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3 Peaks Challenge


We are now only organising private group National 3 Peaks Challenges, please Contact Us for further details on your own bespoke 3 Peak Challenge

 

Garden House Hospice National 3 Peaks

We are organising a 3 Peaks Challenge this summer for our good friends at the Garden House Hospice who have charity places available on their challenge.  Please check out their 3 Peaks Challenge itinerary and fundraising information for further details.

Garden House Hospice National 3 Peaks

 

What is the 3 Peaks Challenge?

Pushing through the physical fatigue, we will trek 25 miles and ascend almost 3500m to achieve something special that will be remembered forever.

The terrain is varied with rocky trails and meandering paths leading us to the highest points in England, Scotland and Wales. The weather can be unpredictable and the views are often spectacular (sometimes invisible!) but one thing is for sure, the camaraderie of the group and support from the Challenge Central Crew will make the 3 Peaks Challenge a truly rewarding adventure.

Ben Nevis 1345m (4413ft)

Scafell Pike 978m (3209ft)

Snowdon 1085m (3560ft)

 

3 Peaks Challenge in 24 Hours - Overview

Pick-up points for the challenge are Glasgow Airport or Fort William town just before the challenge commences. After the event briefing, the challenge will kick off with the highest mountain in the UK - Ben Nevis.

Once Ben Nevis is completed, we are swiftly on our way to the second mountain of the challenge - Scafell Pike.

At around 06:00, there will be just one drive and one mountain left to conquer before the 3 Peaks Challenge is complete.

The final trek is the mighty Mt Snowdon, where we will hopefully be treated to some fantastic mountain views.

Once safely back down to sea level into the town of Llanberis, it’s time to celebrate with the medal presentation and event debrief before heading to the accommodation for a good night’s sleep.

In the morning, after a good breakfast, we head for our final destination and drop-off point - Birmingham New Street Train Station.

We measure our 24-hour attempts by setting the driving time to 11 hours; leaving 13 hours to conquer the three mountains. This means we have more flexibility in transitions and pressure is removed from the driving legs of the challenge. The change will also protect our time from many potential delays from circumstances out of our control.

National 3 Peaks Challenge

 

Alternative 3 Peaks Challenge

Fancy a cheaper, more environmentally friendlier version to the 3 Peaks but still want a tough and testing challenge?  Or maybe you don’t have the time to squeeze a more conventional 3 Peaks into your diary?  Then why not try the ‘Your 3 Peaks’ series!?  It’s still a very testing challenge and you’ll be required to conquer 3 mountains - but they’re all within the same mountain range! 

You'll vastly reduce travelling time between peaks, but time spent walking up and down mountains is still pretty much the same!  It’s a 3 Peaks without the motorways!  You’ll save time, reduce your carbon footprint and learn a lot more about a specific range whilst saving yourself hundreds of pounds!  Interested?  Learn more about it here

Your 3 Peaks Challenges

 

Example Itinerary (Approx Timings – please view as a guide only)

11:00 Pick up from Glasgow Airport - What3Word Location: ///motion.harsh.bind

14:15 Pick Up from Fort William

14:40 Arrive at Ben Nevis / Glen Nevis Visitor Centre - What3Word Location: ///hilltop.comfort.marzipan

14:50 Event Brief

15:00 Start The 3 Peak Challenge: Ben Nevis

19:15 Complete Ben Nevis

19:30 Leave Ben Nevis

01:30 Start 2nd Mountain: Scafell Pike - What3Word Location: ///nicknames.goodbyes.vest 

05:15 Complete Scafell Pike

05:30 Leave Scafell Pike

11:30 Start 3rd Mountain: Snowdon - What3Word Location: ///elbowed.carpentry.pursue

15:00 Complete The 3 Peak Challenge 

Celebrate in a nearby pub (duration will be subject to finish time)

Evening Accommodation

08:00 Breakfast

12:00 Drop off Birmingham New Street Train Station

 

The National 3 Peaks Challenge

 

Challenge Central can provide a range of alternative options to tailor your 3 Peak Challenge adventure.

To be the most cost-effective price for you, we recommend groups should be at least 10 people however if you have fewer, fear not as we will still happily provide you with our most competitive price possible to meet your requirements.

If you are interested in your own private and bespoke 3 Peaks Challenge, please drop us an email with the following information for us to quote you:

>> Group size

>> Required dates

>> If accommodation is required before and after the event

>> Target time frame to complete the challenge (if any)

>>  Pick-up and drop-off locations

3 Peaks Challenge

Downloadable check list available here

Clothing:

>> Walking Socks

>> Waterproof Socks

>> Walking Boots

>> Base Layers – Shorts, Tights, Upper Body

>> Walking Trousers

>> Walking / Wind Proof Jacket

>> Rain Jacket

>> Fleece or Warm Jumper

>> Hat, Gloves, Balaclava

>> Spare Walking Clothes

 

Other Clothing:

>> Casual Clothing (for when not trekking)

>> Shoes / Trainers / Flip Flops (for when not trekking)

>> Light Blanket / Sleeping Bag (for when on the minibus & at the accommodation

 

Luggage / Packing Equipment:

>> Day Back Pack (to take on the mountains. This would be a Personal Preference regarding which size however 40-45L in our opinion would be fine - Example)

>> Packing Sacks and Dry Sacks

>> Holdall (for everything left in the vehicle)

>> Plastic Bag (for wet clothes)

>> Camelbak / Water Bottle (This would be a Personal Preference regarding which size Camelbak however 2L in our opinion would be fine - Example)

 

Walking Equipment:

>> Head Torch & Spare Batteries

>> Mini First Aid Kit, Pain Killers, Blister Plasters, and Vaseline

>> Insect Repellent, Sun Cream, Sun Glasses

>> Whistle, Compass

>> Mobile Phone

 

Hygiene & Health:

>> Toiletries

>> Bath Towel, Hand Towel, Flannel

>> Toilet Roll

>> Prescribed Medication (if applicable)

>> Anti-Nausea Tablets/Bands (for the road journey between mountains)

 

Nutrition (suggestions only):

Mountain Nutrition:

>> Energy Bars, Nuts, Seeds, Dry Fruit

>> Malt Loaf, Banana Cake, Jelly Babies, Trex Bars

 

Post Mountain Nutrition:

>> Protein Shake

>> Protein / Recovery Bars

>> **Soup, Porridge, Pot Noodles, Quick Sports Meals, Oats So Simple

 

**We do not supply any food on the trip but do provide hot water which can be used for a whole range of items.

 

Other Optional Equipment:

>> Walking Poles

>> Neck Pillow, Eye Mask, Ear Plugs (to help with sleep during the road journey between mountains)

>> Camera

>> **Maps

>> **Emergency Equipment – Silver Blanket, Survival Bag

**All of our guides will have Emergency Equipment and Maps with them.

 

National 3 Peaks Challenge

WHAT OUR CHALLENGERS SAY

Challenge Central has been successfully helping people overcome some of the toughest, most exciting challenges for many years. Here’s what they have to say about their National 3 Peaks Challenge experience with us:

Ian Neville, July 2023

"A truly fantastic weekend organised by Challenge Central. From start to finish Steve and Alan were attentive to our requests and questions, they provided a bespoke itinerary to meet our needs and ensured that everything fell into place from the first pick up, up and down three mountains and throughout the driving stages. Steve and Alan have exceptional knowledge and all the experience needed to know exactly what is required at every stage of the challenge. They quickly became part of the team and their desire and drive ensured a successful result. The other Steve, our driver, was also quite amazing. His awareness of what was required to complete the challenge, within the time limit, made all the difference. A HUGE Thank You to both Steve and Alan. I would highly recommend Challenge Central."

Grief Encounter National 3 Peaks


Keith Howes, June 2023

"Great support from beginning to end. Challenge Central planned the National 3 Peaks including accommodation, provided mountain guides and set up the check-in stations with hot drinks and food, which was really appreciated by everyone. Most importantly the guys looked after every aspect of safety to ensure everyone enjoyed the event. Great team on the hills and in the bar afterward. Would recommend CC without hesitation."

Sysmex National 3 Peaks Challenge


Helen Childs, July 2022

"Just back from the biggest challenge of my life. The National Three Peaks! Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike & Snowdon. An amazing experience organised by Challenge Central. A huge thank you to Steve & Alan. Your support, guidance & encouragement was the best of the best!!"

Herbalife 3 Peaks Challenge


Christine Ballinger July 2022
"Brilliant weekend doing the 3 Peak Challenge with Steve and Alan as our guides.  Thanks to the great minibus drivers and the various mountain guides who also helped us on our journey.  Would definitely do another Challenge Central event again!!"

Herbalife 3 Peaks Challenge


Barry, September 2019

“Enjoyed everything to be honest, but the lasting memory will be the amazing views we were so lucky to witness. Also enjoyed the way the challenge inspired and challenged the whole group. The guides were amazing, very knowledgeable, experienced and generally just really nice guys!!”

3 Peaks Challenge


Craig, September 2017

"Challenge Central were exceptional from start to finish and during. I would highly recommend using them for any event you anticipate doing based on my experience with them on the 3 peaks. Met some brilliant people and really enjoyed the challenge! The guides; a brilliant bunch of lads!" 

National 3 Peaks Challenge


Lyndsey, September 2017

"Myself and 8 other team members have just returned from completing the 3 peaks challenge. I can honestly say that I had the most amazing time! The challenge central staff were amazing, and most of all patient and motivated us every step of the way. We took on this challenge to raise money for our charity Entertainment Workshops, it's safe to say that Challenge Central will certainly be our first port of call for any future challenges we may wish to take on. Thanks for an awesome time guys!"

3 Peak Challenge

Matthew, July 2017

"I decided to do the national 3-peaks challenge as a way to challenge myself, and Challenge Central did not disappoint. The guides were supportive and welcoming from start to finish, and worked hard to make sure our experience went as well as smoothly as possible. The group I went with was great, everyone got along and supported each other. The experience itself was beyond words. The mountains were challenging but the views were rewarding. It was tough and the trek up Scafell Pike at 1am in the morning is one I will never forget. Then the feeling of accomplishment at the end is incredible. One amazing experience."

National 3 Peaks Challenge


Mark, June 2017

"Central Challenge provided great preparation with their Kit List and emails leading up to the event. The mountain leader team managed a couple of challenges with clients that could have negatively impacted the group with patience and skill. The buses were comfortable and well-provisioned. I enjoyed the Challenge because I completed it with their invaluable support. Thank you."

3 Peaks Trekking Challenge

Sunita, September 2016

"The Guides Phil and Tim were brilliant, giving us encouragement and support throughout the Challenge. I feel more confident about myself that I have done the Three Peaks Challenge. Thank you." 

National 3 Peaks Challenge


Nikki, August 2016

“I've had the most fantastic time on our 3 Peaks Challenge this weekend. Thank you so much Challenge Central for such a well-organised trip from start to finish. The travel company and mountain guides couldn't have been better and an amazing bunch of lady participants made for an unforgettable, laughter-filled adventure.”

3 Peak Challenge

We strongly recommend anyone who has a medical condition should seek approval from their GP / Consultant before signing up to a challenge. When registering for the event, you are agreeing to be fit and healthy enough to take part.

The Health and safety of all participants and members of staff are paramount to us. Depending on the type and severity of your condition, we may require a letter from a medical professional stating that you are fit enough to undergo the activity. Please refer to 6.6 in our Terms & Conditions.

Physical fitness and walking experience are both very important however the ethos of Challenge Central is to take on a challenge, not to be the quickest. The 3 Peaks challenge is as tough mentally as it is physically. You will suffer from sleep deprivation, fatigue and possibly be faced with some rather challenging weather conditions, however these all help to make the 3 Peaks challenge such an amazing adventure! The weekend isn’t easy but it is fun, rewarding and challenging. If you are tough on the inside, your outside will catch up.

Preparation for the 3 Peaks challenge must be taken seriously and we encourage participants to undertake physical activity for at least 3 months before the event. All challengers will receive a plan to help support with their training.

Whatever format of 3 Peaks Challenge we are providing, we do have a responsibility to our challengers to maintain a reasonable pace as detailed under our routes tab on this page. Should any participants not be able to achieve this pace during the event, they will be asked to withdraw from parts of or the remaining sections of the challenge.

On the 24 hour challenge, a good and relevant marker is being able to summit a mountain of 1000m and return to sea level within four hours, although on the challenge weekend itself, we are attempting to complete three mountains at this pace!

The best and most relevant training you can do would be to walk up and down mountains or hills. We appreciate that this is not always possible due to location however anything with a gradient will help prepare you for the real thing.

If you do not have access to any hills then you can create your own in the gym. Walk up hills on the treadmill, take steps on the climber or go up and down stairs. Any movement that involves stepping up is beneficial. Failing the first two training options, the next best thing would be to improve the strength of muscles required in the challenge. Performing exercises such as squats, lunges and step ups will help increase the strength of your leg muscles. You can progress by holding weights to increase intensity. We recommend you speak to your gym instructor if you are unsure.

All our challenges can be booked for private groups and corporate events. We can alter most aspects of the itinerary to meet your requirements including more options for challenge dates and alternative meeting points. The group booking will be exclusive to you. Please contact us for more information.

Yes, we are proud to be partnered with our minibus provider who ensures that our transport is safe, legal and fully insured.

A three-peaks challenge can be exhilarating but exhausting. When you are travelling between the peaks, we would like you to be as comfortable as possible. Our award-winning transportation provider uses the highest quality and largest vehicles in their class to ensure you have maximum space possible. The fleet of modern Mercedes Sprinter vehicles are all fully air conditioned, with individual aircraft style overhead blowers and reading lights. Ample heating can be piped into the rear for those cold nights. The comfortable leather seats each have their own USB charging points, so you can keep your devices charged up for that all-important photo of the summit! They even have Wi-Fi, so you can keep your friends and family updated with your progress. Hand luggage is stored on the overhead racks but your rucksacks and the challenge equipment is conveniently stored in the rear luggage compartment, leaving the aisleways clear. All vehicles are regularly inspected to the highest level and the fully qualified drivers are carefully selected for their knowledge of the UK roads and to support you alongside our Mountain team. Working within the legal framework of the DVSA Tachograph Rules, the driving team will maximise their driving allowance to provide a smooth running of our challenges.

We will provide enough tap water for the entire weekend however you of course can bring your own alternative sources of hydration with you. Keeping up your fluid intake is very important; before, during and after each mountain.

If our meeting point in Hertfordshire is not convenient for you, we do offer an alternative. Providing you can get yourself to / from the locations, we can collect participants from Glasgow Airport on route to Scotland and drop people at Birmingham New Street Train Station on the way back from Wales. We can also pick you up / drop you off at a motorway service which is on our route.

Please contact us if you wish to be collected from our alternative pick up point.

All challengers must be over the age of 18 (or 15 if accompanied by an adult taking part who will have full responsibility of the child during the trip).

Time before start of the challenge Deposit refund
More than 3 Months 50% Refund of Price Paid
(excluding challenge deposit)
OR
Transfer to Another Event within 18 months
(excluding challenge deposit)
Between 1-3 Months 0% Refund
HOWEVER
Transfer to Another Event within 18 months
(excluding challenge deposit)
Less than 1 Month 0% Refund
AND
No Transfer

Please refer to section 9 of our Terms & Conditions for full details.