Completing the three peaks in 24 hours is a challenge not to be taken lightly. Not only do you need to complete each mountain at speed, but you also need to hope for good traffic as you (or hopefully a designated driver) drive between each peak.
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Whether you're a seasoned adventurer, or just lacing up your first pair of walking boots, the famous 3 peaks challenge attracts walkers and travellers across the country. With our beginner's guide to the 3 Peak Challenge, we'll provide you with all the information you need before you tackle each peak!
Total challenge time generally includes ascending and descending all three mountains. The 24-hour time includes both walking time and travel between the mountains — approximately thirteen hours hillwalking and eleven hours driving. Several timings options are available, depending on your arrival time into Fort William.
In order to avoid traffic, the common pitfall of the Three Peaks Challenge, it is sensible to begin at midday, finishing Ben Nevis by around 5pm, allowing for a late evening drive to Wasdale Head to climb Scafell Pike. Scafell Pike is then climbed in the dark, followed by Snowdon in the morning. Start Ben Nevis.
Whernside is the easiest of the three peaks to climb. it's a massive beast of a hill but with a relatively gentle ascent and descent. Pen-y-ghent is much steeper with a little hands-on scrambling. Ingleborough has some almost vertical summit slopes which are particularly taxing if it's your last peak of the day.
Whichever route you take, Scafell Pike is a tough, steep hike which involves scrambling over hard terrain. There will be challenges in any season: you might be met with high winds, rain, snow, extreme cold or poor visibility.
Which of the Three Peaks are the hardest? Well, that kind of depends on what you find difficult. Although Ben Nevis is the highest, the path to Scafell Pike is the least well marked. Or you might find Snowdon the hardest because you're doing it last and you're exhausted.