Timing of the National Three Peaks Challenge

Time On Each Mountain

Typically, you should allow the following times for each mountain, including ascent and descent.

• Five hours for Ben Nevis
• Four hours for Scafell Pike, from Wasdale Head.
• Four hours for Snowdon

These times are steady - for example, Snowdon can be completed comfortably by most people in around five hours. The best way of testing if you and your team are able is doing a bit of practice on whichever mountain is closest to you.

Add to those estimates at least eleven hours driving.

Several timings options are available, depending on your arrival time into Fort William.

Option One - Walk in daylight

As long as your challenge team has dedicated drivers, this is probably the best time plan. Ben Nevis is climbed in the evening, then all walkers can have a six hour sleep while being driven to Scafell Pike. This also maximises walking hours in daylight, so navigation should be as easy as it gets.

Option Two - Avoid Traffic

In order to avoid traffic, the common pitfall of the Three Peaks Challenge, it is sensible to begin at midday, finishing Ben Nevis by around 5pm, allowing for a late evening drive to Wasdale Head to climb Scafell Pike. Scafell Pike is then climbed in the dark, followed by Snowdon in the morning.

Option Three - Long Day

This option allows both Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike to be climbed in daylight, leaving an easy Snowdon path to be climbed at night.

Three Peaks in Three Days

If you are less keen on rushing through the challenge, the Three Peaks is often completed over three days. Completing the Three Peaks over three days will also give you added time to enjoy the local culture and support local businesses.