3 Peaks Challenge & Top 10 Tips

The Highest Mountains in England, Scotland & Wales.

1. Tackle Scafell Pike in the light: This is the easiest mountain of the three to get lost on with its boulder strewn top that lacks distinction in any direction. Be mindful of the direction you've come from as you reach the summit. Set your timetable to tackle this one in daylight! Start your first peak in the evening, so Scafell Pike, as the second peak, is attempted as the sun comes up. Groups often head up Scafell Pike in the evening, get lost and take all night to re-find their route down in darkness. If starting your first mountain in the morning, make it early so you get Scafell Pike done before night.

2. Use a non-restricted vehicle: 15+ seater minibuses are restricted to 62mph. Using a 9 seater or smaller, means you can go faster on motorways, which makes a huge difference over the whole challenge. 

3. “A-team” transitions: leap onto the vehicle and zoom off! No messing; get in and go; sort your kit, change, etc as you travel; be ready when you arrive at the next mountain. You lose valuable time, which really makes a difference.

4. Fitness: No.1 area people fall down on. The challenge is physically harder than you expect. There is no replacement for actually practicing on real mountains or similarly steep slopes like Pen-y-Fan (Brecon Beacons), Skiddaw (northern Lakes), etc. Even better, do one of the 3 Peaks separately as training. Email: info@getoutdoorsuk.org to join an individual peak trip. Jogging (up hills if poss) is great preparation for building your cardio vascular strength and training your lungs for tough up hill efforts. However we all need to start somewhere, so do so early by getting out walking and give yourself time to build up gradually with a DAY WALK.

5. Hire a mountain leader: Costs a little more, but can stop you getting lost and ruining your chances of completing the 3 Peaks. They look after you in an emergency and are experts at picking up exhausted, wet, emotional team spirit. Don’t underestimate the risks; there were 30 deaths on mountains in the Lake District in 2015.

Don't call it a dream, call it a plan!

6. Planning: Particularly if you're brave (or daft?) enough to ignore point 5; you must know the routes! Work out your driving time between each peak, where to park, how much time that leaves for mountains. Very easy to make fatal mistakes when tackling the 3 Peaks and scupper your chances. Many people get lost, especially in fog or heavy rain; not surprising if it is your first visit and you’re tackling them exhausted; some people even climb the wrong mountains.

Don't call it a dream, call it a plan!