The National 3 Peaks Challenge is a bucket list event for many hikers, but it’s also a challenge that sparks a serious love-hate relationship. Sure, it gets thousands of people into the mountains, but at what cost? The rushed nature of the challenge, the environmental damage, the lack of real experience on these incredible peaks – it all adds up to a challenge that’s more about speed than enjoyment.
So here’s a radical idea: Instead of trying to tick off Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) in a frantic, sleep-deprived 24 hours, why not spread the adventure over three days or more? Here’s why ditching the stopwatch and taking your time is the best way to experience the UK’s highest mountains.
1. The Environmental Impact
The 24-hour National 3 Peaks Challenge leaves a hefty footprint. Think about it – hundreds of vehicles clogging up roads, hikers trampling up and down the same eroded paths at unsociable hours, and a significant amount of litter and waste left behind. Mountain rescue teams frequently report an increase in call-outs from poorly prepared challengers, and local authorities struggle with the sheer volume of visitors who arrive, climb, and leave without contributing to the upkeep of the area.
By spreading the challenge over three days or more, you lessen your environmental impact. You can use local transport, stay in nearby accommodation, and explore alternative routes that ease the pressure on the main paths. This way, you get to enjoy the mountains responsibly and ensure they remain beautiful for future generations.
2. Supporting Local Communities
The communities surrounding Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon see thousands of people rush in and out without spending a single penny locally. The traditional 24-hour format often involves minimal interaction with the villages and towns around these peaks, meaning no money goes into local businesses that rely on tourism.
Instead, by doing the challenge over three days or more, you can stay in charming B&Bs, enjoy a post-hike meal in a local pub, and contribute to the economy of these small but vibrant communities. It’s a win-win: You get a richer experience, and the locals benefit from your visit.
3. Actually Enjoying the Mountains
Racing up and down a mountain at 3 am with a head torch doesn’t exactly scream ‘immersive experience.’ The National 3 Peaks in 24 hours is more of a test of endurance than an opportunity to appreciate these incredible landscapes.
Take your time instead. Spend a full day on each peak, choosing routes that showcase the best of the terrain. Instead of taking the standard quickest routes, why not make the climb more exciting and rewarding?
Ben Nevis: Skip the busy tourist track and take the Carn Mor Dearg Arête route. This exhilarating ridge walk offers breathtaking views and a true sense of adventure.
Scafell Pike: Instead of the well-trodden Wasdale route, try the Corridor Route from Seathwaite. It’s more scenic, offering dramatic landscapes and a real mountain experience.
Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa): Avoid the crowds on the Llanberis Path and opt for the Rhyd Ddu Path or Crib Goch Ridge (for experienced hikers). These routes showcase the best of Snowdonia’s rugged beauty.
By choosing a more exciting path, you’ll not only avoid the crowds but also gain a deeper appreciation for each mountain’s unique character.
4. The Reality of Travel Time
One of the biggest logistical challenges of the 24-hour Three Peaks Challenge is the sheer amount of time spent driving rather than hiking. The reality is:
Ben Nevis to Scafell Pike: Around 6 hours drive.
Scafell Pike to Snowdon: Around 4 hours drive.
That’s 10+ hours of travel time, with little opportunity for rest, recovery, or even enjoying the journey. Instead of rushing through sleep-deprived, uncomfortable car journeys, why not take your time and appreciate the landscapes along the way? Stop off, explore, and make the most of the adventure rather than treating it as a race.
Additionally, spending long hours in a confined space—whether in a car or minibus—can be a miserable experience. Many people feel car sick, and the lack of space makes it difficult to properly stretch tired legs or get any meaningful rest. Instead of arriving at the next mountain stiff, nauseous, and sleep-deprived, spacing out the challenge allows for proper recovery between hikes.
5. Safety First
The 24-hour challenge is brutal. Fatigue, bad weather, and the sheer physical demand of the event can make it a risky undertaking. Many people underestimate the logistics involved – from navigating in the dark to handling unpredictable mountain conditions.
On top of that, some companies don’t adhere to legal driving time limits, which can add further risks to the challenge. Drivers may be operating on little to no sleep, making long journeys between peaks even more dangerous. If you’re taking on the challenge as a group with a designated driver, it’s not exactly a great experience for them either—they either miss out on the hiking or endure extreme exhaustion from driving while everyone else gets to enjoy the adventure.
By opting for a three-day or longer challenge, you reduce the risk of exhaustion and poor decision-making. You’ll be more alert, better prepared, and able to make safer choices in the mountains, ensuring a much more enjoyable and less stressful experience.
6. Less Pressure, More Achievement
There’s an undeniable pressure to complete the National 3 Peaks Challenge within 24 hours, which can sometimes suck the joy out of the adventure, especially if you go over the time for reasons outside of your control (traffic). Taking three days or more means there’s no need to rush. You can pace yourself, take in the views, and even celebrate your achievement properly at the summit of each mountain rather than legging it straight back down.
Remember, adventure isn’t about speed – it’s about the experience. Why rush through some of the UK’s most breathtaking landscapes when you can take your time and truly enjoy them?
Acknowledging Charity Fundraising – But Doing It Better
Many people take on the National 3 Peaks Challenge to raise money for charities, which is an incredible and worthwhile cause. However, there’s a better way to do it without compromising the environment, safety, and overall experience.
Charities could consider encouraging participants to complete the challenge over three days or more, allowing for a more sustainable and meaningful experience. This way, fundraisers can still meet their goals, but with more time to appreciate the mountains, reduce their environmental impact, and contribute positively to local communities.
A slower, more immersive approach could even attract more supporters and generate longer-lasting engagement with the cause.
If you’re fundraising, consider choosing an alternative format—perhaps adding an educational element about conservation or giving back to the areas you’re visiting. It’s not just about raising money; it’s about doing so in a way that respects the places and people involved.
The Alternative: 3 Peaks, 3 Days (or More!)
Instead of the frantic 24-hour dash, here’s a better plan:
Day 1: Ben Nevis – Scotland’s highest peak, using an exciting and scenic route.
Day 2: Scafell Pike – England’s tallest mountain, with time to enjoy the journey and landscape.
Scafell Pike Day 3: Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) – Wales’ most famous peak, choosing a quieter or more thrilling ascent.
Or, extend the challenge even further—spend extra days exploring the surrounding areas, take rest days between climbs, and truly immerse yourself in the beauty of these landscapes.
By the end of it, you’ll have climbed the same mountains but with far more appreciation, enjoyment, and respect for the landscapes and communities around them.
So forget the 24-hour rush. Take your time, savour the adventure, and do the National 3 Peaks Challenge the right way – over three unforgettable days or more.
I'd never thought about these things. Makes perfect sense!!