National 3 Peaks Challenge UK

It's time for a challenge!

The National Three Peaks challenge is the best known mountain challenges in the UK. Climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales – all in under 24hrs. Taking in 23 miles of total walking distance and a total ascent of 3,064m, you'll see the best of the Scottish Highlands, the Lake District and Snowdonia National Park and make memories to last a lifetime.

There’ll be two members of staff on this trip: A driver and a guide. This will allow the driver to rest whilst you're climbing the peaks, so you’ll be as safe on the drive as you will be on the mountains.

The National Three Peaks Challenge

Day 1

You’ll be picked up at Glasgow or Warrington train station in the afternoon where you'll be driven to the start point of Fort William (feel free to meet your group there too if it works better for you) where you'll stay the night in a B&B and get to know you fellow hikers and guide. There'll be a Q&A session and briefing before getting a good night's sleep for the challenge ahead.

Day 2

The challenge begins! We'll fuel up on a carby breakfast and head for the hills with our new adventure pals. We'll be guided up to the summit of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest point, passing streams, waterfalls, lakes and possibly walking through snow before summiting one of the most beautiful plateaus in Scotland, with unrivalled views (literally) for miles. That is, on a clear day... which doesn't often happen in Scotland but we can make a silent prayer to the weather gods!

Once you've descended from your first peak, high on life and ready for a nap, you'll return to the minibus to be shuttled off to Scafell Pike in the Lake District. Use this time to stock up on sandwiches or pasta - good, dense food - followed by a good nap. Top tip: don't eat all your sandwiches 5 minutes before getting off the bus, that'll lead to some serious indigestion and no one needs that.

Arriving in the evening, we'll head up to summit Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain, via the Wasdale Head route, a steep but short trail that'll rocket us up to the top by around midnight. Let's hope there's a full moon! The tiredness will start to kick in at this point so we'll keep morale high as we descend with plenty of snacks and good chat. We'll likely fall straight asleep in the bus on the way to Wales, ready for our final peak of Snowdon.

Day 3

A crack of dawn summit will have us on top of Wales' highest mountain - Snowdon - and down in time for brekkie. You'll be a bit sleep deprived at this point so watch your footing and try to enjoy it as you're so nearly there. Once you reach that trig point on top of Snowdon and take your summit selfie, give yourself a whopper pat on the back - you did it! National Three Peaks Challenge, tick. Time to get down to a huge mug of coffee or a beer -your choice.

The whole National 3 Peaks Challenge, including the driving, should be completed within 24 hours. With about 10 hours driving, you've only got 14 left to complete all three mountains - no easy feat and a worthy challenge.

After your last summit, you'll be transferred to your nearest train station to make your way back home; weary-limbed, ready for a hot bath but with a huge glow of achievement!