National Three Peaks Challenge

The National Three Peaks Challenge is a mountain endurance challenge in Great Britain in which participants attempt to climb the highest peaks of each of the island's three countries within 24 hours, using motorised transport to travel between the mountains.

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While usually referred to simply as the Three Peaks Challenge or the Three Peaks, this challenge should not be confused with the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.

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The mountains climbed, in order of elevation, are Ben Nevis in Western Scotland (1344 m), Snowdon in North Wales (1085 m), and Scafell Pike in North-Western England (978 m).

Related Topics:
Ben Nevis - Scotland - Snowdon - Wales - Scafell Pike - England

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Each year a large number of organised attempts are made at the challenge with the aim of fundraising for charity, in which sponsorship is sought by participants, but many people are purely interested in the physical challenge and make attempts in small groups, usually with non-walkers performing a supporting function by doing the driving and having food ready.

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The Challenge has certainly been completed in as little as fifteen hours, including ten hours driving time.

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It may be extended to four peaks, by including Northern Ireland's Slieve Donard, or even five peaks by tagging on Carrantuohill in the Republic of Ireland. This longest route is usually only attempted as part of a high-profile charity event involving the use of helicopters. With such aerial assistance, the record time to ascend and descend all five peaks stands at about twenty hours.

Related Topics:
Northern Ireland - Slieve Donard - Carrantuohill - Republic of Ireland

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