National Three Peaks Challenge

Fancy a wee bit of exercise anyone?

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. Whilst the challenge has no official rules or time restrictions, many participants try and complete it within 24 hours.

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). In all the challenge involves some 42 km (26 miles) of ascent and descent, with total travel approaching 765 km (around 475 miles). The challenge is usually undertaken starting with Ben Nevis, the highest, and for many the most distant.

Target times are generally suggested as being around 4 hours for Snowdon, and 5 hours for each of the others. In itself this time isn't unrealistic for most relatively fit people, but it's certainly not a gentle walk, and when three climbs are required within 24 hours the Challenge becomes more difficult, draining your energy and depriving you of sleep.

Photo: Snowdon

My brother and some work colleagues completed this triple hike / drive megathon at the weekend in an effort to raise lots of money for charity. By the sound of things, it was no walk in the park and several people got helicoptered off the mountains because of cold and exhaustion. One poor unfortunate soul of a unknown team wandered off the path and died.

If anyone is interested donating to a worthy cause (Cancer Research), you can click here
It's all legit and above board

...Or feel free to just peruse the photos and reminisce about when you were young and fit! Extra points if you can guess which one is my wee bro (hint = beer!).