NATIONAL THREE PEAKS

This challenge involves scaling the three tallest summits in England, Wales, and Scotland. Scaffell Pike (978metres)is the lowest of the peaks followed by Snowden (1085 metres). The final summit isBen Nevis (1345 metres) the highest mountain in the British Isles.

Competitors must climb these peaks back-to-back over 24 hours. The total distance is 23 miles, one less than the Yorkshire Three Peaks. However, the altitude climbed is almost double at a leg-wobbling 3,064 metres.

On top of this, the driving distance between the mountains is at least 462 miles which must be completed within the allocated hiking time!

Therefore, this is a challenge that requires lightweight equipment and a support team. Hiking and driving would be impossible without any time to rest and eat. This again begs the question: which of the Three Peaks is the hardest? The National event certainly has its challenges. It is a very difficult competition which is both mentally fatiguing and physically demanding. Professional events are often done to raise money for charities and participants are supported by mountain guides and and route maps