Don’t be tempted to take shortcuts to save time. This may cause you to actually lose time if you get lost and can’t find the correct route again. Stick to the paths which at times may not be obvious. Do not attempt to take any shortcuts that you think are a clever idea. Taking the wrong turn can put yourself in danger.
After the Challenge
Rest & let your muscles recover
At this stage, your body would have been through one of the most intense 24hours ever. You will have to feel very tired and have aches in areas of your body you didn’t know about. Ensure you have cleared your schedule for at least 2days after the challenge. Allow your body to rest and do not take on any major duties.
Don’t forget the challenge requires planning, preparation and physical ability. As mentioned above we do not recommend you drive and climb. Ideally, for space and comfort, you should look to hire a Minibus with a driver. Travel SOS provide exactly that and are here so you have one less issue to stress about. So, no need to search around for Minibus Hire Birmingham or Cheap Minibus Hire because Travel SOS is your answer. Our professional and friendly service ensures your travel in between the mountains is safe, comfortable and efficient.
Ready to take on the Three Peaks? Leave the driving to us and save your energy for the mountains. Book your dedicated minibus driver today. Get a Quote Now.
