Tips for National Three Peaks Success
Taking on the National Three Peaks seemed a good idea months ago in the pub.. But you’ve trained for it, kitted yourself out, planned your food and drink and now the challenge is looming.
Know what you’ve got to do:
Ben Nevis - 10miles, 1300M Ascent, target 5.5hrs
Scafell Pike - 5miles, 900M Ascent, target 4hrs
Snowdon - 7miles, 750m Ascent, target 4hrs
Have a good Ben Nevis
Don't let it slip away early. Keeping the dream alive boosts morale on the long drive to Cumbria and the on night climb. Getting to the summit of Scafell Pike on schedule is uplifting. So try to hit your time targets and pace yourself appropriately right from the start. The pace required to summit Ben Nevis in 3 hours is equivalent to climbing a set of domestic stairs in 20 seconds - not fast, but 1,300 metres is a lot of stairs. Keep plodding, don’t push yourself too hard. Ben Nevis may be your first time walking as a team, so be patient while the group finds its pace. Your leader will endeavor to keep the team together on a 24 hour schedule.
No faffing!
Avoid doing anything that prevents the group from walking or the bus from driving.
Be organised - pack efficiently and know where your things are. Space is limited in the vehicle so don’t overpack.
Treat hot spots before they become blisters.
Use the toilets at the foot of the mountains and at the Services.
Be ready to strike out as soon as the bus stops. Get dressed, put boots on, pack your hill bag while on the bus.
Dress for the conditions. If you’re not a little bit cool in the car park you’re probably wearing too much for the climb.
Don't lose time on summits - 20 minutes taking photos and eating on each summit will cost an hour, and margins of success are often slim…
Discover our more leisurely National Three Peaks in Three Days guided walk here…
