What is the National Three Peaks Challenge?
The National Three Peaks Challenge is one of the UK’s most popular walking challenges. Encompassing the highest peaks in Scotland, Wales, and England, it’s tough three hikes rolled into one awesome adventure!
The National Three Peaks Challenge comprises climbs of Ben Nevis (4,413ft), Snowdon (3,560ft), and Scafell Pike (3,209 ft). Traditionally taken on by over 24 hours, with a good amount of driving between the peaks, hikers are rewarded along the way with fantastic views and a fantastic sense of achievement.
There are lots of different ways to complete the National Three Peaks Challenge. You could take on the National Three Peaks in Three Days, spreading your ascents over three days so you’ll always walk in daylight. You could also complete sunrise walks to the top of each summit, setting off in the small hours and reaching the summit as the sun rises.
Scafell Pike
Scafell Pike (978m/3,209ft) is England’s highest peak. It’s a barren, rocky mountain in the Borrowdale, Cumbria. Boasting breathtaking views of the Lake District from the summit, it makes for a brilliant day out and is one of the National Three Peaks Challenge highlights (who are we kidding? Each of the peaks is a highlight!).
Despite being the lowest of the three peaks, some say Scafell Pike is the most challenging. We’re big fans of the hiking up Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route from Seathwaite, which takes in some spectacular scenery and provides a real feeling of remoteness.
Scafell Pike as sunrise is also a fantastic choice to complete the walk in a different and completely unforgettable way.
Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis (1,345m/4,413ft), the highest peak in Scotland and the United Kingdom, is at the western end of the Grampian Mountains in the Lochaber area of Scotland, close to the town of Fort William - a great place to stay if you’re attempting the challenge. Fort William has a well-served train station and A-road access, giving the well-deserved nickname of the ‘gateway to Ben Nevis’. You could join a Ben Nevis Weekend Package, with accommodation and meals included, to make a weekend of it.
Ben Nevis as we know it today is what’s left of a collapsed, once-active volcano. Evidence suggests the volcano’s collapse caused a huge explosion comparable to the 1883 explosion of Krakatoa, which was reportedly heard 1,930 miles away! Today, Ben Nevis is blissfully quiet by comparison.
You can hike to the summit of Ben Nevis throughout the year, but you’ll need special winter skills and equipment to do so in the winter and into spring, when there’s usually still a blanket of snow on top.
Taking on Ben Nevis at sunrise is a special experience, meaning you’ll be able to watch the new day dawning from the top.
Snowdon
Standing at a proud 1,085m (3,560ft), Snowdon is the highest peak in Wales. Located in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, an area renowned for its fine mountain walks and beautiful lakes perfect for wild swimming. Wondering where to stay for Snowdon? Our favourite location is Llanberis, where one of the mountain’s paths starts from, and from where there’s a reliable and frequent bus to Pen y Pass, where you can start the Miner’s Track, Pyg Path, and Crib Goch from.
Snowdon is a challenging mountain that can be attempted from different angles. We favour climbing Snowdon by the Miners Track as part of a Three Peaks Challenge for its beautiful lake views, glimpses into the area’s mining heritage (hence the name!) and gradual ascent - until a final steeper section.
The famous Crib Goch walk and scramble is a brilliant way to head for the summit of Snowdon - we wouldn’t recommend it as part of a National Three Peaks speed challenge as it’s an exhausted day out in its own right, but it’s definitely a great one to attempt if you’re taking on the peaks over a longer period.
Climbing Snowdon for sunrise is one of the most popular ways to experience the summit. With unparalleled views from the top over stunning mountain scenery, it’s probably the best way to start the day!
The National Three Peaks Challenge makes for an epic fundraising challenge. If you’re keen to take on the National Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for a charity close to your heart, get in touch.