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Hi all I am doing the 3 peak challenge in may 2010 but need to get in better shape so if anyone can give me some workouts or fitness plans would be a great help
In reply to benpriest:
Find yourself your steepest local hill, look on the map to see how many metres of ascent it is from the bottom to the top. Divide 1400 by the height of your training hill (in metres) and walk up and down it that many times in a training session.
Find yourself your steepest local hill, look on the map to see how many metres of ascent it is from the bottom to the top. Divide 1400 by the height of your training hill (in metres) and walk up and down it that many times in a training session.
In reply to benpriest: hi ,i've done it and the hardest thing i found was trying to feed myself and get adequate sleep/rest in between the hills. Alan
In reply to teflonpete:
Bear in mind the above equation covers only the first of the 3 peaks.
There's no better way to get in shape for this than getting out there and on to some hills as often as you can.
> (In reply to benpriest)
>
> Find yourself your steepest local hill, look on the map to see how many metres of ascent it is from the bottom to the top. Divide 1400 by the height of your training hill (in metres) and walk up and down it that many times in a training session.
>
> Find yourself your steepest local hill, look on the map to see how many metres of ascent it is from the bottom to the top. Divide 1400 by the height of your training hill (in metres) and walk up and down it that many times in a training session.
Bear in mind the above equation covers only the first of the 3 peaks.
There's no better way to get in shape for this than getting out there and on to some hills as often as you can.
In reply to benpriest:
If 'the 3 peak challenge' means Ben Nevis, Yr Wyddfa, and Scafell Pike, my advice would be: Please don't. There are plenty of other hills to climb.
If 'the 3 peak challenge' means Ben Nevis, Yr Wyddfa, and Scafell Pike, my advice would be: Please don't. There are plenty of other hills to climb.
In reply to Tim Chappell:
Is it just me or is this combination a totally pointless waste of fuel?! If ever I decend into climbing/walking discussion in the pub with non climbing/walking mates the 3 peaks always comes up. And they somehow think they have proved how hill experienced they are by the fact they've done it.
I've done Snowdon far too many times to care summer and winter. Ben Nevis only in Winter and haven't actually got round to Scarfell Pike (retreated twice in attrocious weather)...
I don't get what the 3 peaks challenge proves?
> (In reply to benpriest)
>
>
> If 'the 3 peak challenge' means Ben Nevis, Yr Wyddfa, and Scafell Pike, my advice would be: Please don't. There are plenty of other hills to climb.
>
>
> If 'the 3 peak challenge' means Ben Nevis, Yr Wyddfa, and Scafell Pike, my advice would be: Please don't. There are plenty of other hills to climb.
Is it just me or is this combination a totally pointless waste of fuel?! If ever I decend into climbing/walking discussion in the pub with non climbing/walking mates the 3 peaks always comes up. And they somehow think they have proved how hill experienced they are by the fact they've done it.
I've done Snowdon far too many times to care summer and winter. Ben Nevis only in Winter and haven't actually got round to Scarfell Pike (retreated twice in attrocious weather)...
I don't get what the 3 peaks challenge proves?
In reply to benpriest: If you havn't already, do the pennine way instead much more fun and interesting than puking at a cloud coverd summit,and when you've finished you get a certificate aswell lol. still hard though especialy if you camp the entire thing, no cheating spliting it up and diving in and out of hostels,wieghts the issue here more than fitness, what ever you decide be safe have fun.
In reply to wilton warrior: It's just not comparable. 1 day V weeks..
I'd go for an other one day challenge but as a single walk, far more enjoyable.
Welsh 1000m Peaks, Yorkshire 3 Peaks type thing.
I'd go for an other one day challenge but as a single walk, far more enjoyable.
Welsh 1000m Peaks, Yorkshire 3 Peaks type thing.
In reply to Katie86:
It's Scotland's, England's and Wales's highest peaks in 24 hrs. I don't see why people have to be pompous about it and sneer at people doing it. Loads of people climb to the top of Mont Blanc by the easiest route, it's not as challenging as the Heckmeyer route on the Eiger but it's the highest peak in Europe. Fair enough, the 3 peaks is overdone in the summer, with too many people on it and the paths may well be getting like motorways but why should that bother an experienced mountaineer? Surely the experienced mountaineers should be off doing some technically harder stuff rather than using the motorway paths.
To the OP, get loads of hill walking in beforehand. When you do the challenge, have a designated driver who is not walking or split the driving so that you can sleep between hills in the car. Either have cold food that you can snack on or if you have a dedicated driver, get them to have something waiting for you when you get back to the car. Don't forget to refill your water bottles. Good luck.
> (In reply to Tim Chappell)
> I don't get what the 3 peaks challenge proves?
It's Scotland's, England's and Wales's highest peaks in 24 hrs. I don't see why people have to be pompous about it and sneer at people doing it. Loads of people climb to the top of Mont Blanc by the easiest route, it's not as challenging as the Heckmeyer route on the Eiger but it's the highest peak in Europe. Fair enough, the 3 peaks is overdone in the summer, with too many people on it and the paths may well be getting like motorways but why should that bother an experienced mountaineer? Surely the experienced mountaineers should be off doing some technically harder stuff rather than using the motorway paths.
To the OP, get loads of hill walking in beforehand. When you do the challenge, have a designated driver who is not walking or split the driving so that you can sleep between hills in the car. Either have cold food that you can snack on or if you have a dedicated driver, get them to have something waiting for you when you get back to the car. Don't forget to refill your water bottles. Good luck.
In reply to Katie86:
Three Peaks Challenge - A Local's View
By Guy Newbold
Guy Newbold is a walker and climber who lives and works in Wasdale. As the Three Peaks Challenge season hits its heights - hordes of walkers attempting to climb the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales, he's not a happy bunny. Here's a local's view of the damage inflicted in the name of good causes. Time for a re-think?
A lot has been said recently about the impact of the Three Peak 'challenges' held on Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Snowdon. The main problem with the debate is that most can only base their observations on individual events and there are few who are able to comment on it as a year-long phenomenon without being accused of vested interest and a local anti-tourist type of attitude.
Scafell Pike on a busy Easter weekend, but most
Three Peakers make the ascent in the dark causing
huge disruption for locals
Well I am a local of Wasdale, but I also make my living from visitors to the fells, so my viewpoint is as balanced as you could hope for. I wasn't born here, instead taking the route of the "off comer" settling in the area because of a deep love for the Cumbrian fells. I'm a climber, a walker, and a runner and a kayaker and perhaps my view may be of interest to some?
Thousands of people have done the Three Peaks challenge; some have done it as part of a large organised group and some as part of a smaller team. The rules are pretty random, some set a time constraint on completing the event - usually either 24 hours or three days - and some require you to start at certain points away from the peaks themselves. Whatever the rules most people arriving to climb Scafell Pike have already climbed one of the other peaks and most choose to begin from Wasdale as it represents the shortest possible route up and down.
Some Facts To Consider...
But before we get into the debate lets get a few facts straight:
? The majority of people will try to climb all three of the peaks in 24 hours.
? As a result of the above most will arrive at Scafell Pike during the night.
? The summer months around the longest day are the most popular times of the year although from May to October you will find groups doing it every weekend.
? Most people do the event as part of a large sponsored event raising money for a charity
? A large percentage will not beregular fell goers, as they are doing it solely to raise funds for a good cause.
? We are not talking about a couple of hundred people spread out over the year, it is hundreds of people each night, and nearly 6,000 each year.
? Wasdale has no mains water or sewage and only one public loo.
? 200 people using a path in one hour do ten times the amount of damage as 200 people do using the same path over the course of a week.
? Large numbers of people arriving in the middle of the night by minibus cannot do so quietly.
? People still need to go to the toilet even if there isn't one available.
? Some charities pay event companies to organise the events for them, the more the better for the company and the charity. It isn't just a fundraiser, it's big business. 2,000 eventers at £100 a head - someone's getting rich and it's not the charity.
Patience strained among locals woken almost every summer weekend...
Above Wasdale, looking towards Mickledore and Scafell
Crag - are Three Peakers simply missing the point?
So those are the facts, what's to debate? Well the problem is the event keeps on getting more and more popular as it raises more and more money for good causes. This has meant that patience is now low among locals who can spend almost all their weekends awake, visitors are not returning to the B and B's, hotels and campsites are empty as they too don't want to be kept awake and finally the environment is starting to suffer.
Wasdale is a remarkable place, remote and beautiful. It doesn't have the facilities of Ben Nevis or Snowdon and that's half its charm, it is still a remote wilderness. Scafell Pike doesn't have one main path and so there isn't a continuous pitched and paved route to the summit.
The summit plateau on Scafell Pike
The increased traffic is in concentrated time periods and so causes much more damage than the same number of feet spread over a week. The result is that paths are now becoming deep ruts 30 to 40 feet wide. Even the old Brown Tongue path which was redirected is now suffering and is slowly returning the large muddy scar it was before the renovation work was done 10 years ago as the sheer number of walkers means many ignore the new, pitched path.
No toilet facilities...
And the valley floor is fairing no better either, there are no adequate toilet facilities as there is no mains sewage, the result is little piles topped with tissue behind every wall and tree. The water too is in great demand as it all comes from private wells, which are all too easily drained by a team of thirsty Three Peaker. Litter now piles up during the night and the verges and green spaces are becoming bogs as the hundreds of minibuses churn them all up, even spaces reserved only for emergency vehicles are used as base camps during the night.
Answers?
Wasdale is taking a beating, and is not always a pretty or pleasant place to be. So what can be done? well relatively little actually. More parking can not be provided, nor can toilets and bins, as someone has to pay to install, equip, clean and empty them. That's without considering the effect they would have on the whole feel of Wasdale and the detrimental effect on the breathtaking natural scenery.
The fells paths can't all be pitched, as it would be hugely expensive and impact on the wild beauty of the hills. And try as they might hundreds of people booting up and preparing for a walk can't do so in silence. Rubbish will always be created try as they might to stop it but tell someone that they are doing something for charity and the ends will always justify the means.
So who can do something, the National Park? National Trust? Government? Well in a word no. You can't deny people the freedom of the fells, access is for all at all times of the day or night and long may it continue.
Charities need to be more aware...
To my mind the event needs to be controlled not on site, but in the planning stages and before. Charities need to aware of the damage they are causing and made to pay for the repairs, or installation of facilities. The event needs to be controlled so that it isn't going on during the night and large groups don't pick the same weekend.
But mainly and most positively the charities need to take a responsible stance and find something else to do instead. Sit in a bath of baked bean, don't talk for a month, shave your head anything but don't put 2,000 people on Scafell on a Saturday night! People who might volunteer to do it and charities that want the money need to think.
Please come to Wasdale and perhaps do the Three Peaks, you and a few friends, just don't come with one or two hundred close personal pals and definitely not in the middle of the night.
Guy Newbold
Three Peaks Challenge - A Local's View
By Guy Newbold
Guy Newbold is a walker and climber who lives and works in Wasdale. As the Three Peaks Challenge season hits its heights - hordes of walkers attempting to climb the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales, he's not a happy bunny. Here's a local's view of the damage inflicted in the name of good causes. Time for a re-think?
A lot has been said recently about the impact of the Three Peak 'challenges' held on Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Snowdon. The main problem with the debate is that most can only base their observations on individual events and there are few who are able to comment on it as a year-long phenomenon without being accused of vested interest and a local anti-tourist type of attitude.
Scafell Pike on a busy Easter weekend, but most
Three Peakers make the ascent in the dark causing
huge disruption for locals
Well I am a local of Wasdale, but I also make my living from visitors to the fells, so my viewpoint is as balanced as you could hope for. I wasn't born here, instead taking the route of the "off comer" settling in the area because of a deep love for the Cumbrian fells. I'm a climber, a walker, and a runner and a kayaker and perhaps my view may be of interest to some?
Thousands of people have done the Three Peaks challenge; some have done it as part of a large organised group and some as part of a smaller team. The rules are pretty random, some set a time constraint on completing the event - usually either 24 hours or three days - and some require you to start at certain points away from the peaks themselves. Whatever the rules most people arriving to climb Scafell Pike have already climbed one of the other peaks and most choose to begin from Wasdale as it represents the shortest possible route up and down.
Some Facts To Consider...
But before we get into the debate lets get a few facts straight:
? The majority of people will try to climb all three of the peaks in 24 hours.
? As a result of the above most will arrive at Scafell Pike during the night.
? The summer months around the longest day are the most popular times of the year although from May to October you will find groups doing it every weekend.
? Most people do the event as part of a large sponsored event raising money for a charity
? A large percentage will not beregular fell goers, as they are doing it solely to raise funds for a good cause.
? We are not talking about a couple of hundred people spread out over the year, it is hundreds of people each night, and nearly 6,000 each year.
? Wasdale has no mains water or sewage and only one public loo.
? 200 people using a path in one hour do ten times the amount of damage as 200 people do using the same path over the course of a week.
? Large numbers of people arriving in the middle of the night by minibus cannot do so quietly.
? People still need to go to the toilet even if there isn't one available.
? Some charities pay event companies to organise the events for them, the more the better for the company and the charity. It isn't just a fundraiser, it's big business. 2,000 eventers at £100 a head - someone's getting rich and it's not the charity.
Patience strained among locals woken almost every summer weekend...
Above Wasdale, looking towards Mickledore and Scafell
Crag - are Three Peakers simply missing the point?
So those are the facts, what's to debate? Well the problem is the event keeps on getting more and more popular as it raises more and more money for good causes. This has meant that patience is now low among locals who can spend almost all their weekends awake, visitors are not returning to the B and B's, hotels and campsites are empty as they too don't want to be kept awake and finally the environment is starting to suffer.
Wasdale is a remarkable place, remote and beautiful. It doesn't have the facilities of Ben Nevis or Snowdon and that's half its charm, it is still a remote wilderness. Scafell Pike doesn't have one main path and so there isn't a continuous pitched and paved route to the summit.
The summit plateau on Scafell Pike
The increased traffic is in concentrated time periods and so causes much more damage than the same number of feet spread over a week. The result is that paths are now becoming deep ruts 30 to 40 feet wide. Even the old Brown Tongue path which was redirected is now suffering and is slowly returning the large muddy scar it was before the renovation work was done 10 years ago as the sheer number of walkers means many ignore the new, pitched path.
No toilet facilities...
And the valley floor is fairing no better either, there are no adequate toilet facilities as there is no mains sewage, the result is little piles topped with tissue behind every wall and tree. The water too is in great demand as it all comes from private wells, which are all too easily drained by a team of thirsty Three Peaker. Litter now piles up during the night and the verges and green spaces are becoming bogs as the hundreds of minibuses churn them all up, even spaces reserved only for emergency vehicles are used as base camps during the night.
Answers?
Wasdale is taking a beating, and is not always a pretty or pleasant place to be. So what can be done? well relatively little actually. More parking can not be provided, nor can toilets and bins, as someone has to pay to install, equip, clean and empty them. That's without considering the effect they would have on the whole feel of Wasdale and the detrimental effect on the breathtaking natural scenery.
The fells paths can't all be pitched, as it would be hugely expensive and impact on the wild beauty of the hills. And try as they might hundreds of people booting up and preparing for a walk can't do so in silence. Rubbish will always be created try as they might to stop it but tell someone that they are doing something for charity and the ends will always justify the means.
So who can do something, the National Park? National Trust? Government? Well in a word no. You can't deny people the freedom of the fells, access is for all at all times of the day or night and long may it continue.
Charities need to be more aware...
To my mind the event needs to be controlled not on site, but in the planning stages and before. Charities need to aware of the damage they are causing and made to pay for the repairs, or installation of facilities. The event needs to be controlled so that it isn't going on during the night and large groups don't pick the same weekend.
But mainly and most positively the charities need to take a responsible stance and find something else to do instead. Sit in a bath of baked bean, don't talk for a month, shave your head anything but don't put 2,000 people on Scafell on a Saturday night! People who might volunteer to do it and charities that want the money need to think.
Please come to Wasdale and perhaps do the Three Peaks, you and a few friends, just don't come with one or two hundred close personal pals and definitely not in the middle of the night.
Guy Newbold
In reply to Trangia:
Yes, this is what I was getting at. I'm not sneering at anyone. I just think there's a message here that needs to be considered about why doing the "3 peaks" is no longer a good idea.
Yes, this is what I was getting at. I'm not sneering at anyone. I just think there's a message here that needs to be considered about why doing the "3 peaks" is no longer a good idea.
In reply to teflonpete:
Pompous and sneering about it ? I didn't say anything about it being "easy". I didn't say I was a hardcore mountaineer (lol). So I don't know where you got that idea from! They do indeed climb mont blanc by an easier route too. But that wasnt the point was it. The point was the travel factor, the hundreds of people decending on the hills at a time, errosion, congestion and pressure (hills and in villages)...I think you missed the point!
> (In reply to Katie86)
> [...]
>
> [...]
>
> It's Scotland's, England's and Wales's highest peaks in 24 hrs. I don't see why people have to be pompous about it and sneer at people doing it. Loads of people climb to the top of Mont Blanc by the easiest route, it's not as challenging as the Heckmeyer route on the Eiger but it's the highest peak in Europe.
> [...]
>
> [...]
>
> It's Scotland's, England's and Wales's highest peaks in 24 hrs. I don't see why people have to be pompous about it and sneer at people doing it. Loads of people climb to the top of Mont Blanc by the easiest route, it's not as challenging as the Heckmeyer route on the Eiger but it's the highest peak in Europe.
Pompous and sneering about it ? I didn't say anything about it being "easy". I didn't say I was a hardcore mountaineer (lol). So I don't know where you got that idea from! They do indeed climb mont blanc by an easier route too. But that wasnt the point was it. The point was the travel factor, the hundreds of people decending on the hills at a time, errosion, congestion and pressure (hills and in villages)...I think you missed the point!
In reply to benpriest:
Interesting radio programme about the 3 peaks here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00n0tw6
(Its still available on iplayer.)
Interesting radio programme about the 3 peaks here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00n0tw6
(Its still available on iplayer.)
In reply to benpriest:
There is no substitute for long days walking, preferably, on the hills and in all conditions as often as you can. If you can't make the hills, local walks are much better than nothing.
Not only does this improve your stamina and fitness, it allows you to fine tune the clotheing system and footwear that works for you.
There is no substitute for long days walking, preferably, on the hills and in all conditions as often as you can. If you can't make the hills, local walks are much better than nothing.
Not only does this improve your stamina and fitness, it allows you to fine tune the clotheing system and footwear that works for you.
In reply to Katie86:
The pompous and sneering bit wasn't meant to be particularly directed at you, hence "people" not "you" but some people do come across that way, as if people doing the three peaks haven't earned the right to do it and it seems that some people make the automatic assumption that anyone doing the 3 peaks will be doing it with a coach load of "charity fundraising walkers".
I agree that the charities who organise minibus fulls of participants doing it over the same few weekends during the summer are to blame for the environmental impact and I think that big charity events should be conducted with a different goal in mind.
I do think it's a worthwhile achievement and I'd like to do it one day, probably while returning from a week walking and climbing in Glencoe, in a car with another 3 mates to minimise the excess traveling.
> (In reply to teflonpete)
> [...]
> The point was the travel factor, the hundreds of people decending on the hills at a time, errosion, congestion and pressure (hills and in villages)...I think you missed the point!
> [...]
> The point was the travel factor, the hundreds of people decending on the hills at a time, errosion, congestion and pressure (hills and in villages)...I think you missed the point!
The pompous and sneering bit wasn't meant to be particularly directed at you, hence "people" not "you" but some people do come across that way, as if people doing the three peaks haven't earned the right to do it and it seems that some people make the automatic assumption that anyone doing the 3 peaks will be doing it with a coach load of "charity fundraising walkers".
I agree that the charities who organise minibus fulls of participants doing it over the same few weekends during the summer are to blame for the environmental impact and I think that big charity events should be conducted with a different goal in mind.
I do think it's a worthwhile achievement and I'd like to do it one day, probably while returning from a week walking and climbing in Glencoe, in a car with another 3 mates to minimise the excess traveling.
In reply to benpriest:
Don't forget about the driving. Make sure your tyres are all properly treaded and inflated, oil and coolant topped up, and plenty of water in the scooshers. You might want to do some parking reps (maybe sets of reversing into spaces, parallel parks with increasing tightness, and crowded car park manoeuvring), and do several shorter drives a week while building the length of your long drive at the weekends - build up to driving about 85% of the race distance for your longest training drive at slightly less than race pace, and do your short drives at race pace or faster. It'll be worth trying a range of refuelling tactics and fuel types to work out what is optimum for you, and and don't forget to try out different stimulants for yourself to keep you awake during the drive....
Don't forget about the driving. Make sure your tyres are all properly treaded and inflated, oil and coolant topped up, and plenty of water in the scooshers. You might want to do some parking reps (maybe sets of reversing into spaces, parallel parks with increasing tightness, and crowded car park manoeuvring), and do several shorter drives a week while building the length of your long drive at the weekends - build up to driving about 85% of the race distance for your longest training drive at slightly less than race pace, and do your short drives at race pace or faster. It'll be worth trying a range of refuelling tactics and fuel types to work out what is optimum for you, and and don't forget to try out different stimulants for yourself to keep you awake during the drive....
In reply to Katie86:
Again and I'm not having a go at you so please don't take this the wrong way but as far as the travel side of things goes, what's better....
Travel from the South East up to Glen Coe and climb (walk) Ben Nevis, return home - 1000-1200 mile round trip
Another weekend travel up to the Lakes and climb Scafell Pike - 500-600 mile round trip
Another weekend - Snowdon - another 500 mile round trip.
Total mileage 2300 miles to do the 3 peaks
Do the 3 peaks in one push on one trip 1400 mile round trip. 900 miles less travel.
I do agree about the problems with facilities but surely people can refill water bottles and use loos at the motorway service stations between the hills.
> (In reply to teflonpete)
> [...]
>
>The point was the travel factor, the hundreds of people decending on the hills at a time, errosion, congestion and pressure (hills and in villages)...I think you missed the point!> [...]
>
Again and I'm not having a go at you so please don't take this the wrong way but as far as the travel side of things goes, what's better....
Travel from the South East up to Glen Coe and climb (walk) Ben Nevis, return home - 1000-1200 mile round trip
Another weekend travel up to the Lakes and climb Scafell Pike - 500-600 mile round trip
Another weekend - Snowdon - another 500 mile round trip.
Total mileage 2300 miles to do the 3 peaks
Do the 3 peaks in one push on one trip 1400 mile round trip. 900 miles less travel.
I do agree about the problems with facilities but surely people can refill water bottles and use loos at the motorway service stations between the hills.
In reply to johnSD:
Actually John, most of that is better advice than you meant it as!
Actually John, most of that is better advice than you meant it as!
In reply to Katie86:
Not having a go but you did say
Ok it's no longer a big deal to you but to the OP it might be, so going on about how you've done them all in dodgy conditions and can't see what the fuss is about, is a bit, well, pompous.
FWIW I agree with the point you and others are making about the 3 peaks, but there are ways to make that point and belittling someone else's ambitions IMHO is not such a nice way of doing it.
Not having a go but you did say
> If ever I decend into climbing/walking discussion in the pub with non climbing/walking mates the 3 peaks always comes up. And they somehow think they have proved how hill experienced they are by the fact they've done it.
> I've done Snowdon far too many times to care summer and winter. Ben Nevis only in Winter and haven't actually got round to Scarfell Pike (retreated twice in attrocious weather)...
Ok it's no longer a big deal to you but to the OP it might be, so going on about how you've done them all in dodgy conditions and can't see what the fuss is about, is a bit, well, pompous.
FWIW I agree with the point you and others are making about the 3 peaks, but there are ways to make that point and belittling someone else's ambitions IMHO is not such a nice way of doing it.
In reply to plexiglass_nick:
Nothing "dodgy" about climbing in winter...
I'm just saying 3 peaks is always said like "well i've done the 3 peaks so there". I was also 10 on one of the retreats from Scarfell. I just think that there are lots of nice walks around the country and challenging or easier routes which are equaly as beautiful.
It's a fair point on the travelling thing .i.e. mileage from the South anyway...the main point is coach load factor.
Having re:read I feel a little bit harsh as you asked for advice and we all (some of us, me included) pounced on you with negative comments).
And in regards to the original question...getting yourself out in the hills is the only way to train properly...and make sure your car can cope...it'd be a tad disapointing to get AA/RAC'd home half way through! And obviously bag yourself a driver or 2 for the trip; someone who isn't walking.
> (In reply to Katie86)
>
> Not having a go but you did say
>
> [...]
>
> [...]
>
> Ok it's no longer a big deal to you but to the OP it might be, so going on about how you've done them all in dodgy conditions and can't see what the fuss is about, is a bit, well, pompous.
>>
> Not having a go but you did say
>
> [...]
>
> [...]
>
> Ok it's no longer a big deal to you but to the OP it might be, so going on about how you've done them all in dodgy conditions and can't see what the fuss is about, is a bit, well, pompous.
Nothing "dodgy" about climbing in winter...
I'm just saying 3 peaks is always said like "well i've done the 3 peaks so there". I was also 10 on one of the retreats from Scarfell. I just think that there are lots of nice walks around the country and challenging or easier routes which are equaly as beautiful.
It's a fair point on the travelling thing .i.e. mileage from the South anyway...the main point is coach load factor.
Having re:read I feel a little bit harsh as you asked for advice and we all (some of us, me included) pounced on you with negative comments).
And in regards to the original question...getting yourself out in the hills is the only way to train properly...and make sure your car can cope...it'd be a tad disapointing to get AA/RAC'd home half way through! And obviously bag yourself a driver or 2 for the trip; someone who isn't walking.
In reply to Katie86: A friend asked me to take him round the three peaks and I refused. Instead I took him to Cairngorm and over a weekend backpacking trip we did Brieriach, Macdui and Cairngorm summits.
Denzil
Denzil
In reply to Denzil:
It's awesome isn't it. I've did a multiday hike round there with a friend a few years ago. Sooo beautiful. Shame that some people think that if they stick a rock on top of tinfoil or plastic sandwich bags on the summit of macdui...it'l disapear!
> (In reply to Katie86) A friend asked me to take him round the three peaks and I refused. Instead I took him to Cairngorm and over a weekend backpacking trip we did Brieriach, Macdui and Cairngorm summits.
> Denzil
> Denzil
It's awesome isn't it. I've did a multiday hike round there with a friend a few years ago. Sooo beautiful. Shame that some people think that if they stick a rock on top of tinfoil or plastic sandwich bags on the summit of macdui...it'l disapear!
In reply to benpriest: without entering the debate about rights and wrongs of the event as thats already here in great detail, do find time to have a read of the Wasdale Mountain Rescue call out reports on their website. In their normal totally proffessional and non-judgemental way, they write reports which have loads of info about what not to do on the event, ie they record all the various consequences of errors (with some plain old mis-fortune too).
You also might like to choose them as the recipients of some support if yours is a charity event too?
You also might like to choose them as the recipients of some support if yours is a charity event too?
In reply to benpriest: It's not a challenge, it's an abomination of pollution and general bullshit. You should be ashamed of the idea and do something good with more interesting walking like the welsh 3000ers for example.
In reply to MattG:
Do you seriously think the Welsh 3000ers is suitable for novices?
It's about as unsuitable as they come.
> (In reply to benpriest) It's not a challenge, it's an abomination of pollution and general bullshit. You should be ashamed of the idea and do something good with more interesting walking like the welsh 3000ers for example.
Do you seriously think the Welsh 3000ers is suitable for novices?
It's about as unsuitable as they come.
In reply to MattG:
Pollution? Did you walk to Bolivia, the Alps, Scotland 3 times and the Lakes on a number of occasions in the last 18 months?
You should be ashamed. Newbies come on here looking for a bit of advice on doing something that's a challenge for them and you lay into them about pollution and bullshit?
Starting Out forum(favourite)
Advice for beginners & improvers
> (In reply to benpriest) It's not a challenge, it's an abomination of pollution and general bullshit. You should be ashamed of the idea and do something good with more interesting walking like the welsh 3000ers for example.
Pollution? Did you walk to Bolivia, the Alps, Scotland 3 times and the Lakes on a number of occasions in the last 18 months?
You should be ashamed. Newbies come on here looking for a bit of advice on doing something that's a challenge for them and you lay into them about pollution and bullshit?
Starting Out forum(favourite)
Advice for beginners & improvers
My advice would be get as much walking in a possible. Walk every where, when ever you can, in any conditions, up as many hills as possible.
My Mrs came home from work one day and proudly announced that she was going to do the three peaks challenge with some colleagues from work. “That’s nice dear.” I replied in my most patronising voice “How fit and experienced are the other ‘team’ members?”....silence...
“No matter, let’s just get you ‘mountain’ fit then.”
“But I am quite fit already, though.” She replied, “we do a fair amount of walking, don’t we.”
“OK, dear. We’ll go for a stroll this weekend then.”
Suffice to say that when she stalled halfway up Pen y Fan, with a face like a giant strawberry, she conceded she had some work to do. I also agreed to take her up each of the peaks one by one throughout the year. The dull trudge (my personal opinion) of Ben Nevis and the 60 coach loads of people at the summit of Scafell Pike (slight exaggeration) completely put her off the idea. Physically she put the effort in (in training) and was able to bag each with ease.
However, the character of Great Gable and mental challenge of Striding Edge (for some who is terrified of heights) has fired up a new challenge in her mind....... to learn to climb. The net result she had her first introduction at the local climbing wall and loved it.
My Mrs came home from work one day and proudly announced that she was going to do the three peaks challenge with some colleagues from work. “That’s nice dear.” I replied in my most patronising voice “How fit and experienced are the other ‘team’ members?”....silence...
“No matter, let’s just get you ‘mountain’ fit then.”
“But I am quite fit already, though.” She replied, “we do a fair amount of walking, don’t we.”
“OK, dear. We’ll go for a stroll this weekend then.”
Suffice to say that when she stalled halfway up Pen y Fan, with a face like a giant strawberry, she conceded she had some work to do. I also agreed to take her up each of the peaks one by one throughout the year. The dull trudge (my personal opinion) of Ben Nevis and the 60 coach loads of people at the summit of Scafell Pike (slight exaggeration) completely put her off the idea. Physically she put the effort in (in training) and was able to bag each with ease.
However, the character of Great Gable and mental challenge of Striding Edge (for some who is terrified of heights) has fired up a new challenge in her mind....... to learn to climb. The net result she had her first introduction at the local climbing wall and loved it.
In reply to benpriest:
I don't think this is a challenge. Driving like mad so you can do all of them in 24h is not nice. Why don't you try and do all 15 Welsh 3,000ers in 24h? That would be more like it. In this age of global warming, it'll be nice to reduce unnecessary driving.
Also, has anybody done the 3 peaks challenge cycling?
I don't think this is a challenge. Driving like mad so you can do all of them in 24h is not nice. Why don't you try and do all 15 Welsh 3,000ers in 24h? That would be more like it. In this age of global warming, it'll be nice to reduce unnecessary driving.
Also, has anybody done the 3 peaks challenge cycling?
In reply to benpriest:
Hi ben, are you doing as part of a 'charity challenge', or with your mates etc?
As others have said, the hardest part is trying to sleep on the transport bits and dealing with feeling like crap from Ben Nevis onwards...
Hi ben, are you doing as part of a 'charity challenge', or with your mates etc?
As others have said, the hardest part is trying to sleep on the transport bits and dealing with feeling like crap from Ben Nevis onwards...
In reply to dycotiles:
I know at least one person personally, and he found a wealth of information on it. The actual challenge is to sail between them, though.
> Also, has anybody done the 3 peaks challenge cycling?
I know at least one person personally, and he found a wealth of information on it. The actual challenge is to sail between them, though.
In reply to dycotiles:
Why do people mention the Welsh 3000ers as a suitable alternative? It is WHOLEY unsuitable for novice walkers in 24 hrs. You want to provide a walk which is challenging but which the majority hopefully all will succeed on.
The Welsh 1000m Peaks or Yorkshire 3 peaks are challenges aimed at a much better level.
> (In reply to benpriest)
>
> I don't think this is a challenge. Driving like mad so you can do all of them in 24h is not nice. Why don't you try and do all 15 Welsh 3,000ers in 24h? That would be more like it.
>
> I don't think this is a challenge. Driving like mad so you can do all of them in 24h is not nice. Why don't you try and do all 15 Welsh 3,000ers in 24h? That would be more like it.
Why do people mention the Welsh 3000ers as a suitable alternative? It is WHOLEY unsuitable for novice walkers in 24 hrs. You want to provide a walk which is challenging but which the majority hopefully all will succeed on.
The Welsh 1000m Peaks or Yorkshire 3 peaks are challenges aimed at a much better level.
In reply to IainRUK:
Agree! Welsh 3000ers <24hrs not suitable for beginner hill walker. He'll be broken and put off for life!
Agree! Welsh 3000ers <24hrs not suitable for beginner hill walker. He'll be broken and put off for life!
In reply to Neil Kazimierz Sheridan:
The Welsh 3000s is a brilliant walk but it doesn't really solve the 3 peaks "challenge" problem of loads of people being dumped on the honey pot mountains.
The only reason the Welsh 3000s doesn't have the bad reputation of the 3 Peaks "challenge" is because fewer people do it. Start getting loads of mini buses cramming into the Northern end of the Carnedds and watch the chaos.
The Welsh 3000s is a brilliant walk but it doesn't really solve the 3 peaks "challenge" problem of loads of people being dumped on the honey pot mountains.
The only reason the Welsh 3000s doesn't have the bad reputation of the 3 Peaks "challenge" is because fewer people do it. Start getting loads of mini buses cramming into the Northern end of the Carnedds and watch the chaos.
In reply to GrahamD:
It's a brilliant walk just far far too much for a novice to take on.
Single day challenge walks in one spot do bring benefits to an area though, but yes any mass participation event will cause issues.
We like the Welsh 1000m peaks challenge, get to Ogwen cottage, food and toilets, then Pen Y Pass, food and toilets, then finish in Llanberis for a meal and accomodation.
> (In reply to the colonel)
>
> The Welsh 3000s is a brilliant walk but it doesn't really solve the 3 peaks "challenge" problem of loads of people being dumped on the honey pot mountains.
>
> The only reason the Welsh 3000s doesn't have the bad reputation of the 3 Peaks "challenge" is because fewer people do it. Start getting loads of mini buses cramming into the Northern end of the Carnedds and watch the chaos.
>
> The Welsh 3000s is a brilliant walk but it doesn't really solve the 3 peaks "challenge" problem of loads of people being dumped on the honey pot mountains.
>
> The only reason the Welsh 3000s doesn't have the bad reputation of the 3 Peaks "challenge" is because fewer people do it. Start getting loads of mini buses cramming into the Northern end of the Carnedds and watch the chaos.
It's a brilliant walk just far far too much for a novice to take on.
Single day challenge walks in one spot do bring benefits to an area though, but yes any mass participation event will cause issues.
We like the Welsh 1000m peaks challenge, get to Ogwen cottage, food and toilets, then Pen Y Pass, food and toilets, then finish in Llanberis for a meal and accomodation.
In reply to dycotiles:
I was wondering that, I'm sure hey must have but prob not in 24hours!
> Also, has anybody done the 3 peaks challenge cycling?
I was wondering that, I'm sure hey must have but prob not in 24hours!
In reply to IainRUK:
Don't people do it as a continuous walk?
>
> We like the Welsh 1000m peaks challenge, get to Ogwen cottage, food and toilets, then Pen Y Pass, food and toilets, then finish in Llanberis for a meal and accomodation.
> We like the Welsh 1000m peaks challenge, get to Ogwen cottage, food and toilets, then Pen Y Pass, food and toilets, then finish in Llanberis for a meal and accomodation.
Don't people do it as a continuous walk?
In reply to IainRUK:
I did the 15 peaks as a novice, well I had been up Tryfan once, and something down in South Snowdonia with my dad.
I was 15 years old, I read about it in the library and thought it would be a good number to do it at.
Did it with another mate from my year at school, and we had a brilliant adventure, although I do remember being totally knackered wondering round on the Carneddau, and it hail stoning on Snowdon!
Was a few years ago though, perhaps today's novices are softer, need their hands holding more?
I did the 15 peaks as a novice, well I had been up Tryfan once, and something down in South Snowdonia with my dad.
I was 15 years old, I read about it in the library and thought it would be a good number to do it at.
Did it with another mate from my year at school, and we had a brilliant adventure, although I do remember being totally knackered wondering round on the Carneddau, and it hail stoning on Snowdon!
Was a few years ago though, perhaps today's novices are softer, need their hands holding more?
In reply to Thickhead: Yes, start at coast, at Aber, walk the Carneddau to Ogwen, then over the spine of the Glyders to PyP and the snowdon peaks.
In reply to HillBloke: Well done. I'd day you were in the minority. We do most of our guiding work doing challenge walks. Success rates for the 15 peaks is very low. Most groups drop out having totally underestimated how hard it is. We've had more experienced groups get around OK, but even for them it's a mammouth day out. Incomparable to the 3 peaks in terms of effort.
In reply to dycotiles:
I think our very own Ian Black did. I remember a thread on here back in the summer with a link for donations to Help for Heroes.
> (In reply to benpriest)
> Also, has anybody done the 3 peaks challenge cycling?
> Also, has anybody done the 3 peaks challenge cycling?
I think our very own Ian Black did. I remember a thread on here back in the summer with a link for donations to Help for Heroes.
In reply to IainRUK:
What route does the 1000m Peaks challenge normally take? I can only find vague details of the race route, and can't work out which way between the peaks would be fairly amenable to novices.
> (In reply to GrahamD)
> [...]
>
> We like the Welsh 1000m peaks challenge, get to Ogwen cottage, food and toilets, then Pen Y Pass, food and toilets, then finish in Llanberis for a meal and accomodation.
> [...]
>
> We like the Welsh 1000m peaks challenge, get to Ogwen cottage, food and toilets, then Pen Y Pass, food and toilets, then finish in Llanberis for a meal and accomodation.
What route does the 1000m Peaks challenge normally take? I can only find vague details of the race route, and can't work out which way between the peaks would be fairly amenable to novices.
In reply to IainRUK:
I agree
> (In reply to HillBloke) Well done. I'd day you were in the minority. We do most of our guiding work doing challenge walks. Success rates for the 15 peaks is very low. Most groups drop out having totally underestimated how hard it is. We've had more experienced groups get around OK, but even for them it's a mammouth day out. Incomparable to the 3 peaks in terms of effort.
I agree
In reply to Liam M: The race route starts at the foreshore in Abergwyngregan, up through to Aber falls, up the path on the LHS, follow the river for 100m, just before a sheep fold climb up the steep bank, head through the Bera's and then run along the right hand side of the ridge which connects to the main carneddau, hut the col just between Carnedd Uchaf and Foel Grach. Go over Foel Grach, well just around it's RHS shoulder and then along the ridge over CL and CD (peaks 1 and 2).
On the walk we then continue to PYOW and Ogwen, due to access reasons the race turns back on itself and descends to the fynnon llugwy reservoir, down the horrific concrete track, across the A5, and then up the valley opposite, this is one valley over from Cwm tryfan, head up this valley, crossing the river low down and scirt the crags on the RHS and eevntually cross the ridge and climb on the RHS of the ridge to the llyns and caseg y fraith, then head across to pick up the miners track which descends to pen y Gwyrd, descend this to a wall, at the wall, quite low down, find a trod and head right to the obvious llyn, can't remember the name, then go around the back of moel berfedd to PyP. From PyP head up the pyg track to bwlch Glas, go right to carnedd Ugain (peak 3) and then back to finish on snowdon (peak 4).
On the challenge walk we head from CD to PYOW to Ogwen and take the miners track through bwlch tryfan, this is a more picturesque route and also allows toilet/food access and safer access for support vehicles.
The short races starts at Ogwen, goes over Blwch tryfan to the miners track and then does the same route.
On the walk we then continue to PYOW and Ogwen, due to access reasons the race turns back on itself and descends to the fynnon llugwy reservoir, down the horrific concrete track, across the A5, and then up the valley opposite, this is one valley over from Cwm tryfan, head up this valley, crossing the river low down and scirt the crags on the RHS and eevntually cross the ridge and climb on the RHS of the ridge to the llyns and caseg y fraith, then head across to pick up the miners track which descends to pen y Gwyrd, descend this to a wall, at the wall, quite low down, find a trod and head right to the obvious llyn, can't remember the name, then go around the back of moel berfedd to PyP. From PyP head up the pyg track to bwlch Glas, go right to carnedd Ugain (peak 3) and then back to finish on snowdon (peak 4).
On the challenge walk we head from CD to PYOW to Ogwen and take the miners track through bwlch tryfan, this is a more picturesque route and also allows toilet/food access and safer access for support vehicles.
The short races starts at Ogwen, goes over Blwch tryfan to the miners track and then does the same route.
In reply to Thickhead: normally first weekend of june, pre-entry only
In reply to IainRUK:
Thanks.
Crikey, looking at last year's results not many people finished it did they?!
Might give that one a go in 2010.
Thanks.
Crikey, looking at last year's results not many people finished it did they?!
Might give that one a go in 2010.
In reply to Thickhead: It was cancelled last year, mid way through, awful conditions, only very few made it through before they called it off.
In reply to benpriest: Ben. Balanced feedback from most people.
3 Peaks!!!
Yes, definately!
I did it and was already into Walking/Mountaineering, but this just blew my mind. 24hrs or 36hrs doesn't matter. The pressue/stress you put your body through during the event will stay with you forever and 'raise the bar' considerably. The event can be used as a springboeard for many things.
As for the 'I know everything,do-gooders' who bang on about the environmental impact, i wonder if they are speaking from experience!! Have they really been part of an 'event'. Better to do it in a larger group with a decent organisation as if something does go wrong the guides usually sort things out, i say.
Don't underestimate it, train hard, get the right gear and most of all enjoy the experience.
3 Peaks!!!
Yes, definately!
I did it and was already into Walking/Mountaineering, but this just blew my mind. 24hrs or 36hrs doesn't matter. The pressue/stress you put your body through during the event will stay with you forever and 'raise the bar' considerably. The event can be used as a springboeard for many things.
As for the 'I know everything,do-gooders' who bang on about the environmental impact, i wonder if they are speaking from experience!! Have they really been part of an 'event'. Better to do it in a larger group with a decent organisation as if something does go wrong the guides usually sort things out, i say.
Don't underestimate it, train hard, get the right gear and most of all enjoy the experience.
In reply to Darren09: I think the "environmental impact" is used because the "challenge" of the event seems to involve mainly the M74 and M6. Without the name factor that charities need to make money, it's not a very good challenge, and it's not a particularly good way to go up the three mountains. Ask on this forum (or the fellrunners') and you'll get a bundle of much more involving 24hr type challenges: ask on here and you'll get some brilliant ideas on better ways up these three hills.
In reply to benpriest: I would imagine the hardest part would be the drive up the Motorway.
In reply to Ian Black:
I'd struggle with this challenge at the moment. I've been laid up working indoors all summer, I'm overweight and my fitness levels are to pot. I'll guess the same is true of many of the people who do it. It's why it's a "challenge". The trick is to find something as hard, with the convenient timescale and the kudos, otherwise the big charity companies won't be interested. Now that bit is hard.
> (In reply to benpriest) I would imagine the hardest part would be the drive up the Motorway.
I'd struggle with this challenge at the moment. I've been laid up working indoors all summer, I'm overweight and my fitness levels are to pot. I'll guess the same is true of many of the people who do it. It's why it's a "challenge". The trick is to find something as hard, with the convenient timescale and the kudos, otherwise the big charity companies won't be interested. Now that bit is hard.
In reply to Darren09:
Better to take notice of the accepted 'best practice' and do it in a smaller group. And if you're relying on the guides to sort things out in case of problems, then you shouldn't be doing it. Start small, gain some experience, and then go for it when you're up to looking after yourselves. Though by the time most people reach this stage, they're also experienced enough to know there are countless better and more fulfilling ways if putting yourself under pressure, raising the bar, and the rest of it.
> Better to do it in a larger group with a decent organisation as if something does go wrong the guides usually sort things out
Better to take notice of the accepted 'best practice' and do it in a smaller group. And if you're relying on the guides to sort things out in case of problems, then you shouldn't be doing it. Start small, gain some experience, and then go for it when you're up to looking after yourselves. Though by the time most people reach this stage, they're also experienced enough to know there are countless better and more fulfilling ways if putting yourself under pressure, raising the bar, and the rest of it.
In reply to toad:
Aye, agree with you there. Its a pain trying to get sponsored. I dont mind the challenges, its raising the money for the charity thats the hard bit.
> (In reply to Ian Black)
otherwise the big charity companies won't be interested. Now that bit is hard.Aye, agree with you there. Its a pain trying to get sponsored. I dont mind the challenges, its raising the money for the charity thats the hard bit.
In reply to Darren09:
I'm not sure being experienced in pooing in a ditch or on the side of the road is a pre-requisite for saying it isn't a great idea, and unpleasant for everyone else afterwards... and yes, at least on an event like the LAMM there are latrines dug and refilled afterwards (by volunteers).
Guy Newbold's discursive piece makes interesting reading, and I'm not aware that the corporate bodies that 'run' the charitable 3 Peaks bunfest have changed their practices one iota.
Rather as above, there are 'better' challenges that avoid the honeypots and don't require hundreds of pounds of petrol costs and some very tired driving. Some are even circular and hence no transport problems getting back to the start. Could I recommend backpacking the Paddy Buckley for instance? Or the Yorkshire 3 Peaks if paths are needed?
If still determined then you could take Ron Turnbull's challenge of the 3 Peaks in 48 hours without driving - now that's a challenge.
HTH
B
> As for the 'I know everything,do-gooders' who bang on about the environmental impact, i wonder if they are speaking from experience!! Have they really been part of an 'event'.
I'm not sure being experienced in pooing in a ditch or on the side of the road is a pre-requisite for saying it isn't a great idea, and unpleasant for everyone else afterwards... and yes, at least on an event like the LAMM there are latrines dug and refilled afterwards (by volunteers).
> Better to do it in a larger group with a decent organisation as if something does go wrong the guides usually sort things out, i say.
Oh that's OK then, if there's a guide it will be fine. Glad about that.Guy Newbold's discursive piece makes interesting reading, and I'm not aware that the corporate bodies that 'run' the charitable 3 Peaks bunfest have changed their practices one iota.
Rather as above, there are 'better' challenges that avoid the honeypots and don't require hundreds of pounds of petrol costs and some very tired driving. Some are even circular and hence no transport problems getting back to the start. Could I recommend backpacking the Paddy Buckley for instance? Or the Yorkshire 3 Peaks if paths are needed?
If still determined then you could take Ron Turnbull's challenge of the 3 Peaks in 48 hours without driving - now that's a challenge.
HTH
B
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