I'm travelling solo, is this a good option for me?
Absolutely! We created the National 3 Peaks Challenge trip so that like-minded people could go on adventures without having to sort the long-winded logistics of who would do all the driving, co-ordinating annual leave, arranging hotels, etc.
More than half of our guests book solo, it's one of the main reasons people choose to book with Call to Adventure.
We have lots of guests booking in 1s, 2s, and 3s so you'll be in good company. The guides are also great at ensuring everyone feels part of the team.
This is a really great opportunity to meet other mountain lovers.
What's the itinerary and timings for the challenge?
Day One;
10:30 Pick up in Warrington or Northwest agreed location (if needed)
15:00 Pick up Glasgow Central Station or/and Glasgow International Airport (if needed)
15:30 Transfer to Hotel/B&B
18:00 Arrive at hotel
20:00 Challenge Briefing and Q&A session
Day Two;
07:00 Breakfast
08:00 Transfer to Ben Nevis start point
08:15 Final preparation
08:30 Start challenge (Begin Ben Nevis)
11:30 Summit Ben Nevis
13:30 Transfer to Wasdale Head (includes a 45 minute driver rest stop. VOSA legal requirement)
20:30 Begin Scafell Pike ascent
23:00 Summit Scafell Pike
Day Three;
01:00 Transfer to Pen y pass
05:30 Begin Snowdon ascent
08:00 Summit Snowdon
09:30 Complete challenge at Pen y pass
10:00 Transfer to drop off point
Drop off is between 11:30 and 13:30
Where are the pick-up and drop-off points for the challenge?
Pick-ups are:
- Birchwood (WA3 7PU) - 10:00am - a car can be left here if needed
- Warrington Bank Quay - 10:30am
- Glasgow Central - 15:00pm
- Glasgow International Airport - 15:30pm
Drop offs are:
- Chester Train Station
- Warrington Bank Quay Train Station
- Birchwood, Warrington (WA3 7PU) - a car can be left here if needed
We'll only stop if needed.
Drop-off is between 11:30 and 13:30 but timing cannot be guaranteed so you should be an open ticket if taking the train
How hard is the National Three Peaks Challenge?
The challenge involves climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales in under 24 hours. That's twenty three miles of walking and 3,064m of ascent. We won't lie, it's quite a toughie but well within the capabilities of anyone who's willing to put the training in. Thousands successfully complete it each year so as long as you have a reasonable level of fitness with some hill walking experience under your belt you'll be fine.
It's a hiking challenge so you don't need any technical skills.
Want to know more? Our definitive article tells you all you need to know about the National Three Peaks challenge.
What size will the group be?
We have up to 10 guests per group. This works well for lots of our guests who often book on with larger groups. It also allows the guide to keep a close eye on all the team.
We also offer custom packages for groups of 6 people or more. The smaller the group, the greater the cost per person but some prefer to do it like that. Get in touch if you'd like a quote.
Which route will we be taking up each mountain?
For Ben Nevis, we use the pony (tourist) zig-zag path from the Visitor's Centre
For Scafell Pike, we use the path from Wasdale Head
For Snowdon we use the PYG track for the ascent (the minibus drops us at Pen y Pass car park) and the Llanberis path for the descent, finishing in Llanberis
If we book as a group, will it be just us on the minibus?
We run our trips with a maximum of 10 per group but can run multiple groups on each date. If you have a group of say 18, you might therefore have up to 2 other adventurers joining one of your groups.
However if you'd like exclusivity so it's just you, you can pay for the additional places. So for a group of 18, you would pay for 20 spaces and split the cost between 18 of you. Having others in your group though can be a great way to meet like-minded adventurers but we totally get it either way.
How fit do I need to be for the National Three Peaks Challenge?
You'll need a good level of fitness for the National Three Peaks Challenge. You should be willing and able to walk the distances set out in the itinerary. You don't need to be a super experienced hiker, but some training in the months leading up to the challenge will go a long way. Check out our National Three Peaks Challenge training guide for some advice. This will be the biggest hike ever attempted for many on the trip. The team will be there to support you every step of the way.
How do I train for the National Three Peaks?
The better prepared you are the more likely you'll be to enjoy it! We'll give you some pointers once you've booked but hill walking, cycling and even swimming are all great activities to boost fitness and endurance.
Check out our National Three Peaks training guide.
How fast will I need to walk?
The walking pace for the National 3 Peaks will be set by the guide so that the group is able to complete the challenge within the 24-hour time limit. This will typically be a moderate to fast walk.
Breaks will be minimal lasting just a couple of minutes to drink, have a quick snack, and a breather. You'll also need to be able to keep moving and eat snacks on the go.
If you're finding it hard to keep up with the pace or you're struggling, the guide may need to discuss with you your options going forward.
To be clear, this is a challenge, not a leisurely walk! We also offer the Three Peaks in 3 days if you want to experience the mountains at a much less challenging pace.
How much time does it take to complete the challenge?
Part of the fun of the challenge is to complete it in 24 hours. We think you should leave:
- 5 hours for Ben Nevis
- 4 hours for Scafell Pike, from Wasdale Head
- 4 hours for Snowdon
- 10 hours for driving (we use a dedicated driver so neither you nor your guide are knackered upon arrival at the mountains)
These obviously change based on things like the speed of the group, traffic, and weather
Will I need to scramble or rock climb?
Paths are rocky and uneven but there's no actual climbing or scrambling needed, it's just a long walk.
What will I need to bring on the National Three Peaks Challenge?
We'll send out a full kit list after booking but well-worn in hiking boots, a decent rucksack with a rain cover, good waterproofs, basic first aid kit, lots of layers, water and snacks (energy bars, fruit etc) are a good starting point.
Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately, we can't accommodate dogs due to the nature of the challenge.
Can dietary needs be accommodated?
The hotel can provide breakfast for a wide range of dietary needs and preferences - just let us know your needs and we'll make sure they can accommodate. Bring snacks with you for the mountains and the drive in between. You should find plenty of options at service stations too.
Will I get my own room the night before the challenge?
We use twin rooms on a shared basis, meaning you´ll be sharing with another participant. Where possible we match men with men and women with women. Single rooms are available for a supplement of £75 per person, this is subject to availability though, so it's best to let us know as early as possible.
Can we leave things on the bus while we're hiking?
Yes - you'll be able to leave your clothes etc on the minibus while you're hiking so all you'll need to carry on the peaks is a day sack with the things you'll need for that climb.
Can the seats in the minibus recline?
Yes a little, a bit like a plane seat. Please keep in mind that in the event of an emergency we may need to use a substitute bus that doesn't have this feature. Basically all of the buses we use have the same features;
A/C
Semi reclining seats
Overhead luggage racks
Large boot or Trailer
What is the age range?
It always differs but the average is somewhere between 25 - 55 with a few either side. But remember age is just a number so this shouldn't be too much of a focus for you.
What's the best peak, Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike or Snowdon?
You tell us! When you're done, we'd love to hear what you thought of each one. Each presents its own challenge. And with challenge comes reward! Ben Nevis is probably the most technical of all three mountains, whereas Scafell Pike is trickier underfoot and has spectacular views of the rest of the Lake District (unless it's dark!). Snowdon is simply iconic and a lovely walk from start to finish.
Which mountain is the most difficult?
Again, this is a matter of opinion. Ben Nevis is first up and is a straightforward but lengthy climb.
The route up Scafell Pike is the shortest but is very steep with a bit of a boulder field near the summit. It's usually done at least partially in the dark.
Snowdon is long, but not particularly difficult. Remember you'll be sleep deprived and climbing it with tired muscles.
Are the numbers of people doing the National Three Peaks challenge damaging the paths?
The paths certainly get more eroded than the UK's lesser-known mountains. You might be interested in knowing about the organisations that help preserve the mountain paths you'll be using. Donating to local community-led initiatives such as Fix the Fells (Lake District), Mend our Mountains (National) and the Nevis Landscape Partnership (Glen Nevis) would be a brilliant way to thank those responsible for maintaining the paths, as well as ensuring they remain intact for future generations. All challenges are also delivered within the guidelines of the 3 peaks partnership and Institute for Fundraising Guidelines.
This trip operates as a small group of no more than ten people, which leaves less of an impact and also increases your chance of completing the challenge.
Can you guarantee a drop-off time after the event?
Unfortunately we can't guarantee what time you'll be dropped off as this all depends on traffic conditions etc. We will do our best to keep to suggested times but we recommend buying an open ticket just in case.
Is there a minimum age for this trip?
Yes, 18 years old.
How much time does it take to complete the challenge?
Part of the fun of the challenge for a lot of groups is to aim to complete it in 24 hours. Experts say you should leave:
These obviously change based on things like speed of the group, traffic and weather
Are the National Three Peaks harder than the Yorkshire Three Peaks?
Hmm, that's a toughie! The Yorkshire Three Peaks involves climbing three of Yorkshire's highest mountains - Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen y Ghent - in under 12 hours. It involves 24 miles of walking and 1,600m of ascent and unlike the National Three Peaks it's walked in one continuous route so you're on your feet all day.
The National Three Peaks involves a similar distance but a whopping 3,064m of ascent. You do get to rest between Mountains, but the sleep deprivation has an effect. Our money's on the National Three Peaks being the tougher challenge although the Yorkshire Three Peaks is ideal for training - take a peek at our Yorkshire Three Peaks trip.
How many mountain guides will be walking with us?
There'll be one guide per group of ten. This doesn't mean everyone has to turn back if there's a problem. Most drop outs happen nearer the bottom of the mountain and are mostly due to lack of fitness so can be managed fairly easily.
Of course, injuries do happen but we haven't had to abandon a mountain due to injury.
Do I get anything for completing the National Three Peaks?
Of course! A shiny certificate of achievement will be winging its way to you after the challenge for serious bragging rights!
What insurance do I need? Is this trip insured?
Yes, our guiding partners are insured for all the activities they offer.
We'd advise you to also get some personal insurance to cover you for injury or any personal loss or damage.
Are discounts available for group bookings?
We don't offer further discounts as the price is already very competitive and great value for money.
How will we be transported between the peaks?
We use a minibus with a dedicated driver for the whole challenge so you can concentrate on the physical stuff.
The total driving distance is 450 miles so you'll be on the bus for around ten hours, but don't worry - you'll have plenty of space to get comfy.
We'll need to take a 45 minute driver rest stop on the way to Scafell Pike as a VOSA legal requirement.
Can I still do the National Three Peaks with a medical condition?
Sure thing! We'll send you a health questionnaire before the trip so we can check how we can support you through the challenge.
Just give us a call if you'd like to discuss any extra support you feel you might need.
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