18 Helpful Tips For National Three Peaks Challenge

The National Three Peaks Challenge is one of the UK’s most demanding and rewarding outdoor adventures. Each year, thousands of walkers attempt to summit the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales within 24 hours. The challenge combines physical endurance with careful planning, long-distance travel, and unpredictable mountain conditions.

Tips for The National Three Peaks Challenge

I completed the 3 Peaks Challenge in just over 23 hours. We would have had a better time, but we got lost at night while summiting Scafell Pike, when we started to tire and were not concentrating. I saw many people give up around this point. So, I thought I would share some of the tips and hints I learned along the way to help you save time and make it more achievable.

Whether you’re taking part for charity or for personal achievement, proper preparation is essential. This guide offers practical tips and advice to help you complete the National Three Peaks Challenge safely and responsibly.

Table of Contents

On the Miners Path route up to Mount Snowdon, Wales

1. What is the National Three Peaks Challenge

The National Three Peaks Challenge involves hiking the three highest peaks in Great Britain within 24 hours. Ben Nevis in Scotland (1345m), Scafell Pike in England (978m), and Snowdon in Wales (1085m). It covers 462 miles from start to finish, driving, walking 23 miles, and climbing a total of 3,408m (10,000 ft).

2. Best time of year to do the 3 Peaks Challenge

The weather can be unpredictable on all three mountains at any time of year, especially on Ben Nevis. However, the best time to attempt the National Three Peaks Challenge is between May and September. This is when you should get the best weather and visibility for hiking each mountain. During these months, daylight hours are longer, temperatures are milder, and the likelihood of snow or ice is lower.

We did our challenge in mid-August and had good weather.

3. Decide on self-organised or professionally organised

You can participate in two ways: as a “self-organised group” or a “professionally organised group.” Each has its pros and cons, so consider your options carefully.

Self-organised group: you’re responsible for everything, including car rentals, preparations, and the group’s registration. Although I know the hiking routes well, our group still had to put in significant effort to plan the trip.

A professionally organised group is a good option if you’re unfamiliar with the three mountains and want help with preparation and training. Professional guides are often available to assist, making the experience more manageable. Call to Adventure offers a professionally organised group for the 24-hour challenge.

Descending Scafell Pike, England, during a summit training in summer

4. Organise a driver (Self-organised groups)

Transport logistics are often the deciding factor between success and failure. Organise someone to be the dedicated driver during the National Three Peaks Challenge. Do not try to share driving duties among the group while hiking, as you can become fatigued, risk not completing the challenge, and, worse still, crash.

It is 462 miles from start to finish, and in good traffic, it takes about 10 hours. Having someone else drive means you can rest and recharge between mountain peaks. We hired a 9 seater van in Scotland and had a friend drive it while we did the 3 peaks and thenback to London, where it was dropped off. We chose a van because we could stretch out and sleep in it between peaks.

5. Time Management and Best Route

A realistic schedule is crucial for successfully completing the challenge within 24 hours. Many teams begin their journey at Ben Nevis in the late afternoon or early evening, then tackle Scafell Pike around midnight, and finish with Snowdon early the following morning. This was the schedule we followed, and it worked well for us.

This is because Ben Nevis takes the longest to reach the summit and is also the hardest, so best to do it first. Snowdon is the easiest to summit and the best for your final hike up. This approach takes advantage of cooler walking conditions and quieter roads. It is essential to allow buffer time for traffic delays, slower ascents, or poor weather.

5.1 The most popular routes up the 3 Peaks Challenge

Ben Nevis, Scotland– The Mountain Track (also referred to as Tourist Track)
Scafell Pike, England – Wasdale Track
Mt Snowdon, Wales– Up the Pyg Track and down the Miners Track

Hiking up to Ben Nevis, Scotland, Training – Three Peaks Challenge

6. Keep your group to a minimum size

Keep your group at a manageable size (this applies to self-organised groups). Remember, your pace will be set by the slowest member of the group, and you can move from one mountain to the next only once everyone has returned to the car after reaching the summit. It can be frustrating to get down and then have to wait around, especially when you are on a tight schedule and know it is out of your hands. Our group was only 3 plus a driver, which was a good, manageable size.

7. Prepare physically for the Three Peaks Challenge

Being prepared, both physically and mentally, can make a world of difference, especially when you are tired and hiking in the middle of the night. This is a tough event; people participating should have the necessary fitness. I trained on Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis on different days to familiarise myself with the routes and build my confidence. Plus, we did a lot of hiking and camping in Snowdonia as it was the closest mountain range to us.

Uphill and distance walking on consecutive days helps build leg strength, stamina, and mental resilience. Places like Devil’s Punch Bowl in London have good trails to explore. Otherwise, do various leg-strengthening exercises, climb stairs instead of taking the lift, or do anything to build your strength. I also used a Walking Pad Treadmill while working from home to keep my legs active.

Wast Water Lake near Scafell Pike, England, training day for the National Three Peaks Challenge

8. Wear the right fitting Hiking/Trail Shoes

Wearing the right hiking or trail shoes can make a world of difference when tackling the UK Three Peaks Challenge. Nothing is worse than uncomfortable shoes, or even worse, blisters that leave you limping because your shoes lack support. Then you have to pull out of the challenge because you’re unable to hike or walk any further. I saw this happen when I did Everest Base Camp; some people couldn’t finish because they didn’t wear the right hiking shoes.

Remember, you’re hiking three mountains, so you want your feet to be as comfortable as possible, especially when you’re tired and walking on uneven ground.

8.1 Wear them in beforehand

Make sure to wear your hiking boots or trail shoes at least a month beforehand, or even longer if you can. Wear them on hikes, in the park, and even around the house to break them in. This helps with blisters and allows the shoe to stretch and mould around your foot. I wear Asolo hiking boots, and my husband wears Scarpa; both are fantastic Italian brands made of leather and waterproof, and I highly recommend them.

9. Use a bright head torch for the Three Peaks

Use a bright head torch when the sun is setting and at night when hiking, during the national peak challenge. When you are climbing in the middle of the night, especially, your senses and bearings can be thrown off, and you could waste valuable time going the wrong way. I know because this is what happened to us going up Scafell Pike.

We thought we knew the route pretty well, but in the middle of the night, with a bad head torch, we went the wrong way. We ended up losing over an hour trying to find our way back to the correct route.

Snowdon, Wales – Wear the right hiking shoe for doing the Three Peaks Challenge

10. Keep hydrated during the Three Peaks Challenge

Keeping hydrated while doing the 3 Peaks is very important. Adequate water and fluid intake affects your ability to perform and helps when you are getting tired and fatigued. You have two main options for carrying water: a water bottle or a water bladder. You can also consider energy drinks for extra hydration.

10.1 Water Bladder

A water bladder is great for long-distance hikes, such as the Three Peaks, when you’re constantly on the move. Drinking water on the go will save you time when doing the challenge. Both my husband and I use a water bladder when hiking or scrambling. I have a 2-litre bladder that easily fits in my backpack. Sometimes we add some cordial (Squash) to improve the taste.

10.2 Reusable Water Bottle

If you decide to use a reusable water bottle, try a large one, such as a 1-litre bottle, for the challenge. You don’t want to keep stopping and starting to fill it. Apart from the Snowdon summit, there is nowhere to fill your water bottle on the actual three mountain peaks. I suggest taking a large water container in the car or van you are travelling in between the three peaks, and refilling it at each stop.

10.3 Energy Drinks

Hydration energy drinks or energy gels are great for maintaining fluid balance during the challenge, as they combine electrolytes and carbohydrates to boost performance. They are a great addition to your water. These drinks are specifically designed to be taken during and after intense endurance activities to prevent fatigue and support recovery.

Coming down from the summit of Scafell Pike, England, with my water bladder

11. Carry snacks for Nutrition

Like the water, carrying snacks to stay fuelled and maintain energy levels is important during the challenge. Small, frequent snacks that are easy to digest work best. I carried sweets and nuts in reusable food storage bags during the challenge. I kept a big bag of nuts in the van and topped up my small bag when we were driving between the mountains. I carry snacks all the time, even on shorter hikes like in Chatel, France.

12. Bring a small first-aid kit

Carry a small first-aid kit and an emergency foil blanket to keep warm in case of an accident during the hiking challenge. If something happens, you need to be prepared, such as a bandage for a twisted ankle or plasters for blisters. I saw a few people on Scafell Pike using emergency foil blankets to keep warm on the side of the trail while they waited for their group to summit and return to them on descent.

We had a small first-ad kit and a larger one for the transport van. You have to buy the emergency foil blanket separately, but they are small, compact, and cheap. For a professionally organised group, guides usually have them.

13. Essential Gear for weather conditions

Mountain weather in the UK is notoriously unpredictable, even in summer. Strong winds, heavy rain and cold summit temperatures are common. Hikers should carry or wear appropriate gear for all conditions (wet and hot). Quick-drying hiking trousers or convertible shorts are usually the best to wear. Layers are good, including a waterproof jacket, spare socks and gaiters. Plus, hiking sticks (poles), sunglasses and a beanie. Don’t wear heavy clothes; they will only weigh you down and make you hotter.

You can find some good deals at the Jack Wolfskin outlet online store, which offers a wide range of outdoor gear for hiking.

At the start of the Challenge in Ben Nevis, Scotland

14. Take a change of layers

Take a change of base layers that you can leave in the vehicle and change into between mountains. You will work up a sweat (some more than others) by the time you reach the summit and get back to the vehicle. Staying dry between mountain transfers can help and stop you from getting a chill.

I got a chill and couldn’t rest properly because I didn’t have anything to change into. Another hiker lent me their clothes to warm up, which helped a lot. I was able to get enough sleep to reach the final summit of Snowdon, Wales. If you use base layers for sports activities, then they can be used for the hike.

15. Listen to some music

Listening to music can help you get into a rhythm with your steps and breathing during the National Three Peaks Challenge. It is also good when you need a little push and motivation when tired, especially in the middle of the night, up to the summit (usually Scafell Pike). You do not have to have it blasting out just enough to listen to it, while still listening to everything else around you. It is even good to help you relax and rest between mountains during the drive.

Listening to music helped me so much with creating a rhythm in my step, breathing more easily, and blocking out my tiredness.

16. Use a backpack in the Three Peaks Challenge

Use a comfortable day backpack when competing in the Three Peaks Challenge to carry all your essential items. My husband and I both use backpacks from the Osprey range, which are spacious and comfortable. They are not cheap, but I highly recommend them because the range is specifically designed for the outdoors. I use mine for skiing in places like Morzine and Val Thorens, as well as hiking in places like Sado Island, Japan, and Hualien, Taiwan.

Hiking back down Mount Snowdon

17. Make sure you are rested before you start

Make sure you are well-rested before you start the Challenge to give you the best chance of completing the 3 Peaks. I recommend staying the night near the mountain where you will start the Challenge, so you can get as much rest as you need and focus on the hike.

If you are starting your ascent of Ben Nevis in Scotland, I suggest staying in Fort William, Scotland. If you are starting on Mount Snowdon, I suggest staying in Betws-y-Coed, Wales. You can do the same for when you finish the challenge as well.

18. Enjoy the Three Peaks Challenge

The National Three Peaks Challenge is demanding yet immensely rewarding. With careful planning, preparation, training, and the right hiking gear, it offers an unforgettable adventure on some of the UK’s most iconic mountains, Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon.

Approach the challenge responsibly, respect the mountains, enjoy the experience, good luck and remember to have fun. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t make it in the required time. Just doing the Three Peaks Challenge is a major achievement in itself. For more information, here is the National Three Peaks Challenge official website

19. Other Hiking Articles you might like

Here are some recommended articles on hiking around the world that you might enjoy reading.

Have you completed the National Three Peaks Challenge before, or do you have any other tips I could add? I would love to hear your experiences in the comments below or suggestions to help others.

Love hiking and adventure, PIN it for later!!!!

⇒ Remember that you need to get some good Hiking Boots before your next adventure.

A special thank you to Dataquest UK for donating to our 3 Peaks Challenge UK, which helped cover the cost of our van hire.

Disclaimer: All views are my own, based on my own experience, completing the National 3 Peaks Challenge.

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