In reply to wannabeagoat:
A fair amount of snobbery on here towards the poor old UK3P.
No, it’s not generally an event for experienced folk with a love of lonely places, but it can be an excellent introduction to the mountains, and a great way to make friends.
My first company out of Uni had a tradition of doing the UK3P annually, as part of an organised charity event. I was only beginning my love affair with mountains then, so training weekends in preparation were a great way to start exploring new scenery, whilst also meeting new people from different parts of the company.
Yes, the driving element is definitely a major component, but the careful logistical planning, down to picking which roads to take in and out of the Lake District, all added to sense of adventure and expedition.
Whilst yes, you’re on a timetable, and yes, the routes aren’t necessarily the most exciting lines, they’re still wonderful mountains, which you get to enjoy at hours of the day when you might not otherwise be there. The sun setting as we descended Scafell Pike, and then summiting Snowdon at dawn the following day are memories that will stay with me for a long time.
Finally, whilst I’ve never done Y3P, so can’t compare, I would guess the UK3P is more of a challenge. The height gain is significantly more, and the 5&6 hour road breaks can actually be a hindrance – if you’ve not done any training, then 6 hours on the Ben, followed by 6 hours cramped in a minibus are likely to leave you as stiff as a poker!
The Welsh 3000s (in 24 hours), which I did they year after I did the 3 peaks, are a big step up again in comparison though.
My advice - grin and bear the UK3P, and use it as a way of getting your wife more into the outdoors.