Our guide to the Three Peaks challenge

The National Three Peaks Challenge is a well-known endurance event that involves hiking the three highest peaks in the UK within 24 hours.

• Scotland - Ben Nevis 1,345m 
• England - Scafell Pike 978 m 
• Wales - Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) 1,085 m Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park

Tackling the Three Peaks is a truly demanding event. Beyond the strenuous hiking, which covers 23 miles (37 km) and up to 3,064 metres (10,052 ft) of ascent, the challenge also includes about 11 hours of driving between the peaks (handled by a dedicated team driver, not the hikers!). This essentially means you won’t get much sleep!

It’s a very popular challenge, with about 100,000 ascents each year, with many raising much needed funds for their chosen charities.  

Who thought of the Three Peaks Challenge and why?

The National Challenge is usually tackled in either 24 hours or a more leisurely three days. While the traditional route runs from north to south (Ben Nevis first), it can, of course, be done in reverse. The first recorded completion of this version within 24 hours was in 1926.

However, the concept of a 'Three Peaks' challenge has earlier roots. The initial local Three Peaks Challenge began in the Yorkshire Dales National Park way back in 1887 by local school teachers, J.R. Wynne-Edwards and D.R. Smith, who completed the three highest peaks of Yorkshire: Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, Ingleborough in 10 hours. This developed into the Yorkshire Three Peaks Race in 1954 which is still a very popular event today. 

A more leisurely pace

Whilst the Three Peaks is an amazing challenge to do in a set time, you can also take on each peak at a more relaxed pace. This gives you time to take in the beauty of the mountains and enjoy the surrounding areas. Each mountain is located in an absolutely breathtaking location with many other activities and adventures to enjoy.

Our UK Club campsites offer excellent facilities including hot showers, comfort and security, making these stunning locations the perfect base for your hiking challenge and outdoor adventures.

Where to start which peak?

We've chosen the most popular routes used on the Three Peaks Challenge, but there are also others to choose from which vary in length and difficulty. 

Peak one: Ben Nevis - Grampian Mountain range, Highlands, Scotland 

Starting at: The Mountain Track (also called the Tourist Path or Pony Track)

Difficulty rating: moderate

Total distance: 17km / 10.5 miles taking approximately 7 - 9 hours (summer conditions)

Nearest car park: Visitor Centre in Glen Nevis

Local area: Ben Nevis is located just a few miles from Fort William, a place known as the outdoor capital of the UK. Offering a wealth of outdoor activities including exhilarating mountain bike trails and excellent climbing and hiking. 

The Nevis Range Mountain Gondola brings you 650m up Aonach Mòr, with stunning views on a clear day. Take a ride on the famous Jacobite Steam Train over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Explore the incredible beauty of Glencoe then perhaps visit a local distillery to try some warming Scotch whiskey.

For those who love the water then Loch Linnhe is the place to be with activities including boat rides in ribs or cruises, sunset boat trips, wildlife tours, scuba diving, kayaking, canoeing, coasteering and more. 

Stay at: Bunree Club Campsite - 12 miles from Ben Nevis

Peak two: Scafell Pike - Lake District National Park, Cumbria, England

Starting at: Wasdale Head Route (via Brown Tongue)

Difficulty rating: hard

Total distance: 9.7 km / 6 miles taking approximately 3 - 4 hours 

Nearest car park: Wasdale Head car park

Local area: Lake District National Park is both stunning and fascinating. There's incredible places to visit and explore, from historic sites to adrenaline inducing activities.

There are loads of lakes, including Windermere and Coniston Water which has plenty of water based activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking and relaxing cruises. Discover Tarns or mountain lakes such as Tarn Hows or Goats Water which sits beneath the peaks of Old Man of Coniston and Dow Crag which form part of the stunning Coniston Fells.

Explore the fascinating Coniston Copper Mines where you will come across waterfalls, waterwheels and Coppermine Cottages once home to the miners. Another great place to venture is through the Cathedral Cavern, a small network of inter-linking caves in an old slate quarry in the Langdale Valley

Stay at: Coniston Park Coppice Club Campsite - 28 miles away from Scafell Pike

Peak three: Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) - Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, North Wales 

Starting at: Pen-y-Pass Pyg Track or Miner's Track

Nearest car park: Pen-y-Pass,  other local car parks with park and ride available

Difficulty rating: hard

Total distance: 12.9 km/8 miles taking approximately 6 hours 

There's also the mountain train that usually runs from March to October from Llanberis. It's best to book this in advance.

Local area: North Wales is an amazing place. There's breathtaking beauty all around. Great mountain bike trail centres, mountains, beaches, castles and the fastest zipline in Europe! There's so much to do, or if you want to just relax after hiking it's a beautiful place to do that too.

Driving through Wales takes you on a journey of wonder. With the high mountain roads and the deep valleys, flowing rivers leading to the sea. It's truly captivating and beautiful on the senses. 

As with every adventure, be prepared for all weathers, but for those who truly love the beauty of the outdoors, you know you can have incredible adventures whatever the weather. Especially when you know you can warm up with a hot shower and visit a nice cosy pub after a day's exploration.

Stay at: Coed-Y-Llwyn Club Campsite - 21 miles

Each climb is different. When you reach the peak you may see just fog, an absolutely epic cloud inversion or be lucky enough to be rewarded with a breathtaking view for miles around. But each hike is so worth it, just to be out in nature, challenging yourself. 

It’s a brilliant feeling! And always leave the mountains as you find them, protect the beauty for future generations. 

Start planning the Three Peaks challenge today.

Top tips for hiking

• Plan your route and do your research
• Check the weather forecast for the mountain
• Pre-book car parks - they can get very busy in peak season
• Try to start your hike in the morning to give yourself longer in daylight
• Be prepared for all weathers, from sunshine to blizzards
• Bring a torch
• Ensure your mobile is charged
• Take a map, water and snacks
• Bring cash for the cafe at Yr Wyddfa’s peak. You can even get a beer!