ON SALE: Save 5%

National 3 Peaks Challenge (24 Hours)

97
United Kingdom
3 Days
£475 GBP
From£450 GBP
National 3 Peaks Challenge (24 Hours)
National 3 Peaks Challenge (24 Hours)
National 3 Peaks Challenge (24 Hours)

Hike the highest peak in England, Scotland and Wales. A tough but rewarding outdoor challenge that requires a high level of fitness to reach the summits within 24 hours.

Trustpilot

Itinerary

Day 1: Meet the team

You'll be collected from the train station, or one of the other pickup points (see FAQs below) on route to Fort William before heading to your hotel. In the evening you'll enjoy a briefing from the guide who will inform you of the plan for the challenge and answer any final questions you might have.

media_TFB42JXGPJBDY2TR
media_9PD7B98B78UQRLSZ
media_WDMWLH57PEKKYSG5
Day 2: Hike Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike

After a hearty breakfast, you'll be transferred to the bottom of Ben Nevis where you start your 24-hour challenge. The aim is to summit Ben Nevis by 11:30 AM before heading back down the mountain for the transfer to the Lake District. We aim to begin the Scafell Pike ascent with a few hours of daylight left. You'll arrive at the start point around 8:30 PM. During the summer months, you’ll reach the summit as the sun sets across the Lake District. Once down the mountain, you’ll head straight to Snowdonia in Wales.

Please note: The walking pace is brisk to fast and the guide will be aiming for approximately 4km per hour in order to attempt the challenge within 24 hours.

image_2SEL9YNN28NJXSBU
image_RHRW5LQYKE663MTR
image_Q9W9XDFVGVVHYP9J
image_XN7HC5T5FEQTAARE
image_SS6SXJ3N9KCBZG8V
image_6XVG55FTSE6ZDYQH
media_755GSR6LLJW9T6UG
Day 3: Hike Snowdon

The transfer to Snowdon takes around 4.5 hours and includes a driver changeover. This transfer is through the night so you will be sleeping on the bus. Have a quick snack, then get some rest. You'll arrive at the foot of Snowdon around 5:30 am. You trek as the sun begins to rise, aiming to get to the summit at approximately 8 am to complete the challenge.

After the challenge, you'll be transferred to Chester Station or Warrington Station where you can continue your journey. The exact arrival time at the drop-off point can vary so we advise booking open rail tickets for your journey home, to be safe.

image_ARWRRCCFGQASHV6D
image_49YC56BAX9GYCJ2Q
image_XCHDU6FQFBNVRFU5
image_QF5CW8TXXP7PE7WK
media_CZT8TQGZ4FMGU466
media_GYDCEX65G6PFF7EK
media_GDFPKJ8XE8CQQ64H

What's Included

Included
  • Qualified UK mountain leaders.
  • Professional transport throughout the challenge.
  • Pickup/drop off from agreed locations.
  • 1 night, twin room accommodation (minimum 3* B&B) in Fort William. The second night is spent travelling in the bus to Snowdonia.
Not Included
  • Travel costs to/from the agreed pickup location.
  • Bottled and boiled water.
  • Meals and snacks.
  • Travel insurance.
Have a question?

If you have any questions about this trip or want to speak with an expert, get in touch.

We're ready to help.

Team Images
Team Images
Team Images

Rated 4.5

97 verified reviews

Sean
Sean

(Oct 2024)

Really well organised! Very encouraging to get you to the top and bottom and to make it even better Simon and George were amazing!

Pete
Pete

(Oct 2024)

Great professional experience, would definitely recommend to anyone. Thanks for helping me achieve my goals. Simon is a top bloke ensuring we got destinations safe and our guide George was fantastic. Thank you.

Mr
Mr

(Oct 2024)

It’s took a week or so to find the words to describe how bad the communication was… I was travelling from Bristol to Glasgow. I got on my train as planned at 8am but was told to get off 30 minutes later due to a lorry hitting a bridge and sending masonry on to the tracks closing them all. At 8.50am I let Simon know that I was going to be late for my pick up in Glasgow to no reply!! I then got a taxi go Worcestershire and waited 2 hours for another train to take to me to Manchester and all with in that time STILL no reply and around 6-7 failed call attempts and 10 messages. 10.45 I let Simon know from the Mountaineering team (he was going to be my guide) that 5pm was the time I would arrive instead of 3pm as planned, Simon eventually decided to message back at 12.15pm, 1 hour and 30 minutes later to tell me that was to late and he wouldn’t get me at this point I made over 15 calls and 30 messages to be told that. Be aware skyhooks stand by this level of customer service and communication as they’ve told me in emails there happy he did everything he could. If anyone would like the evidence of this I’ll gladly send it over via email.. it’s provably a blessing I didn’t do the 3 peaks with Simon after how bad his communication is and his problem with taking a call!!

Reply by Mountaineerin Ltd:
Thank you for taking the time to leave this review. We are sorry to hear the issues with your travel however we cannot be responsible for issues with joining or onward travel. Although you were going to arrive late there were still several options for you to join the trip which were communicated to you. All of these options would have gotten you to Fort William on time to join the event and these were explained. Communication was as swift as possible with our team delivering the event on the day and we do advise all clients to take out suitable trip insurance should such events occur.
Andrew
Andrew

(Oct 2024)

The challenge was excellent but not at all happy with the execution. Pick up was late. Accommodation was basic but pleasant. The transport during the trip was horrendous. Car sick on every journey due to lack of space, aggressive driving, particularly of roundabout but also not slowing down for potholes or speedbumps. Additionally hike guide set pace which was too fast for some members. It was concerning that on multiple occasions and in poor weather and visibility that the guide was out of sight for long periods of time. Some group members were left feeling like they were a drag on the rest of the team and unwanted on the challenge. This atmosphere eminated from the guide and their singling out of certain people. Will not book again. A great shame.

Reply by Mountaineerin Ltd:
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and we’re glad you thought the challenge was excellent but obviously disappointed to hear you found it less than perfect. We do endeavour to deliver a 24 hour challenge as advertised which does mean the guide needs to set a pace appropriate to work toward this. Transport is also delivered in a professional manner with services fully insured and licensed appropriately, we do appreciate that different seats in the vehicle make for a different experience for example the ride in the far rear can be a little more bouncy than the front. Thank you for joining us regardless and we do hope you managed to find some enjoyment from the weekend.
Tapiwa
Tapiwa

(Oct 2024)

We had a fantastic group and it was such an amazing experience. Fast pace all the way. Rob Swindle our guide was amazing. He took time to check if everyone was okay and he was so encouraging to everyone. O really it was an amazing experience. Will definitely do it again and again.

media_S4CD3DR3TCAZDUY8

FAQs

Before you go

You need to be in good physical shape to participate in this trip. The National Three Peaks Challenge includes climbing the three highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours, so it is tough going! However, you don’t require any mountaineering experience.

The guide will aim to set a pace that is necessary to complete the challenge within 24 hours. It should be noted that there will be minimal time for breaks and this is not a leisurely walking pace. Cut-off times may be implemented for legal reasons to do with driver's hours or to benefit the majority of the group.

See inclusions and exclusions above.

Clothing Items:

- walking boots that are waterproof with ankle support (good boots are required for participation, if you are unsure message us)
- walking trousers (lightweight and not denim/jeans)
- t-shirt/base layer (cotton is best avoided for better moisture management)
- fleece/jumper (lightweight fleece such as microfleece is best)
- thick walking socks
- hat
- gloves
- waterproof Trousers (essential regardless of weather forecast)
- waterproof Jacket (essential regardless of weather forecast)
- Gaiters (Optional)

Hiking gear:

- personal 1st Aid Kit including blister plasters and any personal medication/inhalers etc.
- head Torch with new batteries (required for participation)
- small rucksack of 25L Max (2 shoulder straps, waist belts are beneficial)
- food/snacks (cereal bars, nuts, bananas, and pasta are all good )
- at least 1.5l water pr mountain (any energy drinks taken should be in addition to water to avoid dehydration)
- walking Poles (optional but beneficial for descents)
- camera

Additional items to be left on the vehicle:

- travel pillow
- additional food and drinks for in-between mountains (pasta, sandwiches, snacks etc.)
- comfortable travel clothes and an extra set of walking clothes (in case one set gets wet)
- ear plugs and eye mask

The above list is not exhaustive, you may have additional items you may wish to bring with you. Keep in mind that you will be carrying your own bag and it's beneficial to pack light. Please note that space is often limited in the bus, this should be considered when packing.

Typically groups are no more than 10 with one guide for each group. Please note that if there are more than 10 booked on a trip we will split the group. If you have booked with friends or family, please let us know so that we group you together.

YES! We require that all clients have good hiking boots. Waterproofing is highly recommended.

Please be advised that we reserve the right to turn you away from this challenge if you do not have suitable footwear. We also cannot take any responsibility for injuries or failure to complete this challenge caused by inappropriate shoe choices.

The terrain on all 3 mountains is rocky and very slippy when wet. Given the nature of the trip with people progressively getting more fatigued, boots reduce the risk of strains, sprains or worse. An ankle injury is not always a major problem however, it can pose significant logistical issues and impact the success of the entire group.

Yes - It’s highly recommended you take out personal travel insurance. Travel cover protects you in the case of unforeseen circumstances including cancellations, injuries, equipment loss, flight changes, problems with public transport and other events that could negatively impact your trip.

We can't make official recommendations as insurance is a regulated industry in the UK. However, we suggest specialist adventure travel insurers like, Rise & Shield. They cover 100s of activities and are easy to deal with if you need to make a claim. They also cover unique scenarios, like trekking at altitude or emergency evacuation in hard-to-reach places, that ordinary travel insurance doesn’t cover.

Many of our clients also use the British Mountaineering Council (BMC).
On your trip

The guide will aim to set a pace which the group can realistically attempt to complete the challenge within 24 hours. This will mean a relatively fast walk with minimal breaks of no more than a few minutes to drink, have a quick snack or catch your breath. If you are well off the pace or struggling, the guide may need to make a call as to whether you can continue the challenge.

If you have concerns about your fitness levels or would like to take a little longer to complete the 3 peaks at a more leisurely pace, we recommend that you consider the National 3 Peaks -3 Days trip (also available through Skyhook).

Accommodation in Fort William is in twin rooms. Sharing a room is a great way to get to know your fellow trekkers.

A single supplement in Fort William is sometimes possible (subject to availability). This needs to be requested before arrival. You can chat with the guide on your Skyhook dashboard. Single supplements cost £100pp. You need to pay this direct to the 3-Peaks Team, before the event.

This challenge includes a driving distance of around 725km / 450 miles. This means we spend around 10 hours on the road, most of that at night. This leaves us with 14 hours (maximum) to complete the ascent and descent of the 3 mountains within the 24-hour challenge limit.

Day 1:

10:30 AM - Pick up in Warrington or Northwest agreed location (if needed)
3:00 PM - Pick up Glasgow Central Station or/and International Airport (if needed)
3:30 PM - Transfer to hotel/B&B
6:00 PM - Arrive at hotel
8:00 PM - Challenge briefing and Q&A session

Day 2:

7:00 AM - Breakfast
8:00 AM - Transfer to Ben Nevis start point
8:15 AM - Final preparation
8:30 AM - Start challenge (Begin Ben Nevis)
11:30 AM - Summit Ben Nevis
1:30 PM - Transfer to Wasdale Head (transfer includes a 45-minute maximum driver rest stop. This is a VOSA legal requirement)
8:30 PM - Begin Scafell Pike ascent
11:00 PM - Summit Scafell Pike
1:00 AM - Transfer to Pen y Pass

Day 3:

1:00 AM - Transfer to Pen y pass
5:30 AM - Begin Snowdon ascent
8:00 AM - Summit Snowdon
9:30 AM - Complete challenge at Pen y pass
10:00 AM - Transfer to drop off point

Note that although our drivers and guides do their best to stick with the itinerary, weather & road conditions, group dynamics and other factors beyond the team's control do need to be taken into consideration and can affect these times.

The total walking distance is 23 miles (37km) and the total ascent is 3064 metres (10,052ft). Ben Nevis is the highest point reached at 1,344m.

Please choose your preferred pick-up location on your trip form after booking (it's on your dashboard).

Pick ups are:
* Birchwood Centre/Train Station Car Park 3 (WA3 7PU) - You can leave a car here for £10 for 5 days* - 10:15am
* Warrington Bank Quay - 10:30am
* Glasgow Central - 15:00pm
* Glasgow Intl Airport - 15:30pm

Drop offs are:
* Chester Station
* Warrington Bank Quay
* Birchwood Centre/Train Station Car Park 3 (WA3 7PU) - If you left your car here you will be returned at the end of the challenge

We only stop at each if required obviously. 

*Prices correct at time of publication

Although we aim to complete the challenge on time (between 8:30-9:30 AM) times can vary depending on the speed of the group.

We cannot guarantee drop-off times and strongly advise that you either pay on the day for train tickets or book an anytime ticket

Meals and water are not included on this trip. The key is to eat small amounts and often. Make sure you bring enough food and snacks for 3 mountains. Energy bars, dried fruit and nuts, sandwiches and prepared pasta work well.

For water, you will need to have at least 1.5l for each mountain (minimum 4.5l total). Any energy drinks should be in addition to this, to prevent dehydration. You will only need to carry enough water for each mountain at any time, the rest can be left in the vehicle. Do not rely on being able to refill your bottle at the start of each ascent.
Other FAQs

You must be at least 18 years old to do the 3 Peaks Challenge.

Although our guides do their best to set a brisk pace and complete the challenge within the 24hr mark (and usually do), this is unfortunately not possible to guarantee. Weather conditions, participant fitness and health as well as other factors beyond our control have an impact on challenge time.

For this reason we ask that guests please take responsibility for their own fitness and show up having trained for the challenge and in good physical shape. This is for your own benefit as well as that of the other guests on the trip.
Your head guide is Simon

All trips on Skyhook are run by small, hand-picked local guiding companies. For this trip you'll be led by Simon and the guiding team based in Warrington.

By booking through Skyhook you'll be joining a small-group trip. This can make it nice and sociable (you'll be added to a group chat after booking), and guarantees great value for money!

Simon

Why Skyhook?

Join over 27,000 Skyhook adventurers who've used our platform to book directly with our vetted local guides, at local prices (we never markup).

Expert Local Guides

Experienced local guides, handpicked by us.

Best Prices

Never pay a markup on the local guide's price.

Exclusive Club

Earn loyalty rewards every time you travel.

Great Social Vibes

Small group tours provide a richer experience.

Stellar Feedback

Over 2,800 reviews, average of 4.9/5 stars.