National Three Peaks Challenge - Top Ten Tips

Signing up to the National Three Peaks Challenge sounded like a great idea at the time. Hiking three mountains straight after each other - for someone who loves to spend time climbing peaks, how difficult could it possibly be?

Oh, how wrong I was! Conquering the Three Peaks Challenge was one of the most challenging adventures I have ever attempted - but it was also one of the most rewarding.

Before delving into the details of my Three Peaks Challenge experience, let’s take a look at what the challenge actually involves ….

What is the National Three Peaks Challenge?

The National Three Peak Challenge involves climbing to the summit of three of the UK’s highest mountains - Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), consecutively, one after another. Many aim to complete the challenge within 24 hours, whereas others believe this to be too dangerous as it puts a lot of pressure on the drive between peaks.

How Many Miles is the Three Peaks Challenge?

The Three Peaks Challenge involves a total hiking distance of 37km (23 miles) and a total ascent of 3064 metres - plus over 450 miles of driving added into the mix. That’s over 50,000 steps!

Throw in the UK’s unpredictable weather, a lack of sleep and a pair of very tired legs - this is an adventure not to be taken lightly!

I completed the Three Peaks Challenge as part of an organised event with a designated driver and mountain leaders to guide us. The challenge was tough - extremely tough and one in which I definitely underestimated.

How Long Does it Take to do the 3 Peaks Challenge?

You can complete the National 3 Peaks Challenge anytime between 24 hours and three days. You should aim to ascend and desend each mountain within the following times;

Ben Nevis - 5 hours
Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head - 4 hours
Snowdon - 4 hours

Three Peaks in 24 Hours

Completing the three peaks in 24 hours is a challenge not to be taken lightly. Not only do you need to complete each mountain at speed, but you also need to hope for good traffic as you (or hopefully a designated driver) drive between each peak.

If you’re aiming to complete the challenge within 24 hours I’d suggest starting at Ben Nevis at 6am. You can then drive to Scafell Pike, starting the hike to the summit at 5pm before driving to Snowdon where you will begin walking at 2am - for a beautiful sunrise hike.

Completing the challenge successfully within 24 hours will involve 13 hours of walking and 11 hours of driving. Planning ahead is crucial.

Three Peaks in Three Days

This is the ideal option if you don’t fancy rushing between mountains. Completing the National Three Peaks in three days gives you more time to enjoy your beautiful surroundings, soak up the local culture and support local businesses. If I do the challenge again, I’ll definitely be opting for this option!

Are you taking on the challenge? Check out my top tips to ensure you successfully complete the National Three Peaks Challenge…

The National Three Peaks Challenge - Top Ten Tips

Get Training

Make sure you are as fully prepared as possible for the Three Peaks Challenge. The biggest challenge I found was the incline and speed in which we had to walk to keep to our schedule. If you live close to any mountains or steep hills, get out there and hike! If not - go on multiple long walks, use the stairs as much as possible (or your gym’s stairmaster) and try to fit in a day trip to your closest mountain.

I went on regular walks around Cheshire and Snowdonia - including a couple of trips up Snowdon to test out my walking boots. I dragged Jonny on as many walks as he’d agree to, poor guy, and also upped my gym sessions to increase my strength and muscular endurance.

The more effort you put in before the challenge, the more you will enjoy conquering it.

2. Plan Ahead

Organisation is key if you want to conquer the Three Peaks Challenge - especially if you are aiming to summit all three mountains in just 24 hours.

You need to work out the logistics - how much time you’ll have on each mountain, driving time between peaks, directions from one mountain to the next as well as where to park and what to pack.

I went as part of an organised event with Global Adventure Challenges, meaning the driving, logistics and routes were all organised for me. I could focus solely on getting my body up and down each mountain.

If you decide to take on the challenge with a group of friends, then you’ll have to make sure you find a driver. Don’t even think about doing the climbing and driving yourself - you need time to rest, recover and refuel.

3. Be Prepared For All Weather Conditions

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail! Make sure you bring enough kit to cover all eventualities. When I took on the Three Peaks Challenge in August last year we were treated to all types of weather imaginable.

From glorious sunshine and blue skies at the summit of Ben Nevis to hailstones and high wind on Scafell Pike and then rain and freezing cold temperatures on the summit of Snowdon.

Don’t let the weather at the base of the mountain lure you into a false sense of security - mountain weather can change rapidly. Sunscreen and hats are a must to protect you from the sun, whilst waterproofs, hats and gloves should also be taken in your backpacks in case the weather changes. And always check the mountain forecasts before taking on the Three Peaks Challenge, or any mountain hike for that matter!

4. Look After Your Feet

This next point is so important - whatever you do, take good care of your feet whilst on and off the mountains. I took a fresh pair of socks for each mountain and made sure I took my socks and boots off as soon as possible to let my feet breathe and dry out in between peaks.

Avoid blisters by spotting “hot-spots” as soon as possible. Blister plasters (I use Compeed) are there to prevent blisters, not treat them! So catch any signs of rubbing early on and apply the right sized Compeed to avoid agonising blisters. You don’t want a nasty blister to be the reason you have to give up on your adventure.

5. Keep Hydrated

Hydration is the key to success. I can’t stress this enough! Make sure you take small regular sips whilst on the mountains and then keep hydrated whilst driving between them.

Aim to drink 2 litres of water per mountain using a hydration bladder such as a Platypus or Camelbak, to ensure you keep hydrated on the move - saving valuable time.

6. Make Sure You Have The Right Kit - And Train In It!

Make sure you bring all the correct kit with you when doing the National Three Peaks Challenge. As I’ve already mentioned, the weather can change dramatically on each peak - so be prepared!

Some hiking musts include comfortable walking boots, multiple layers, waterproofs and a comfortable backpack to carry vital items such as your hydration bladder, some scrummy snacks and a mini first aid kit.

My biggest tip for the three peaks challenge is to make sure that you train in your kit beforehand. Don’t make the mistake of buying your boots a few weeks before and then expecting a blister-free experience. Go on a few practice hikes with your full kit - including your backpack and hydration system to get a good feel of the challenge ahead.

7. Keep Your Body Fueled

If you’re anything like me, then snacks are life - and keeping your body fueled during the challenge is so important. As your body tires and fatigue kicks in, your appetite will drop - just as you need it the most.

I prepared three pasta pots to eat after completing each peak and then took smaller snacks to eat on the mountains themselves. Cereal bars, Soreen and trail mix worked for me and easily fitted into my pockets for some tasty on-the-go snacks. Again, make sure you try out your snacks during your training hikes and avoid trying anything new on the challenge itself.

Important - make sure you bring any litter back off the mountains with you (including banana peel!). The Three Peaks Challenge gets a bad rep because of the amount of rubbish left behind from groups of disrespectful trekkers. Don’t be that person. Remember … take only photographs and leave only footprints.

8. Try To Get As Much Sleep As Possible

One of the biggest challenges I found was the lack of sleep – the Three Peaks Challenge is as much of a mental challenge as it is a physical one. The only time you’ll get some rest is in your car or van on the way to the next mountain, so use it wisely.

My top tip is to take some home comforts with you, to help you rest. I took a travel pillow, blanket and my slipper socks for some added comfort! Other participants took eye masks and earplugs, which are a great idea to block out any distractions along the journey.

9. Motivate Each Other

Team work makes the dream work - and you’re definitely going to need each other on this journey. Whether you’re trekking with friends or people you have never met - you’ll get to know each other extremely well on the Three Peaks Challenge.

Be there to motivate each other, celebrate your achievements together and support each other when things get tough - you’ll be making memories and friendships that last a lifetime.

Need an extra dose of inspiration? Check out these positive affirmations to give you that extra boost of confidence whilst completing the challenge.

10. Take In The Moment

Amongst the lack of sleep, tough inclines and achy muscles - make sure you enjoy a moment or two to take in your surroundings and reflect on your achievements. The UK is full of incredible scenery and the Three Peaks Challenge takes you on a journey to some of the UK’s most incredible locations.

The drives between each mountain opened our eyes to the wonderful sights of Scotland, England and Wales. From the famous lochs and dramatic munroes of Scotland, to the impressive lakes and towering peaks of the Lake District. Not forgetting the picture perfect scenery of Snowdonia National Park, glistening as the sun rose before our final ascent.

So, to sum it all up, the National Three Peaks Challenge shouldn’t be taken lightly - make sure you train properly and have all the right kit. The challenge is tough. It will push you to your limits, both mentally and physically - but wow, it’s worth it!

If you’re looking to explore more of the UK by foot, then check out my list of top hiking locations in the United Kingdom!

Disclaimer: I am not a Mountain Leader - just a girl who loves the outdoors. And the advice given above is just what I learnt from my own experience :)

Top 10 Tips for the National Three Peaks Challenge

What is the National Three Peaks Challenge?

How Many Miles is the Three Peaks Challenge?