Conquer Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales – all in under 24hrs
It's time for a challenge!
The National Three Peaks Challenge just has to be the best-known mountain challenge in the UK. Climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales – all in under 24 hours.
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.
You’ll be picked up at Liverpool train station at 10am or Glasgow Airport at 3pm where you'll be driven to the start point of Fort William by 8pm (feel free to meet your group there too if it works better for you). You'll have the chance to get a good night's rest and get to know your fellow hikers and guide.
Accommodation is not included in this package so you'll need to book somewhere yourself. This means you can find somewhere that fits your budget. Booking.com is a good place to start looking.
We'll take you to a local supermarket to stock up on supplies - we'd recommend choosing calorie-dense 'real food' as well as some treats.
The challenge begins!
We'll board the bus at 8:05 from the Travelodge on High Street or 8:10 from the Train Station and head for The Ben with our new adventure pals - we'll sort out your collection point with you on the way up from Glasgow. With an 8:30am start, we'll be guided up to the top of the UK's highest Mountain using the tourist (or pony) track, passing waterfalls, lakes and possibly walking through snow before summiting one of the most beautiful plateaus in Scotland, with unmissable views. 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're back down, high on life and ready for a rest, you'll return to the bus to be shuttled off to Scafell Pike in the Lake District at 11:30am. Use this time to stock up on some good, dense food -followed by a rest. 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 at Wasdale Head by 8:30, we'll head up to summit Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain, via the Wasdale Head route, a steep but short trail that'll get us to the summit by 11pm. You'll need your head torch! 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 banter. We'll likely fall straight asleep in the bus on the way to Wales, ready for our final peak of Snowdon.
A crack of dawn start at 4:30 am will have us on top of Wales' highest mountain and down in time for brekkie. Once you reach that trig point on top of Snowdon and take your summit selfie, give yourself a whopper pat on the back - just the descent down the Llanberis track to go and you've made 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 of driving, you've only got 14 left to complete all three mountains - no easy feat and a worthy challenge.
After descending your last summit by 8:30am, you'll be transferred to Liverpool Train Station by noonish to make your way back home; weary-limbed, ready for a hot bath but with a huge glow of achievement!
Drop-off times are usually around midday depending on the traffic but we can't guarantee a time. We recommend buying an open ticket for the return journey.
The picks up from the following locations;
The drops off at the following locations after the challenge
Drop-off times are usually around midday depending on the traffic but we can't guarantee a time. We recommend buying an open ticket for the return journey.
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.
Please meet at the main concourse. Your guide will meet you there.
We operate an open bus - this allows us to keep costs as low as possible.
We can also provide custom packages for groups of 6 people or more. Get in touch if you'd like a quote.
We can run multiple groups on each date. The size of the bus we use depends on the size of the group, but if you want a bus to yourselves and there are only a few of you the cost might be more per person.
The picks up from the following locations;
The drops off at the following locations after the challenge
We'll collect from two central points in Fort William;
We'll sort out collection times with you on the journey up from Glasgow.
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 be necessary. 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. We'll be there to support you every step of the way.
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.
Getting out into the hills so you get used to high ground and uneven terrain will pay dividends.
Check out our National Three Peaks training guide.
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.
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 and simply a couple of minutes to drink, have a quick snack or to have a breather, you'll need to be able to keep moving and eat 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.
Paths can be rocky and uneven but there's no actual climbing or scrambling needed.
We'll send out a full kit list on the day 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.
Unfortunately, as much as we'd love to say we could, we can't accommodate dogs due to the nature of the challenge.
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.
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.
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.
You tell us! When you're done, we'd love to hear what you thought of each one. Each presents their own personal challenge. and with challenge comes reward! Ben Nevis is probably the most technical and gnarly 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.
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.
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.
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 anywhere I can leave my car?
Street parking is available at Garston Old Road, Liverpool, L19 1QL.
Yes, all our trips are for people of 18 years of age and older.
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 the speed of the group, traffic and weather
Day One;
10:00 Pick up from Liverpool South Parkway train station
15:00 Pick up Glasgow International Airport
15:30 Transfer to Fort William
20:00 Free evening
Day Two;
08:05 Collection from the Travelodge
08:10 Collection from the Train Station - 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;
04:30 Begin Snowdon ascent
08:30 Complete challenge at Pen y pass
10:00 Transfer to Liverpool South Parkway to arrive by noon
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 Challenge.
There'll be one guide per group of eight. 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 a lack of fitness so can be managed fairly easily.
Of course! A shiny medal will be presented to you after the challenge for serious bragging rights!
Yes, our guiding partners are insured for all the activities they offer.
We'd strongly advise you to also get some personal insurance to cover you for cancellation due to an injury or any personal loss or damage.
We don't offer further discounts as the price is already very competitive and great value for money.
We use a bus 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.
Absolutely! We created the National 3 Peaks Challenge trip so that like-minded people could group together without having to sort the long-winded logistics of who would do all the driving. More than half of our guests book on solo, it's one of the main reasons people choose to book with Call to Adventure. We have lots of people 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 and who knows, after the 24 hours you might have just bonded for life!
What's the best time of year to attempt the National Three Peaks?
The most popular months for attempting the National Three Peaks are June and July as they are closest to the summer solstice so allow for the most daylight hours. Between June and August temperatures are usually good and rainfall tends to be lower. However, mountain weather can be unpredictable and it's perfectly possible to experience winter weather in summer!
The National Three Peaks season runs from April to October; in the winter months the weather gets increasingly unpredictable and the days are much shorter.
It's worth considering the National Three Peaks in spring or autumn as the mountains are much less crowded and the roads are quieter plus the weather can deliver perfect sunshine days well into November!
Chris has a real passion for outdoor adventure. He believes the mountains should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age or experience. He works with a close-knit team of qualified and experienced Mountain Leaders to deliver a special experience and his team never fails to give you the best chance to complete the challenge.
His expertise means he has an unsurpassed 99% success rate for completing the challenge in under 24 hours.
"We regularly see other groups being turned around unnecessarily without reaching their goal. For your best possible chance of success, book with us."
