The National Three Peaks walk involves climbing the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales. These are Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Snowdon respectively. Different people will take different periods of time to do the 3 peaks. Those who are brave, noble, or just plain stupid, try to do all 3 within the space of 24 hours - The Three Peaks Challenge.

There is no official body, or definition of the Three Peaks Challenge. It is generally accepted that to complete the challenge you must ascend and descend all three peaks, and drive (or be driven) between them, within 24 hours. Mountain routes used vary, but generally involve:-

Ben Nevis: Tourist path, starting from the Youth Hostel in Glen Nevis.

Scafell Pike: Either the corridor route from Seathwaite or the steeper, shorter route from Wasdale Head.

Snowdon: Starting from the Youth Hostel in Llanberis Pass, the Pyg Track and Miners Track are the most popular routes.

There are variations on the challenge, including the Three Peaks Yacht Race, where partcipants sail between the peaks. Some people do the challenge as part of a large, organised groups. Others prefer to make their own arrangments, and travel in small groups, with or without a support team.

www.3peaks.info