UK Three Peaks Challenge - 3 Summits, 3 Countries, 24 Hours
Imagine standing on the summit of Ben Nevis looking for the Scottish Highlands, knowing you still have two more mountains to conquer before the clock runs out. The UK Three Peaks Challenge is the ultimate test of endurance, willpower, and human spirit , it's one of the most iconic walking challenges in the UK.
In just 24 hours, you'll summit the highest peaks in Scotland, England, and Wales: Ben Nevis (1,343m), Scafell Pike (978m), and Snowdon (1,085m). Three countries. Three mountains. One unforgettable adventure.
The Challenge
This is no Sunday stroll. Over 24 hours you'll ascend and descend nearly 3,000 metres of wild mountain terrain, with much of it in darkness, over rough and uneven ground. A solid level of fitness and real determination will get you through, but the panoramic views from each summit make every hard-earned step completely worthwhile.
Crossing the finish line as a team, as the sun rises over Snowdon, is a feeling that's genuinely hard to put into words.
The Hatt Difference
At Hatt Adventures, we run the Three Peaks as small group events, because the bonds you form on a challenge like this matter. Our expert, qualified Mountain Leaders will know you by name, pace you through the tough sections, and keep the whole team moving safely through the night.
Our low guide-to-client ratios means you get genuine personal support at every stage, from your first steps up Ben Nevis to safely off the final slope of Snowdon.
3 Peaks Challenge Stats
- Total Distance: 33km (20.6 miles).
- Ascent: 2900m (9,800 ft).
- Estimated Time: 23-24 hours.
- Difficulty Level: 3/5 – a tough but achievable challenge.
What's included?
- Experienced and qualified Mountain Leaders.
- Low Instructor to client ratio (1:10) and (1:5 on Scrafell Pike and Snowdon).
- Transport from various locations in the South East (Brighton, London, Birmingham, Preson, Carlisle).
- 1 Night bunkhouse accommodation.
- Pre-challenge information pack (includes 12-week fitness plan and equipment guidance).
- An eco-friendly adventure (we're a carbon neutral company).
The UK Three Peaks Challenge will push you physically and mentally, but the sense of achievement when the whole team reaches the bottom of that final mountain is something you won't forget. Whether you're raising money for charity, marking a personal milestone, or simply ready for a proper adventure, this is a challenge worth taking on.
Looking for Something else?
If you're up for a challenge but would prefer something slightly less demanding, why not try the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge instead? Alternatively, take on an even tougher adventure with our Welsh 3000s Challenge!
Information
Season
April to October (the UK 3 Peaks Challenge is not a single event that runs on one particular date – you can complete it whenever you decide to take the plunge!)
Duration
3 day trip, 24 hour challenge.
Group Size
8-10 (for larger group bookings, visit the ‘Groups’ section below)
Restrictions
Minimum age: 18 Fitness level: A good level of fitness is required to complete this challenge
hatt adventures team
Mountain Leaders – You’ll be guided by an expert guide who holds the Mountain Leader qualification and has experience of the UK 3 Peaks or other endurance mountain challenges. All Hatt Adventures group leaders are wilderness first aid trained and maintain radio communication with the support team during the challenge.
Support Team – Your support team's job is to transport you from peak to peak, as well as provide moral support (not to be underestimated!) and back up mountain safety to the Mountain Leader(s) if required.
Training for the 3 Peaks Challenge
We provide a full training package to ensure you are well-prepared for your challenge. This includes a fitness training program put together by our fitness endurance specialists, plus important information on walking boots, clothing, equipment, and the best places to buy them from.
We also run regular Mountain Training Days in various beautiful locations across the UK, which will give you the opportunity to try out your equipment, break in your boots and test your fitness.
Fundraising for Charity
If you are completing the UK 3 Peaks Challenge to raise money for charity, you’ll need to book your space and pay the standard event fee. With all challenge logistics, including transport from the South East included, you’ll have more time to focus on raising money for your worthy cause!
Organising a UK 3 Peaks Challenge fundraising event for a larger group? Check out the ‘Groups’ section below for extra info!
Conservation and the UK 3 Peaks
Every year, thousands of people attempt this challenge in small unsupported groups or as large organised events. At Hatt Adventures we are very aware of the environmental impact this is having, which is why we run our challenges in a responsible way. We plan our timings to ensure that we are not disturbing the local residents at unsocial hours of the night and we ensure that all our clients are fully briefed on the environmental impact the events can have on the mountains and how to minimise them. We also only run small events, thus reducing our impact on the mountain trails.
Groups
If you wish to book a group on a specific date you will need the minimum number of participants. Click the Course Info tab to see group size.
Itinerary
Day 1
On Friday we will travel up from Brighton to Fort William collecting challengers as we go (from Brighton, London, Birmingham, Preston, Carlisle, and Glasgow). This will take most of the day but it's a great chance to get to know the people you'll be completing the challenge with. In the evening we will run through any questions, check kit and give a mountain safety briefing, and then off to bed early for a good night's rest!
Day 2
The day starts early, we will travel by minibus to the base of Ben Nevis, the largest of the three mountains. The 3 Peaks begins! By the early evening, you can expect to be ascending Scafell Pike, and then on to Mount Snowdon!
Day 3
In the early hours of the morning its time to tackle Snowdon and should get a fantastic view over the Snowdon Horseshoe as the sun comes up! The challenge is completed when the whole team is safely back down from the mountain.
Locations
Ben Nevis - Scotland, Scarfel Pike - Lake District, Snowdon - North Wales
Equipment
Equipment supplied
All mountain safety equipment supplied.
Equipment needed
Walking boots / approach shoes, small rucksack (25 litres), waterproof top and trousers, fleece or warm top, hat and gloves, whistle, head torch, water bottles (min of 1.5lts). We will provide you with a full kit list upon booking.
Equipment shop
Take a look at our online shop for any equipment you might want for your outdoor adventures. We stock a variety of equipment and can give expert advice if you have any queries. Choose to collect your order on a course (free of charge) and your instructor will have it ready and waiting for you when you arrive.
Transport
Day 1
Pick up points: Brighton (Train Station), London (Heathrow Airport Terminal 5), Birmingham (Star City), Preston (M6 Services), Carlisle (M6 Services), Glasgow (International Airport).
Day 2
Minibus support throughout challenge.
Day 3
Drop off points: Shrewsbury (Train Station), London (Heathrow Airport Terminal 5), Brighton (Train Station).
Accommodation
Day 1
1 night bunkhouse accommodation.
Day 2
Accommodation not required.
Day 3
Accommodation not required.
Catering
Day 1
Lunch - (Self catered) at the services as we drive North.
Dinner - (Self catered) we usually stop at a pub on route or near the accommodation.
Day 2
Breakfast - (Self catered) there are normally cooking facilities in the bunkhouse accommodation or you can purchase meals.
Lunch - (Self catered) at the services as we drive South.
Dinner - (Self catered) at the services as we drive South.
Day 3
Breakfast - (Self catered) at the services as we drive South.
Lunch - (Self catered) at the services as we drive South.
