Organising Your Own National Three Peaks Challenge
We've set out our recommendations below to organise your own challenge. There are no strict rules, but things like having dedicated drivers, getting all the proper kit, your schedule and planning your routes, are very important.
Walking team
We recommend organising a group of between four and thirty walkers.
If you don't have a group of four or more, we recommend taking part in an organised event, such as the Open National Three Peaks Challenge, which you can sign up to as an individual or a group.
Schedule
There are various timing options for your challenge. The 'classic' plan was to begin at 5pm. A morning start is most popular now - start well rested to set yourself up for a successful challenge.
Registration
Registration provides guidance on organising a safe and responsible challenge, as well as recording your challenge online, and promoting any fundraising. Certificates of completion are included.
Registration costs £6 per person, and is available at threepeakschallenge.org.uk.
Register your challenge
Transport
Depending on your location, you may choose to start at either at Ben Nevis or Snowdon - Ben Nevis is by far the most popular start point, but you can choose either.
You may choose to travel to the start either by train or road.
If hiring a vehicle, the largest vehicle suitable for the Three Peaks Challenge is a 16-seater minibus, due to the small roads encountered en route.
Public transport
Ben Nevis can be accessed by train to Fort William station, including a sleeper train and coach services.
Snowdon can be accessed by train to Llandudno Junction or Bangor. From Llandudno, the Conwy Valley Line has a stop at Betws-Y-Coed, where buses are available to Snowdon.
Drivers
Two dedicated drivers, who won't be walking with you, are really important to ensure your safety when travelling between the mountains.
If you're unable to recruit dedicated drivers, you could consider an organised challenge.
Route planning
For the hills, you'll need Ordnance Survey Explorer maps to navigate. The usual Three Peaks routes are well travelled but in poor weather and low light they're difficult to follow. You'll need to be prepared to navigate using a map and compass.
You need OL Explorer 392 for Ben Nevis, OS Explorer OL6 for Scafell Pike, and OS Explorer OL17 for Snowdon.
Kit
Make sure that each group member has all appropriate kit for taking part in the Challenge. Walking boots and waterproofs are especially important, and you should carry plenty of water.
Training plan
Write out a sensible training plan for your group, to ensure that everyone is at a suitable level of fitness when taking part.
This can also be used as an opportunity to try out new kit.
Accommodation
To help you choose where you stay, please see our
Three Peaks Challenge accommodation
recommendations. Depending on your schedule, you may need accommodation in Fort William before your start, or near Snowdon for soon after you finish.
Food and drink
Food
Food is worth planning well. Ideally you don't want to eat junk food from service
stations - it'll cost loads more, and it's not going to give you as much
long lasting energy as some healthy snacks. Go for wholegrain and wholemeal foods,
as these carbohydrates provide energy for longer.
Let Others Know
Once you know your route and the paths you'll be walking, you'll
be able to figure out an approximate time scale - once you know your arrival and
departure times for each mountain, make a couple of copies to give to a family member
of friend who won't be coming.