Plan Your Own National Three Peaks Challenge
Everything you need to organise your own attempt at Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon.
The National Three Peaks Challenge is one of Britain's great adventures — climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours. Thousands of groups take on the challenge each year, either independently or as part of a guided event.
This guide covers everything you need to plan a safe and successful self-organised challenge.
Prefer a guided event?
Our Open National Three Peaks includes professional mountain leaders, all transport between peaks, checkpoints and safety cover — from £450pp.
View Guided DatesThe Essentials
Your Team
We recommend a group of 4–30 walkers. Smaller groups are harder to support safely; larger groups become unwieldy on the hills and at car parks.
If you have fewer than four walkers, consider joining one of our open challenge dates where you can team up with other individuals and small groups.
Dedicated Drivers
This is critical. You need at least two dedicated drivers who will not be walking. After climbing Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike, your walkers will be exhausted — they must not drive.
If you can't recruit dedicated drivers, a guided challenge with professional drivers may be a better option.
When to Go
The main season runs from May to September, when daylight hours are longest and conditions most favourable. Winter conditions can persist on Ben Nevis well into May — check forecasts carefully.
Most groups start in the early morning (4–6am) to maximise daylight on the hills.
Registration
Optional registration at threepeakschallenge.org.uk (£6pp) provides:
- Certificate of completion
- Safety guidance pack
- Online challenge tracking
- Fundraising support
The Three Mountains
Total walking distance: 23 miles (37km). Total ascent: 3,064 metres.
Ben Nevis
1,345m — Scotland's highest peak
The Mountain Track from Glen Nevis is the standard route. Allow 4–5 hours return. Car park postcode: PH33 6PF.
Scafell Pike
978m — England's highest peak
Most groups use the Wasdale Head route — the shortest but steepest approach. Allow 3–4 hours return. Car park postcode: CA20 1EX.
Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)
1,085m — Wales' highest peak
The Llanberis Path or Pyg Track are most commonly used. Allow 3–4 hours return. Pen-y-Pass car park postcode: LL55 4NY.
Transport & Logistics
Driving Route
Most groups start at Ben Nevis and head south — this puts the longest drive (Fort William to Wasdale) while the team is freshest.
Total driving distance: approximately 460 miles. Allow 10 hours of driving time between stops.
Vehicle Choice
The largest practical vehicle is a 16-seater minibus. Larger coaches cannot navigate the narrow roads near Wasdale Head.
For larger groups, use multiple vehicles or consider a private guided event where we handle all transport.
Public Transport
It's possible to reach Fort William by train, including the Caledonian Sleeper from London. Reaching Wasdale and Snowdon by public transport is more difficult and time-consuming.
Electric Vehicles
EV charging is available along the route, though planning is essential — particularly in the Lake District and Snowdonia where chargers are limited.
Preparation
Training
The challenge is demanding — 23 miles of mountain walking with over 3,000m of ascent, plus the fatigue of travelling between peaks.
We recommend at least 8–12 weeks of progressive training, including practice walks with full kit and some night walking if you'll be on the hills after dark.
Equipment
Essential kit includes:
- Broken-in walking boots
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm layers (conditions change rapidly)
- Headtorch with spare batteries
- Map and compass (don't rely solely on phones)
- First aid kit
Navigation
You'll need Ordnance Survey maps:
- OS Explorer 392 — Ben Nevis
- OS Explorer OL6 — Scafell Pike
- OS Explorer OL17 — Snowdon
The routes are well-travelled in good weather, but in cloud, rain or darkness you must be able to navigate by map and compass.
Food & Hydration
Plan your nutrition carefully. Service station food is expensive and won't fuel you well. Prepare:
- Slow-release carbohydrates (wholegrain sandwiches, flapjacks)
- Quick energy (dried fruit, energy gels)
- Plenty of water — at least 2 litres per person per mountain
- Hot drinks in flasks for the vehicle
Accommodation
Depending on your schedule, you may need accommodation before your start (Fort William area) or after you finish (Snowdonia or en route home).
Book well in advance — accommodation near the mountains is limited and popular weekends sell out months ahead.
Safety & Responsible Practice
The Three Peaks Challenge has faced criticism for its environmental impact and safety record. Please follow the Three Peaks Code of Practice:
- Use dedicated, rested drivers
- Don't descend in large, noisy groups late at night
- Take all litter with you
- Use official car parks, not roadside verges
- Be prepared to abandon the challenge if conditions deteriorate
Not sure self-organised is right for you?
Organising your own challenge requires significant planning, reliable drivers, navigation skills and mountain experience. If any of these feel uncertain, our guided events take care of everything — professional mountain leaders, all transport, checkpoints with hot food, and full safety cover.