The Three Peaks Challenge is one of the UK’s most popular endurance hikes, attracting walkers, runners, and adventure seekers looking to test their fitness and determination.
There are several versions of the challenge across the UK, but the most famous is the National Three Peaks Challenge. This is an unforgettable hike up the highest peaks in Scotland, England, and Wales that requires careful planning and lots of resilience.
In this guide, we’ll explain what the Three Peaks Challenge involves, where it takes place, how many miles it covers, and what to expect if you’re thinking about taking part.
The National Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England, and Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) in Wales. The aim is to complete all three climbs and travel between them within 24 hours.
The challenge is popular with charity groups and hiking/walking clubs, though many people also complete it independently.
Although the distance is manageable for experienced hikers, the challenge becomes tougher because of the travel, limited rest, and changing weather conditions. As it’s a 24-hour challenge, participants typically travel overnight between mountains, which means fatigue usually starts to set in before the final climb begins.
The route stretches across the UK and covers the three tallest mountains in each of the representative countries.
Ben Nevis sits near Fort William in the Scottish Highlands and is the tallest mountain in the UK at 1,345 metres (4,413ft). Most walkers use the Mountain Track route, also known as the Pony Track, which typically takes around seven to nine hours to complete. By comparison, participants attempting all three peaks within 24 hours usually aim to complete Ben Nevis in around four to five hours.
The smallest of the National Three Peaks, Scafell Pike is England’s highest mountain at 978 metres (3,209ft). Located in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, Scafell Pike has a very rocky and steep ascent that should not be underestimated.
The Wasdale Head route is the most commonly used for the Three Peaks Challenge because it offers the shortest ascent. Depending on fitness levels and conditions, it typically takes around five to eight hours to complete. By comparison, participants attempting all three peaks within 24 hours usually aim to complete Scafell Pike in around three to four hours.
Snowdon, also known by its Welsh name Yr Wyddfa, is the highest peak in Wales at 1,085 metres (3,560ft).
There are several routes up Snowdon, but one of the most popular is the Pyg Track. Depending on experience and weather conditions, this route can take around five to eight hours to complete. Participants working towards the 24-hour challenge target typically aim to complete Snowdon in around three to four hours.
Here’s how the distance and hiking times compare with the target times for completing the challenge within 24 hours:
Mountain | Distance | Standard hike | 24-hour target |
|---|---|---|---|
Ben Nevis | 10.5 miles (17km) | 7-9 hours | 4-5 hours |
Scafell Pike | 6 miles (10km) | Around 5 hours | 3-4 hours |
Snowdon | 8 miles (13km) | Around 6 hours | 3-4 hours |
The National Three Peaks Challenge covers approximately 23 miles (37km) of walking, around 3,000 metres of climbing (10,000ft), and roughly 460 miles (740km) of driving.
The walking distance for each peak is usually broken down into:
Ben Nevis: 10.5-mile (17km) round trip.
Scafell Pike: approximately 6-mile (10km) round trip.
Snowdon: approximately 8-mile (13km) round trip.
Times vary depending on weather, fitness levels, and route choice, but many groups spend between 13 and 14 hours actively walking during the challenge, plus 10-11 hours of driving.
The Three Peaks Challenge is demanding, particularly when attempted within the 24-hour target. According to organisers, only about 40% of participants complete it within this time limit.
The climbs themselves are achievable for many reasonably fit people, but completing all three mountains in quick succession requires endurance and preparation. Some of the factors that make this challenge particularly difficult include:
Rapidly changing weather conditions: Wind, rain, and low visibility are common on UK mountains, even during summer.
Sleep deprivation: Pushing yourself to the limit on the steep climbs, as well as being awake for more than 24 hours, can take a huge toll on your body.
Long periods sitting in transport: The lengthy drives between the peaks mean you’ll be sitting for several hours at a time, which can impact your energy levels and mental focus. You may also encounter delays on your trip that can eat into your time, but you should never try to compensate for this by overexerting yourself on your next hike.
Underestimating the challenge: The Three Peaks Challenge is physically demanding, and your stamina will truly be tested. You don’t need to be a professional athlete to participate, but you will still need a good level of cardiovascular fitness to be able to complete the challenge safely.
Many participants opt for a guided event, with an experienced mountain leader who will set the appropriate pace for the hikes, plus a support crew to assist with refreshments and a dedicated driver to allow you to rest between peaks.
“Don’t set off too quickly on the first mountain. Aim for a steady pace that you can maintain across all three climbs, and use your training to practise moving consistently when your legs are already tired.”
The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is a separate event that takes place in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Walkers complete a circular route covering Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough.
The full route is around 24 miles (38.6km) long with 1,585 metres (5,200ft) of ascent — around half the ascent of the National challenge. The challenge is to complete all three mountains in under 12 hours, meaning it can be done in daylight hours.
Unlike the National event, there’s no long-distance travel involved in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. This makes it a popular option for people looking for a tough hiking challenge without the added logistics.
A similar format to the National Challenge, the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing three mountains (Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) in the North, Cadair Idris in mid-Wales, and Pen y Fan in the South) in 24 hours, with driving between peaks.
The challenge includes walking around 17 miles (27.4km) and an ascent of 2,334 metres (7657ft) across varied terrain, from steep mountain paths to exposed ridgelines. It’s a higher ascent than the Yorkshire challenge but a shorter distance.
Because the Welsh challenge involves Snowdon, it’s often seen as a stepping stone to the National Three Peaks Challenge and the larger climb of Ben Nevis in Scotland.
Training for the Three Peaks Challenge depends on your current fitness level and hiking experience, but many people spend between eight and 12 weeks preparing.
A balanced training plan often includes:
Long walks with elevation
Treadmill incline sessions or stair climbing
Strength training for your legs and core
Mobility and recovery work
Training with a backpack can also help you get used to carrying extra weight over long distances.
"Combine hill walking with single-leg strength work, like step-ups, split squats and lunges, to build stability for tough ascents and descents. Train in all weather to build confidence and resilience for whatever the mountains throw at you."
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Preparing properly can make the Three Peaks Challenge more enjoyable and help you stay comfortable during long climbs and descents.
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