Updated: 22 July 2019

The Ultimate
Guide to
Completing the
National Three
Peaks
Challenge

Created by ThinkAdventure.co.uk
 Table of Contents
1. Table of Contents

Preface 3

Overview 4

Routes 6

Timings 7

Route and Maps 10

Final Checklist 13

Walkthrough: Ben Nevis 15

Walkthrough: Scafell Pike 36

Walkthrough: Snowdon 51

Frequently Asked Questions 69

Further Info 77

Thank You 79

Disclaimer 80

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 Preface
1. Table of Contents

The National Three Peaks eBook was created to assist anyone

attempting the National Three Peaks Challenge. The 24-hour
challenge is popular among fundraisers and seasoned hikers. This
guide is written for those who are attempting the National Three
Peaks for the first time and want to ensure their trip goes as smooth as
possible. Lots of images are used to help familiarise yourself with the
route up each mountain and identify obstacles you can expect along
the way.

In addition to a walk-through guide of climbing each peak, further

information is included to help reduce the time and effort spent
organising your trip: accommodation, parking, map details, estimated
timings, frequently asked questions and recommended equipment.

The information in this eBook can be also found on the Think

Adventure website.

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 Overview
1. Table of Contents

Key Information
➔ Ben Nevis (Scotland) Height: 1,345 m; 4,413 ft
➔ Scafell Pike (England) Height: 978 m; 3,209 ft
➔ Snowdon (Wales) Height: 1,085 m; 3,560 ft
➔ Distance: 42 km; 26 miles
➔ Time: 24 hours (to complete the challenge)

Introduction
The National Three Peaks Challenge consists of climbing the tallest
mountain in Scotland (Ben Nevis), England (Scafell Pike) and Wales
(Snowdon) in less than 24 hours.

The National Three Peaks Challenge is accessible to everyone and

doesn’t have to be be completed within 24 hours. You can complete
the challenge over days, weeks or even years.

There are signposts on each mountain, but you cannot rely on

signposting as your only means of navigation, and will require a map
and compass.

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 Overview
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If you are completing the National Three Peaks in under 24 hours, you
will need to complete each mountain faster than the average pace. A
good fitness level and experience of long walks is recommended.

The National Three Peaks Challenge involves a lot of driving. Do not

attempt to drive and complete the challenge. Make sure you have a
dedicated driver who isn’t climbing the mountains.

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 Routes
1. Table of Contents

There are numerous routes up each mountain. The below routes are
chosen for the National Three Peaks Challenge for the clarity of the
track, ease of climb and for the desired speed. They are still fun,
challenging and scenic. Don’t underestimate the tracks, just because
they are “easier” than other routes, doesn’t make them “easy”. You will
follow the selected routes up each mountain:

Recommended Routes
➔ Ben Nevis – The Mountain Track (also referred to as Tourist
Track) (view in Google Maps)
➔ Scafell Pike – Wasdale Track (view in Google Maps)
➔ Snowdon – Up the Pyg Track and down the Miners’ Track (view in
Google Maps)

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 Timings
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The timings below offer a guideline to complete the National Three

Peaks in 24 hours. Be aware that road conditions are unpredictable
and always try to reclaim lost time on the mountains, not on the roads.
Be prepared to abandon the 24-hour window. Completing the
National Three Peaks safely is more important than a designated time
frame.

24-hour Challenge Timings

Checkpoint Time

Ben Nevis Return 5 hours

Drive to Scafell Pike 5 hours 30 minutes

Scafell Pike Return 4 hours

Drive to Snowdon 6 hours

Snowdon Return 3 hours 30 minutes

Total Driving Time 11 hours 30 minutes

Total Climbing Time 12 hours 30 minutes

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You can start your National Three Peaks Challenge at anytime. The
suggested start time of 5.00pm reduces the amount of climbing you
will complete in darkness. You will descend Ben Nevis during sunset
and ascend Scafell Pike during sunrise. The timings below provide the
opportunity for a sleep in darkness during the drive to Scafell Pike.

Guideline of Timings

Checkpoint Time

Start Ben Nevis 5.00pm

Ben Nevis Return 10.00pm

Start Scafell Pike 3.30am

Scafell Pike Return 7.30am

Start Snowdon 1.30pm

Snowdon Return 5.00pm

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If you are not completing the National Three Peaks in 24 hours, you
will have more time to appreciate the scenery and local areas. You can
take your time completing each peak and enjoy breaks along the way.
You will complete all three peaks in full daylight and won't have to
climb any sections in darkness.

Average Climb Times for Each Peak

The timings below are for a casual climb and take into consideration
rest stops. You may complete each mountain faster or slower
depending on the size and fitness of your group.

Checkpoint Time

Ben Nevis Return 7 hours

Scafell Pike Return 6 hours

Snowdon Return 5 hours

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 Route and Maps
1. Table of Contents

Paper Maps
The routes up each of the National Three Peaks are sign posted in
areas but you cannot complete the peaks without the correct maps.
You need the following Ordnance Survey (OS) maps for the National
Three Peaks:

➔ Ben Nevis - OS Explorer 392 Ben Nevis & Fort William

➔ Scafell Pike - OS Explorer OL6 The English Lakes – South
Western area
➔ Snowdon - OS Explorer OL17 Snowdon & Conwy Valley

View the maps on Think Adventure’s website

with easy links to Amazon.

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Digital Maps
You can download each of the National Three Peaks route and
navigate using your smartphone. Using your phone’s GPS you can
track yourself along the route.

Snowdon Route GPS and route

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Digital Map
All three National Three Peaks routes can be downloaded here. The
routes are GPX files which needs to be downloaded on a computer
and sent to your smartphone.

For iPhone

Pocket Earth Pro is recommended for iPhone users. It has been tried
and tested on the National Three Peaks and is a fantastic app.

For Android

Locus Maps Pro for Android offers similar features as Pocket Earth Pro
and has brilliant reviews.

It is recommended to purchase the Pro version rather than use the

free version. The Pro version allows you to download maps for offline
use. It is important to download the maps as you will have limited
phone signal in the mountains. The Pro version is approximately £5. It’s
a small price to avoid getting lost.

Don’t rely solely on a digital map - combine a digital map and paper
map for convenience and safety.

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 Final Checklist
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Whether you are completing the National Three Peaks tomorrow or

slowly accumulating kit for the big day, the equipment list below will
ensure that you a fully prepared.

Navigation

➔ OS Maps
➔ Compass
➔ Sat Nav for driver
➔ Waterproof map case

In your backpack

➔ Water
➔ Food
➔ First aid (knee/ankle straps and plasters for blisters)
➔ Head torch and spare batteries
➔ Mobile phone
➔ Money (change for car parks)

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Clothing

➔ Hiking boots
➔ Hat and gloves
➔ Layers of clothing
➔ Waterproofs

Optional

➔ Digital map and GPX file

➔ Hiking poles
➔ Camera
➔ Sun cream
➔ Accommodation

The equipment list is on the Think Adventure

website with convenient links to Amazon.

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 Walkthrough
Ben Nevis
1. Table of Contents

Key Information for Ben Nevis

➔ Height: 1,345 m; 4,413 ft
➔ Time Required for 24-hour Challenge: 5 hours
➔ General Time: 7 hours
➔ Difficulty: Longest climb of the National Three Peaks
➔ Route: Tourist Track

Welcome to the start of the National Three Peaks Challenge!

Ben Nevis is often the selected peak to start the National Three Peaks
Challenge. It is the largest peak to complete and tackling the hardest
peak with fresh legs is recommended.

Always check the weather conditions before attempting to climb

Ben Nevis. It is often impassable for hikers due to snow. It is
recommended to complete the challenge between June and
September to reduce the likelihood of snow disrupting your
challenge. Always be prepared to abandon your challenge.

Use the Mountain Weather Information Centre

for a forecast of Ben Nevis.

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Ben Nevis
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Route
The route up Ben Nevis for the National Three Peaks Challenge is
the Mountain Track. It is the best route for summiting Ben Nevis
without climbing equipment or prior knowledge of climbing the
mountain. The route used to be called the Tourist Track, but it was
changed as the name "Tourist Track" made it sound too easy and
walkers were selecting other routes and getting into difficulties. The
Mountain Track route may be the easiest up Ben Nevis, but it is still a
challenging ascent.

View route in Google Maps.

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The starting point is Ben Nevis Visitors Centre.

If the Ben Nevis Visitors Centre is open, speak to a member of staff

about the visibility, weather and route. They provide walkers with
up-to-date information of Ben Nevis’s conditions at the summit.

Car Parking Spaces and Charges

There are 80 car parking spaces for £4 all day parking. Minibuses are
£10 all day. The car park is open 24 hours and is a pay-and-display car
park.

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Facilities

There are toilets at the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre which are open
between 8.30am-7.00pm each day. The shop contains snacks, drinks,
equipment and souvenirs.

Contact

You can reach the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre on 01397 705922 or email
[email protected] if you require further information.

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Ben Nevis
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Starting the Climb of Ben Nevis

Facing the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre, head left and cross the bridge
over the River Nevis. Once you have crossed the bridge, turn right.
Follow the path, with the River Nevis on your right-hand side.

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Ben Nevis
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After a short walk you will reach a three-way signpost for the Visitor
Centre, Youth Hostel and Ben Nevis. Take a left turn following the sign
for Ben Nevis.

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There’s a small fence to climb over, but it’s a small and clear path
leading to the next three-way signpost for Achintee, Ben Nevis and
Visitor Centre. Take a right, following the signpost for Ben Nevis.

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Ben Nevis
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The start of the Mountain Track is pleasant; the terrain and gradual
gradient are friendly. The next point of interest is where the Youth
Hostel Route meets the Mountain Track. The Youth Hostel Route
meets the Mountain Route at a steep angle so it is difficult to
accidentally go the wrong way. There’s also a signpost, but if you are
in any doubt, keep going straight.

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 Walkthrough
Ben Nevis
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The terrain is harder after the Youth Hostel path. The gradual incline is
accompanied with steps and small rocky sections that require little
bits of scrambling.

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Ben Nevis
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The next notable checkpoint is a small bridge crossing a stream. The

stream comes from Lochan Meall an T-suidhe, a small lake situated
507m above sea level.

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Ben Nevis
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The path from this point is a mixture of rocks, steps and gradual
paths. Along this section you’ll notice a stream to your right and a lake
(Lochan Meall an T-suidhe) to your left. There is an important right
turn along this path. Use the lake as a checkpoint.

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Ben Nevis
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The Red Burn is a prominent (stream crossing) checkpoint. This is a

good opportunity to check your current time and determine if you are
on target for your ascent time.

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Ben Nevis
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You have to cross a small stream. It is usually shallow over the rocks
and simple to cross. With a good pair of hiking shoes your feet will
barely get wet. After a lot rainfall this stream can be deeper with a
stronger current. Do not cross the stream if it is unsafe to do so.

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Ben Nevis
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The route from the Red Burn is easy to follow in the summer months
i.e., without snow. You will follow a zigzag track on a clear path. Don’t
take shortcuts here as it damages the area and slippages cause injury.

Depending on your luck and the British weather, you may be in the
clouds with limited visibility. Apparently there are only 14 days a year
where Ben Nevis is clear on the summit. The photos in this guide were
taken in the middle of August. so chances are you’ll be subject to
limited visibility, cold winds, rain and possible snow.

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Ben Nevis
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After the zigzags you’ll reach the cairns. Winter walkers use the cairns
to take bearings and map readings when the path is covered by snow.
The cairns are useful for the summer walkers too: they help guide the
way in poor visibility. There are a lot of cairns along the way. Keep
following them and they will keep you on the right path.

There are two gullies along the Mountain Track. They are near the
summit of Ben Nevis. Keep following the path past the first gully
(Tower Gully). When you reach the second gulley, keep close to the
left-hand side to find the trig in low visibility. Give yourself a couple of
metres from the each to ensure no slips or falls occur.

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Ben Nevis
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Give yourself a couple of metres from the gully’s edge to ensure no

slips or falls occur.

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Ben Nevis
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Depending on the visibility, you will see the trig, shelter or observatory
ruins after 1-2 minutes of walking along the edge of Gardyloo Gully.

The trig is elevated on a platform which is handy as it is easier to find.

Touch the trig and enjoy the highest point in the UK!

Descending
Descending Ben Nevis is relatively straight forward; you go back the
way you came. If you lose your bearings on the summit, head from the
trig to the stone pillar and head left along the edge of the gully. You’ll
soon reach the prominent path.

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For really low visibility, ensure you know how to take a bearing with
your map and compass. Going between June-September will
severely reduce your risk of extreme weather conditions.

The same cairns that guided you to the peak of Ben Nevis will assist
you on the way down. The added benefit of coming down Ben Nevis
is admiring the views in the background.

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Use the Red Burn (stream crossing) to identify your halfway point and
check your walking time. Shortly after the Red Burn you need to take a
left turn. On a clear day you will see the lake in the background.

The next checkpoint is the Youth Hostel track and signpost. Keep
following the path straight ahead. You’ll finally reach the last signpost,
which identifies the Visitor Centre.

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Follow the path and take a right at the bottom, putting the river on
your left-hand side. Keep following the path and cross the first bridge
behind the Visitor Centre.

Congratulations, you’ve just climbed the highest mountain in the

UK!

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 Walkthrough
Scafell Pike
1. Table of Contents
Key Information for Scafell Pike
➔ Height: 978 m; 3209 ft
➔ Time required for 24-hour challenge: 4 hours
➔ General Time: 6 hours
➔ Difficulty: Smallest of the National Three Peaks

Scafell Pike is the smallest of the National Three Peaks, but it is by no

means an easy peak to climb. Scafell Pike has a very steep start and it
tests the legs and heart on the never-ending steps and tough incline.
A few rest stops may be required when climbing Scafell Pike.

The starting point is Wasdale Car Park

Car Parking Spaces and Charges

All-day parking is available in the Wasdale National Trust Car Park for
£7. The car park is next to the Wasdale National Trust Campsite and
has a hot food/drinks trailer, information booth, toilets, little shop and
information boards. It is an ideal location to start the climb of Scafell
Pike.

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Route

View route in Google Maps.

Head to the back of Wasdale Car Park and bear right to cross a wide
wooden bridge over the stream (Lingmell Gill). At the four-way
intersection, turn left following the signpost for “Eskdale and Miterdale
(Footpath to Scafell).”

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Keep following the path with Lingmell Gill on your left-hand side. At
the next two-way section, bear left. Keep following the path and cross
a small bridge over Lingmell Gill.

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After the bridge crossing you will shorty reach another divided path.
Follow the path through the gate.

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Navigation becomes a lot simpler after this point; Lingmell Gill is now
on your right-hand side and you will follow this path until you reach
the crossing of Lingmell Gill. For the next mile or so, it is very steep
with lots of steps. This is a difficult section and can be tiring.

Keep following the path until you reach the steam crossing. Following
heavy rainfall the stream can be difficult to cross – don’t cross the
stream if it is unsafe to do so.

Carefully cross the stream. It is passable without getting your feet wet,
but be careful when stepping on the stones as they may be slippery.

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The incline is continuous up Scafell Pike with limited respite. Scafell
Pike is the smallest of the National Three Peaks, but it is hard work.
The track is sloped in some areas providing a short relief from the
steps.

The path splits at Hollow Stone. Follow the path to the left. You have
completed the hardest inclines at this point and the route from here is
fewer steps but more rocks and stones. It is easy to follow but keep an
eye on the path as it is easy to venture off the main path if you
become distracted.

Note: The black bags may not be there on your hike. Don’t use them as reference points.

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When climbing the path there is a joining section from the left. It’s
intuitive to keep following the route to the right but make sure you
don’t miss it.

The final climb of Scafell Pike is very rocky underfoot. Visibility can
also be poor. The below photo was taken in August near the summit
of Scafell Pike. There are cairns along the way to help guide you in the
right direction.

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The final climb of Scafell Pike is rocky underfoot. Visibility can be poor.
The below photo was taken in August near the summit of Scafell Pike.
There are cairns to guide you in the right direction.

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The trig is easy to find on Scafell Pike. The path leads you directly to it.
There is a shelter, too, which is easy to locate.

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The route down Scafell Pike is the same route you took up. If you
become disoriented, head from the shelter to the trig and keep going.
This will lead you straight onto the path. Use the cairns to help
navigate down, too.

On your return journey to the base of Scafell Pike there is an important

left turn. Keep an eye on your map to ensure you don’t miss the turn.

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After the left turn, the descent down Scafell Pike is straightforward.
Especially as the route is fresh in your mind and the lake Wast Water is
in your eye line.

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Nearer the bottom there are a couple of turns leading you back to the
car park. The first is a split in the path; keep left and keep following the
fence.

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There is a sign for Eskdale and the National Trust Car Park. Keep Left.

The final turn is right. Follow the stream back to the car park.

Well done on completing Scafell Pike!

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 Walkthrough
Snowdon
1. Table of Contents
Key Information for Snowdon
➔ Height: 1085 m; 3560 ft
➔ Time required for 24-hour challenge: 3 hours 30 minutes
➔ General Time: 5 hours
➔ Difficulty: Easiest of the National Three Peaks
➔ Route: Up the Pyg and down the Miners’ Track

Snowdon is a great mountain to climb. It has a good mixture of

walking and small scrambles. Snowdon is popular among hikers and
is crowded in the summer months. Another appealing point of
Snowdon is the circular route. Climbing up the Pyg Track and coming
down the Miners Track adds variety to the climb.

If Snowdon is the final peak of your National Three Peaks Challenge,

the difficulty will be amplified by tired legs and lack of sleep.

Snowdon’s starting point is the Pen-y-pass Car Park

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Snowdon
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Car Parking
Parking at Pen-y-pass is difficult. It’s such a small car park for the
number of visitors Snowdon receives. If you are lucky enough to
secure a car parking space, the cost is £10 for the day. If the
Pen-y-pass car park is full, there are multiple park-and-ride services
nearby. The car park attendants are helpful and will point you in the
right direction.

A large park-and-ride service is Maes Parcio Car Park (view in Google

Maps). Maes Parcio Car Park has toilets and taxis are present before
the bus service starts. Both the taxis and bus cost approximately £2
per person. It is a short bus/taxi journey from Maes Parcis Car Park to
Pen-y-pass, but it is a long walk (3 miles).

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Snowdon
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Route

View route in Google Maps.

There are multiple routes to the summit of Snowdon that vary in

difficulty. For the National Three Peaks Challenge, or as a first-timer to
Snowdon, the recommended route is to hike up Snowdon using the
Pyg Track and come back down using the Miners’ Track. You can
use the same route to ascend and descend Snowdon, but using the
two different route provides variety and a change of scenery.
Returning down the Miners Track has the added benefit of a flat
terrain to finish. About an hour of the Miners’ Track is completed on
level ground as you walk back to the Pen-y-pass Car Park.

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The Pyg Track and Miners’ Track start and finish in the Pen-y-pass Car
Park. To start the walk up the Pyg Track, head to the right corner of the
Pen-y-pass Car Park.

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Snowdon
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After a short walk on the Pyg Track you are greeted by steps. The start
of the Pyg Track involves a lot of steps, but you have the added bonus
of scenery. From the very start of climbing Snowdon, you have
undisturbed views of Snowdonia.

Snowdon’s hike has more variety compared to Scafell Pike and Ben
Nevis: there are scrambling sections, lots of steps and some gentle
inclines. The scrambling isn’t too difficult, but it can slow you down,
especially as Snowdon is the most visited mountain of the National
Three Peaks. During peak times you may find yourself waiting for
fellow walkers to pass areas that require scrambling.

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You will reach a cross section with a stone post labelled “Yr Wyddfa
Snowdon.” Turn right and follow the level path, don’t follow the route
with an incline.

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Snowdon
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Along the route you can see the large lake, Llyn Llydaw, and the
Miners’ Track that you will follow back to the Pen-y-pass car park.

The popularity of Snowdon is a double-edged sword: it is difficult to

get lost because of the large amount of other walkers climbing
Snowdon, but you may be slowed down from the amount of foot
traffic. The clear route for Snowdon is reassuring and you can often
see the path leading to the summit throughout the hike.

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A good checkpoint is where the Pyg Track and Miners’ Track meet. A
stone pillar highlights the meeting point. Make a mental note for your
return journey; this is an important turn for the Miners’ Track.

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There is a lot of scrambling from this point. It doesn’t require any
special climbing skills or equipment but it can be tiring of those
unaccustomed to the terrain. It can be slippery after rainfall; take your
time and be careful.

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There is a money tree along the route. A collection of coins has been
added over the years to the tree stump. It’s not an official signpost but
it confirms that you are nearly at the final section of Snowdon’s
summit.

The next turn is a left turn on to the Snowdon Ranger Path. This path
is the final ascent to Snowdon’s summit. This is the first time you will
see the train line. The Ranger Path has great panorama views of
Snowdonia if you are lucky enough to avoid the clouds. The path from
here is parallel to the train track and leads to the summit. Visibility can
be poor depending on the clouds but it is an easy path to follow,
especially if you can see the summit in the background. Just keep
walking with the train line on your right-hand side.

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The trig is easy to locate as it is on a platform directly from the path.

There are two spiral stairs leading to the trig.

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You can see from the photographs that Snowdon has a lot more foot
traffic compared to the other mountains. The trig is often crowded but
you’ll have a chance to grab your photograph and celebrate the
(almost) end of the National Three Peaks Challenge!

There’s just the anti-climatic return to the car park before you can
truly celebrate the end of the National Three Peaks. Head back the
way you came. Both staircases from the trig lead to the track. Walk
down the trail with the railway on your left-hand side.

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You will reach the point where the Pyg/Miners’ Track breaks away
from the Snowdon Ranger Path. This turn is highlighted by a large
stone pillar. Turn right.

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The next important turn is for the Miners’ Track. A helpful stone pillar
highlights the split from the Pyg Track. The Miners’ Track is a steep
decline but you reach level ground quickly.

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The final stretch of the Miners’ Track is on level ground. It is still a long
walk back to the Pen-y-pass Car Park. It winds around and through
the lake. It is a gentle and scenic route to finish the climb of Snowdon.

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The Miners’ Track leads all the way back to the Pen-y-pass Car Park.

Congratulations on completing Snowdon!

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 FAQ
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What equipment do you need to complete the National Three
Peaks?

You need a map for each of the three mountains.

➔ Ben Nevis map is OS Explorer 392 Ben Nevis & Fort William
➔ Scafell Pike map is OS Explorer OL6 The English Lakes – South
Western area
➔ Snowdon map is OS Explorer OL17 Snowdon & Conwy Valley

View the maps on Think Adventure’s website with easy links to

Amazon.

You will need a compass to use with the maps. Warm and waterproof
clothes are required, even in summer, as it can be wet and cold near
the summits of each mountain. You will need a good backpack to
keep your equipment in. Visit the hiking equipment page to ensure
you have all of the required equipment.

Can you complete the challenge in trainers?

It is not recommended to climb the peaks in trainers, especially if you

are completing the National Three Peaks under 24 hours. Buy a pair of
hiking shoes to reduce the risk of injury and to increase your comfort
during the hike.

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When is best to complete the National Three Peaks Challenge?

For novices, the best time to complete the National Three Peaks is
between June and September. May and October may offer ideal
conditions but you run the risk of having to abandon your climb due to
bad weather. Climbers do complete the peaks throughout the year
but they have experience in the mountains and are equipped for
winter climbing (crampons and ice picks). Ben Nevis can be
impassable to hikers due to snow.

Are dogs allowed on the route?

You can take dogs on Scafell Pike, Snowdon and Ben Nevis. Plenty of
dogs complete the National Three Peaks. Ensure your dog has plenty
of water and is comfortable with long distances.

How much food/water will I need to take?

If you are completing the National Three Peaks Challenge in less than
24 hours, ensure you have enough food/water in your vehicle to
reduce time at supermarkets or service stations.

Take 2-3 litres of water with you when climbing each peak.

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How long does it take to complete each of the National Three
Peaks?

If you are completing the National Three Peaks in less than 24 hours,
you need to complete each peak as quick as possible. The below
table is a guideline for climbing each peak to reach a sub 24-hour
time.

Activity Time

Ben Nevis Return 5 hours

Drive to Scafell Pike 5 hours 30 minutes

Scafell Pike Return 4 hours

Drive to Snowdon 6 hours

Snowdon Return 3 hours 30 minutes

Total 24 hours

Please remember the above timings are a guideline. Other websites

may present different climbing/driving times and it is impossible to
provide a one-size-fits-all time frame for every National Three Peaks
attempt. Climb each peak as quickly as possible to ensure you stay
within the 24-hour window.

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If you are tackling the National Three Peaks one at a time, rather than
a 24-hour window, you have the opportunity to enjoy the climb, take
plenty of breaks and go at a comfortable pace. The below table
contains average times for completing the National Three Peaks at a
steady pace.

Activity Time

Ben Nevis Return 7 hours

Scafell Pike Return 6 hours

Snowdon Return 5 hours

Which of the National Three Peaks should I complete in the dark?

Completing the National Three Peaks Challenge in 24 hours requires

some sections of the National Three Peaks to be completed in
darkness – make sure you have a good head torch and spare
batteries. Depending on the time of year, it will vary on how much time
is spent on the mountain in the dark.

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Arrange your schedule so that you are driving at night. This reduces
your time climbing in darkness and the roads will be clearer. An
example schedule, returning from Ben Nevis and starting Scafell Pike
in the dark, would look like this.

Activity Time

Start Ben Nevis 5.00pm

Ben Nevis Return 10.00pm

Start Scafell Pike 3.30am

Scafell Pike Return 7.30am

Start Snowdon 1.30pm

Snowdon Return 5.00pm

Be aware and courteous when completing the National Three Peaks

during the early hours of the morning and late at night. There are
residential areas and holiday makers near each peak and sound
travels far.

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How much training is required?

Completing the National Three Peaks in less than 24 hours will require
a good level of fitness and training may be required. You have to
complete the peaks faster than the average walking times and
without a good night’s sleep.

The level of training required is unique to each individual depending

on fitness level and age. It is recommended to climb peaks as part of
your training. You could try the Yorkshire Three Peaks in under 12
hours or try one of the National Three Peaks as a stand alone climb
before committing to completing all three peaks under 24 hours.

Less training is required if you are not climbing the peaks as part of
the 24-hour challenge. Without a time constraint you have plenty of
time for breaks and can climb the peaks at your own pace. None of
National Three Peaks are easy, so you must have a baseline of
activity/fitness.

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Is it free to complete?

The National Three Peaks are free to complete, but the impact of so
many visitors to Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon requires
constant maintenance of the National Three Peaks. Consider donating
to each of the charities to maintain the pathways up each mountain.

➔ Donate to Ben Nevis

➔ Donate to Scafell Pike
➔ Donate to Snowdon

Which peak is the hardest/easiest peak to climb?

This answer isn’t a hard-and-fast rule and people’s opinions may vary:
Ben Nevis is hardest, Snowdon is easiest and Scafell Pike is in
between.

The weather can make a big difference and change the intensity of a
hike. Scafell Pike has the toughest section, it’s very steep at the
beginning, but the section is over relatively quick. Snowdon will feel
harder when completing the three peaks in 24 hours.

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What order is best to complete the National Three Peaks?

There is no official route for completing the National Three Peaks, but
the suggested order is Ben Nevis (Scotland), Scafell Pike (England),
Snowdon (Wales). This order tackles the biggest mountain first and
finishes with the easiest mountain.

Are there toilets at each mountain?

There are toilets at the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre, Wasdale Car Park and
Pen-y-pass Car Park. Opening times vary. Check the opening times
around your schedule.

Do you need any specialist climbing equipment?

No. In the summer months, The National Three Peaks are completed
by walking and no equipment is required. There are small sections
were you may need to scramble, but you do not need climbing
equipment or any experience of climbing.

Do you need a guide or Mountain Leader to complete the

challenge?

No. You can plan your routes using this ebook.

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Some information from the Think Adventure website was removed to

reduce the size of the guide. You can visit the Think Adventure
website for more information:

➔ Accommodation for Ben Nevis

➔ Accommodation for Scafell Pike
➔ Accommodation for Snowdon

➔ Equipment - All the gear you need for the National Three Peaks
with a link to Amazon for convenience.

➔ Digital Map - How to download routes to your smartphone.

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There is a collection of National Three Peaks Challenge finisher

t-shirts available on the Think Adventure Teemill store.

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 Thank You
1. Table of Contents

I hope you have enjoyed this eBook and it has answered your
questions about the National Three Peaks. If there are any areas you
are unsure about, please feel free to contact me.

Was this eBook sent to you by a friend? If so, you can visit the Think
Adventure website to receive the most up-to-date guide and to
receive email notifications when new challenges are available.

Has the Think Adventure website or this eBook helped you in

anyway? Have you completed the National Three Peaks and found
this guide useful? If so, I’d love to hear your feedback. Please let me
know how your hike went.

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Disclaimer

Things may change along the National Three Peaks routes. Signposts
may be missing, terrain can change and construction is ongoing to
maintain the pathways. This eBook is designed to assist you as much
as possible but cannot be relied upon as your only means of
navigation. All information is used at your own risk.

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