National 3 Peaks Challenge (24 Hours)

You need to be in good physical shape to participate in this trip. The National Three Peaks Challenge includes climbing the three highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours, so it is tough going! However, you don’t require any mountaineering experience. The guide will aim to set a pace that is necessary to complete the challenge within 24 hours. It should be noted that there will be minimal time for breaks and this is not a leisurely walking pace. Cut-off times may be implemented for legal reasons to do with driver's hours or to benefit the majority of the group.

See inclusions and exclusions above.

Clothing Items: - walking boots that are waterproof with ankle support (good boots are required for participation, if you are unsure message us) - walking trousers (lightweight and not denim/jeans) - t-shirt/base layer (cotton is best avoided for better moisture management) - fleece/jumper (lightweight fleece such as microfleece is best) - thick walking socks - hat - gloves - waterproof Trousers (essential regardless of weather forecast) - waterproof Jacket (essential regardless of weather forecast) - Gaiters (Optional) Hiking gear: - personal 1st Aid Kit including blister plasters and any personal medication/inhalers etc. - head Torch with new batteries (required for participation) - small rucksack of 25L Max (2 shoulder straps, waist belts are beneficial) - food/snacks (cereal bars, nuts, bananas, and pasta are all good ) - at least 1.5l water pr mountain (any energy drinks taken should be in addition to water to avoid dehydration) - walking Poles (optional but beneficial for descents) - camera Additional items to be left on the vehicle: - travel pillow - additional food and drinks for in-between mountains (pasta, sandwiches, snacks etc.) - comfortable travel clothes and an extra set of walking clothes (in case one set gets wet) - ear plugs and eye mask The above list is not exhaustive, you may have additional items you may wish to bring with you. Keep in mind that you will be carrying your own bag and it's beneficial to pack light. Please note that space is often limited in the bus, this should be considered when packing.

Typically groups are no more than 10 with one guide for each group. Please note that if there are more than 10 booked on a trip we will split the group. If you have booked with friends or family, please let us know so that we group you together.

YES! We require that all clients have good hiking boots. Waterproofing is highly recommended. Please be advised that we reserve the right to turn you away from this challenge if you do not have suitable footwear. We also cannot take any responsibility for injuries or failure to complete this challenge caused by inappropriate shoe choices. The terrain on all 3 mountains is rocky and very slippy when wet. Given the nature of the trip with people progressively getting more fatigued, boots reduce the risk of strains, sprains or worse. An ankle injury is not always a major problem however, it can pose significant logistical issues and impact the success of the entire group.

The guide will aim to set a pace which the group can realistically attempt to complete the challenge within 24 hours. This will mean a relatively fast walk with minimal breaks of no more than a few minutes to drink, have a quick snack or catch your breath. If you are well off the pace or struggling, the guide may need to make a call as to whether you can continue the challenge. If you have concerns about your fitness levels or would like to take a little longer to complete the 3 peaks at a more leisurely pace, we recommend that you consider the National 3 Peaks -3 Days trip (also available through Skyhook).

Accommodation in Fort William is in twin rooms. Sharing a room is a great way to get to know your fellow trekkers. A single supplement in Fort William is sometimes possible (subject to availability). This needs to be requested before arrival. You can chat with the guide on your Skyhook dashboard. Single supplements cost £100pp. You need to pay this direct to the 3-Peaks Team, before the event.

This challenge includes a driving distance of around 725km / 450 miles. This means we spend around 10 hours on the road, most of that at night. This leaves us with 14 hours (maximum) to complete the ascent and descent of the 3 mountains within the 24-hour challenge limit.

Day 1: 10:30 AM - Pick up in Warrington or Northwest agreed location (if needed) 3:00 PM - Pick up Glasgow Central Station or/and International Airport (if needed) 3:30 PM - Transfer to hotel/B&B 6:00 PM - Arrive at hotel 8:00 PM - Challenge briefing and Q&A session Day 2: 7:00 AM - Breakfast 8:00 AM - Transfer to Ben Nevis start point 8:15 AM - Final preparation 8:30 AM - Start challenge (Begin Ben Nevis) 11:30 AM - Summit Ben Nevis 1:30 PM - Transfer to Wasdale Head (transfer includes a 45-minute maximum driver rest stop. This is a VOSA legal requirement) 8:30 PM - Begin Scafell Pike ascent 11:00 PM - Summit Scafell Pike 1:00 AM - Transfer to Pen y Pass Day 3: 1:00 AM - Transfer to Pen y pass 5:30 AM - Begin Snowdon ascent 8:00 AM - Summit Snowdon 9:30 AM - Complete challenge at Pen y pass 10:00 AM - Transfer to drop off point

The total walking distance is 23 miles (37km) and the total ascent is 3064 metres (10,052ft). Ben Nevis is the highest point reached at 1,344m.

Please choose your preferred pick-up location on your trip form after booking (it's on your dashboard). Pick-up options: - Warrington, leave your car (10:15 AM) - Warrington Bank Quay Station (10:30 AM) - Glasgow Central Station (3:00 PM) - Glasgow International Airport (3:30 PM), make sure your landing time allows you to get to arrivals by 3:30 PM - Fort William, meet at hotel (6:00 PM) Drop-off options: - Chester Station - Warrington Central Station - Warrington Bank Quay Station - Warrington, Return to your car Although we aim to complete the challenge on time (between 8:30-9:30 AM) times can vary depending on the speed of the group. **We cannot guarantee drop-off times and strongly advise that you either pay on the day for train tickets or book an anytime ticket**

Meals and water are not included on this trip. The key is to eat small amounts and often. Make sure you bring enough food and snacks for 3 mountains. Energy bars, dried fruit and nuts, sandwiches and prepared pasta work well. For water, you will need to have at least 1.5l for each mountain (minimum 4.5l total). Any energy drinks should be in addition to this, to prevent dehydration. You will only need to carry enough water for each mountain at any time, the rest can be left in the vehicle. Do not rely on being able to refill your bottle at the start of each ascent.

You must be at least 18 years old to do the 3 Peaks Challenge.

Yes - we highly recommend taking out travel insurance right after booking the trip. Unfortunately we can't recommend travel insurance providers (as it's a regulated industry in the UK), but we can confirm that many customers choose to take out BMC travel insurance or similar.

Although our guides do their best to set a brisk pace and complete the challenge within the 24hr mark (and usually do), this is unfortunately not possible to guarantee. Weather conditions, participant fitness and health as well as other factors beyond our control have an impact on challenge time. For this reason we ask that guests please take responsibility for their own fitness and show up having trained for the challenge and in good physical shape. This is for your own benefit as well as that of the other guests on the trip.