 Doing It! So, you've heard about the Three Peaks Challenge and fancy having a go? Here's some advice on how to do it. Please note: The Three Peaks Challenge is not a single event. I frequently get asked to send out application forms for the challenge. It is simply a challenge people regularly attempt, in the same way as people attempt to walk from Lands End to John O'Groats. The first choice you have to make is whether to take part in one of the large organised challenges, or to organise an independent attempt. It is also a good idea to decide at an early stage if you are going to do it for charity or just for "pleasure". An independent charity challenge will take more organisation, but has benefits beyond the obvious of money going to good causes. We managed to obtain a brand new Ford Galaxy, free of charge for the challenge, which reduced the cost to us as individuals. Large Scale Challenge N.B. There is much debate about whether people should undertake three peaks challenges at all, and especially in large groups, given the damage that can be casued to the mountains, and disruption to local residents. Some think as such I should take this site down. I would rather promote a responsible approach to making your d4ecision, so please read some of the information on this subject (some links can be found on the links page) and decide if/when/how yuou should do the challenge. Care Challenge Series. This site gives information on CARE's regular challenges, including the National Three Peaks Challenge. They have been running 3 peaks events for years, and a proportion of all funds raised goes towards footpath restoration and other environmental work. National Deaf Children's Society. The NDCS arrange a variety of fundraising events, including a 3 peaks challenge. If you run an organised challenge and would like details posted here, please get in touch. Independent Challenge If you don't like the idea of an organised "mass" challenge, then do it yourself. I have heard of a group of three doing the challenge, and even a solo attempt, although larger groups are more common (and more advisible). Don't bank on empty mountains just because you go as a small group. We missed several hundred fireman by less than a day! This section will concentrate on Independent Challenge attempts, although much of the advice will apply to participants in large scale challenges as well. The most important piece of advice is to prepare - thoroughly, and start well in advance. Read everything you can, think of every eventuality. Training is essential. You will need to build up strength and stamina in order to survive the three peaks. Your body will be called upon to walk many steep miles, spend hours cramped up in a car, and receive a diet of junk food and little or no sleep. Make sure you are up to it! Respect the three peaks. Before starting you may think of them as just a few small British mountains. Forget it- in the wrong conditions, all three are potentially lethal. Take safety advice seriously, and don't skimp on essential safety equipment. Aside from that, I don't really want to provide too much information, as I will only duplicate what is already available in print and on the web. I recommend that, as a minimum, you look at the challenge web sites listed below, and buy Brian Smailes' book, and Guy Newman's Manual, their combined advice was invaluable for our challenge (see below for details on obtaining these). Lastly, don't forget that
most useful piece of advice from "The Hitchikers
Guide to the Galaxy" - DON'T PANIC
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