Professional mountain leader Kate Worthington will be answering
your outdoor questions weekly on OM. Along with her husband Ross, Kate
runs RAW Adventures offering professional mountain leadership services.
She's generally found outdoors, toting a big pack... Ask a question
This week's question:
'What is the Three Peaks Challenge and can I do it?'
If you've been getting out and about in the mountains, chances are
you've heard about - or completed -the National Three Peaks
Challenge. This involves a punishing trek across the UK to
tackle the ascents of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon - the highest
peaks in Scotland, England and Wales
respectively.
The challenge can - sometimes - be achieved in under 24 hours
and calls for endurance walking, a high level of stamina and fitness
and
sound navigation skills.
There is no 'official' provider or governing body for this challenge
... it's just 'out there' - like an urban myth, but more
real. There are many
companies that provide assistance in organising and guiding it,
recommended from a
safety point of view. So, yes, in theory anyone can attempt
it.
Today, I'm heading up to Scotland to guide my final Three Peaks of this
season. I only ever work with small groups and for larger charities and
we always follow
the Institute of Fundraising's
Code
of Conduct to minimise the obvious disruption
that events like this can cause.
To anyone that is
slightly intrigued by the physical and mental challenge of this
infamous event -
my advice is talk to someone first, read about it, learn/practice the
routes, get super-fit, make sure you are 150% confident at navigating
in fading light/darkness if your timings take you onto
mountains at night. And
get an experienced driver to ferry you around - DO NOT
attempt to drive and
walk. If you are slightly unsure as to what any of this might entail,
get
outside and experienced assistance.
There's a reason why Mountain Rescue Teams and other bodies slam the
Three
Peaks Challenge as a blight on our National Parks - and they are very
justified in their views. Especially when they are summoned
in the middle
of the night (usually wet and windy) to help inexperienced walkers off
Scafell Pike,
for example, with no clue as to where they are on the rocky and
potentially dangerous summit plateau.
There's a very fine line between enjoyment and abuse of our favourite
peaks - go responsibly and have respect and understanding for where you
are...
Useful link
see the Institute of Fundraising's
FAQ
on the Three Peaks Challenge
 |
RAW Adventures
is an exciting new company dedicated to providing well organised,
friendly and safe UK mountain events. We run Walking Weekends
for all abilities - keeping group sizes small for safety and
fun. We also organise larger scale Challenge Events for
charities and individuals wanting to raise money while doing something
that pushes you harder than usual!
Owned and operated by experienced and professional Mountain Leaders,
Kate and Ross Worthington, you are in safe hands for learning new
skills and broadening your own experience of the UK mountains. www.raw-adventures.co.uk |
