When it comes to the ultimate accomplishment, a mountain walking challenge is hard to beat. But which one should you take on first?
We’re giving you the lowdown on the six best mountain treks and long-distance walking challenges, that span the length and breadth of the UK.
The great thing about these challenges is that they’re not held on one specific date – you can challenge yourself whenever you’re ready, which you will be after reading our list!
1. Welsh 3000s
This is one of the toughest mountain challenges, where you’ll climb the 15 peaks over 3000ft in Wales in under 24hrs. Geographically, these fall within three stunning mountain ranges; The Snowdon Massif, The Glyders and Carneddau. This means you’ll tackle the tricky Crib Goch scramble, as well as summitting Mount Snowden.
Time frame
You’ll need to allow 3 days for the trip and 24hrs for walking. As you’re walking over a 24-hour period, a fair portion of this will be under cover of darkness.
Difficulty level
This challenge is certainly not to be underestimated. We rate this 4/5 on the difficulty scale, as it’s a strenuous challenge. You’ll need some training and bags of determination to take it on!
Welsh 3000s Challenge Stats
- Total Distance: 50km (30 miles)
- Total Ascent: 4155m (13,632 ft)
- Estimated Time: 20-24hours
2. Lakes 24 Peaks
One of the most demanding (but rewarding!) mountain challenges in the UK, you’ll scale 24 peaks in the Lake District over 2,400ft in 24hrs. This epic challenge is a voyage through the greatest of England’s highest mountains, including the classic Scafell Pike.
Time frame
Your challenge is to summit all 24 peaks in 24 hours, and the trip takes 3 days.
Difficulty level
Brace yourself for rocky, uneven ground and some seriously steep ascents. We give this 4/5 on the difficulty scale, so make sure you adequately prepare.
Lakes 24 Peaks Challenge Stats
- Total Distance: 50km (30 miles)
- Total Ascent: 4263m (13,986ft)
- Estimated Time: 20-24hours
3. UK 3 Peaks
The most well-known walking challenge in the UK, you’ll summit the 3 highest peaks in Scotland – Ben Nevis (1,343m), England – Scafell Pike (978m) and Wales – Mount Snowdon (1,085m) in under 24 hours. It’s a classic route taken on by many, but that doesn’t make this route any less spectacular.
Time frame
Allow 3 days for this event and 24hrs for the walking – there’s a fair bit of driving required to move challengers between these iconic mountains.
Difficulty level
A more approachable challenge than the previous two, but you’ll still need a good level of fitness to take it on – we rate it 3/5 on the difficulty scale.
3 Peaks Challenge Stats
- Total Distance: 33km (20.6 miles)
- Total Ascent: 2900m (9,800 ft)
- Estimated Time: 23-24hours
4. Yorkshire 3 Peaks
During this hike you’ll climb the three highest peaks in the Pennine range of the Yorkshire Dales National Park – Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-ghent. Whilst it’s a shorter hike than other mountain challenges, it’s no less rewarding. You’ll spot the region’s unique geography and impressive landscapes from the trail.
Time frame
The walking for this challenge is completed in 12 hours, within a 3 day trip from the South East.
Difficulty level
We reckon this is 2/5 on the difficulty scale – great for people who are new to hiking.
Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge Stats
- Total Distance: 40km (25 miles)
- Total Ascent: 1585m
- Estimated Time: 12 hours
5. South Downs Way 50km
You’ll experience the best views that the South East has to offer as you traverse the stunning 31 mile expanse of the South Downs Way from Ditchling Beacon to Eastbourne. Ditchling Beacon is the highest point in East Sussex, but it’s certainly not all downhill from that point!
Time frame
This challenge can be completed in 10 hours, during a 2 day trip.
Difficulty level
You’ll tackle a number of hills, but the conditions of the grassland make this an accessible challenge, which we rate at 2/5 difficulty.
For a slightly less daunting challenge, you can walk the South Downs Way 25km route, which takes you from Southease to Eastbourne.
South Downs Way 50km Challenge Stats
- Total Distance: 50km (31 miles)
- Estimated Time: 10 hours
6. Jurassic Coast 50km
The panoramic coastal views make this 50km trek feel like the ultimate achievement. You’ll hike from the easternmost point of Swanage to the seaside town of Weymouth, across rugged terrain and through the Lulworth fossil forest.
Time frame
You’ll be walking for 10 hours and you should allow 2 days for the event.
Difficulty level
There’s a surprising amount of elevation on this challenge, so bring your A game! We rate this 2/5 for difficulty.
You can also walk the Jurassic Coast 30km challenge route, for a shorter challenge.
Jurassic Coast Way 50km Challenge Stats
- Total Distance: 50km (31 miles)
- Estimated Time: 10 hours
Take on your ultimate challenge
With Hatt Adventures, your challenge will be an unforgettable experience. We specialise in running our mountain challenges as small group events to ensure a strong camaraderie within the challenge team. Our small instructor to client ratio guarantees you a highly personal event – our expert guides will know you by name and support you at every step of your journey!
You’ll also receive catering, accommodation and transport from the South East, so you can really focus on your preparing your kit, training for the big day, and fundraising (if you’re taking on the challenge to raise money for a cause).
Our mountain challenges can be booked on to as an individual or small group, so they’re open to absolutely everyone – take on your ultimate challenge and book your space today or contact us to arrange a private group event.
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