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Main Boards => General Walking Discussion => Topic started by: Westie on 15:08:39, 01/04/21

Title: 3 peaks challenge
Post by: Westie on 15:08:39, 01/04/21
Hi everyone, my name is Geoff , this is the first post I have written but I feel I need to ask as many walkers as possible.


Myself and my son are challenging ourselves to complete the national 3 peaks challenge in 3 weeks time (21st April)  we have been training for 3 to 4 months now basically walking 10/12 miles every other day, some of the walks are obviously more challenging ( Box Hill) and some are flat.


Please could someone recommend the best routes/Paths for each of the mountains ( Ben Nevis ,Scafell Pike, Snowdon) this is the first time we have challenged ourselves so not to sure what to expect .


Much appreciated


Geoff
Title: Re: 3 peaks challenge
Post by: ninthace on 15:33:47, 01/04/21
Welcome.  For a first time challenge you have chosen quite a big bite.  Your question suggests a lack of experience in these matters, forgive me if I am wrong. 

Just to check. -are you going as part of a larger group or just you two?
If it is just the two of you or will you have a driver?
Can you map read and navigate in the dark, in poor visibility, in both?  What are you taking to navigate with?
Have you hiked and navigated in any country wilder than Box Hill?
Have you attempted any lesser challenges as part of your training?
As to routes, have you looked at https://www.threepeakschallenge.uk/national-three-peaks-challenge/ (https://www.threepeakschallenge.uk/national-three-peaks-challenge/)  The standard routes on this site.
Title: Re: 3 peaks challenge
Post by: harland on 15:42:07, 01/04/21
The England lockdown rules are currently an encouragement to “stay local.  The Welsh ones I think remain that you can   only cross the border for essential reasons like work, to provide care or for shopping for essential items. I think that it is the same for Scotland so I suggest you leave it until it is safe for you and others to travel.  
Title: Re: 3 peaks challenge
Post by: Westie on 17:00:25, 01/04/21
Hi Harland


I have just tried to contact my local MP for clarification, I do think your right but I have  been told that as it’s for a charity it may be allowed .
Title: Re: 3 peaks challenge
Post by: Skip on 18:09:48, 01/04/21
Hi Geoff, welcome to WF

. . .  contact my local MP for clarification . . .

Clarification? From an MP? Well good luck with that then!  ;)

The national three peaks is controversial so, by way of research, I suggest you read this article from the British Mountaineering Council:
https://www.thebmc.co.uk/the-three-peaks-challenge--what-do-you-think


 (https://www.thebmc.co.uk/the-three-peaks-challenge--what-do-you-think)
Title: Re: 3 peaks challenge
Post by: Eyelet on 21:18:34, 01/04/21
Welcome to the forum. The National three peaks is a worthy objective and Ninthace nicely poses some very pertinent questions which will help us to help you if you answer them.
Few people choose to undertake this particular challenge in April because compared to attempting it in mid-June, you get an additional 3 hours of daylight mid-year.
Given that cross-border travel into Scotland and Wales is illegal for the time being, you might be better off engaged in testing your fitness against some sustained tough routes in England with plenty of ascent. Sections of the South-West Coast Path, some of the big Dartmoor or Peak District rounds all spring to mind. These will stand you in good stead for your N3P objective.
Title: Re: 3 peaks challenge
Post by: richardh1905 on 21:38:09, 01/04/21
Welcome to the forum, Geoff. :)


Delaying to avoid breaking Lockdown restrictions, and to maximise the available daylight makes huge sense. The delay would give you a chance to get some hill walking experience beforehand (I am assuming that your experience is limited; apologies if that is not the case).
Title: Re: 3 peaks challenge
Post by: forgotmyoldpassword on 21:40:55, 01/04/21
Tourist track on BN, Pyg on Snowdon and Wasdale route up Wasdale are the easiest routes.


If you've got a high level of fitness then I'd recommend Crib Goch, CMD Arete and then Corridor Route, but you do need to be fit to manage them back to back.
Title: Re: 3 peaks challenge
Post by: sparnel on 21:57:12, 01/04/21
You cannot travel from one local authority area to another in Scotland until 27th April
at the earliest. Essential travel only and that will not include a charity outing before that.
There will more than likely be snow/ice on the Ben Nevis summit.
Please reconsider your charity event until June......long days and better weather.
We have snow on the summits here in the Highlands and more forecast this coming week.
Title: Re: 3 peaks challenge
Post by: Eyelet on 22:19:07, 01/04/21
If you've got a high level of fitness then I'd recommend Crib Goch, CMD Arete and then Corridor Route, but you do need to be fit to manage them back to back.


Be aware you need more than just fitness to tackle these three options in your round - having mountain experience is key and favourable weather on the day.
Title: Re: 3 peaks challenge
Post by: richardh1905 on 22:24:50, 01/04/21
Good point about snow on the Ben, Sparnel - cornices on the gullies could be a real trap for the unwary. Not to mention the need for ice axe etc.
Title: Re: 3 peaks challenge
Post by: BuzyG on 23:31:25, 01/04/21
Welcome to the forum Geoff.  Current rules aside, three peaks is a serious undertaking.  I would agree with the comments above.  A little more time and preparation.  If your doing them all in the 24 hour window then you really need a dedicated driver to support you too.  Let us know a little more of your fitness and experience and I'm sure you will get more focused answers back.

Personally I would do them one at a time over a week, rest a day between each and take a more interesting route up each.  As mentioned North face car park and CMD arette to the Ben is a far far better route up than the pony track. The snowdon horse shoe another great route on it's own and a number of cracking circular routes up Scafell pike. So much more of an adventure than simply drudging up and back.

More time with your son that way too.