It’s one of the most popular challenges in the UK, with over 30,000 people attempting the National Three Peaks Challenge each year. Surprisingly, only about 40% manage to complete it in under 24 hours. So, this begs the question—do you really need to finish within that time frame? In short, the answer is no!
The views and opinions in this post do not mean you should never attempt the challenge in under 24 hours. We will facilitate the 24 hour challenge wherever possible, but in our experience it isn’t always the best approach. Let’s dive into some reasons why taking your time can actually be more beneficial.
Time pressure vs Enjoyment
When you put yourself under a strict time constraint, it can really take the fun out of the journey. Sure, completing the challenge is a fantastic goal, but it’s the adventure along the way that makes it truly special. If you’re constantly glancing at the clock, you might miss out on appreciating everything around you. After all, hiking is as much about the experience as it is about reaching the summit!
Uncontrollable Variables
It’s important to remember that the hiking itself is only just over 50% of the total time. The rest is spent travelling between peaks, and we all know how unpredictable UK roads can be! While you can plan for potential delays, is it worth making unsafe decisions just to shave a few minutes off your travel time? Absolutely not! We’re all about keeping you safe, not just on the trails but during your travels as well.
Another thing to consider is that this challenge is a team effort. Everyone in your group has different abilities, and rushing to meet a 24-hour goal can create tension and stress. I’ve seen it firsthand: when one person is focused on speed, it can leave others feeling left behind and demoralised. By allowing a couple of extra hours, that tension melts away, and everyone can enjoy the journey together.
Wouldn’t you rather everyone finish within 30 hours than have half the team drop out while the other half rushes to finish in 23 hours and 58 minutes?
What’s the Point of Rushing Past the Views?
If you’ve watched the short video above, you’ll know I’m a huge advocate for slowing down and soaking in the scenery. The mountains and national parks are absolutely stunning! What’s the point of climbing up and down if you don’t take the time to appreciate the beauty around you? Take a moment to stop, enjoy the views, have a snack, and drink some much-needed water. Celebrate each summit equally—those moments are what make the challenge worthwhile! The 24-hour limit doesn’t allow for any of this.
Communities and Environmental Impact
The National Three Peaks Challenge can actually be a controversial topic, and it’s important to acknowledge that. The sheer number of people trekking up and down the country every summer is staggering. Every weekend, teams are tackling the challenge, and it can take a toll on the mountains and the communities surrounding them.
For example, the most popular path up Scafell Pike starts in a car park right near the local community, and when many people summit at night, it can be quite disruptive. The condensed timeframe also accelerates erosion on the paths, which can have long-term negative effects on the landscape.
As a business, we’re looking into ways to minimise the impact our trips have on the environment, whether that’s by volunteering to maintain paths, running trips on less busy days, or even finding alternative challenges for participants to consider.
Acknowledging Different Perspectives
While we’re all about enjoying the journey during the National Three Peaks Challenge, it’s important to recognise that some participants may find immense satisfaction in completing it within the 24-hour timeframe. For many, setting a personal goal can be a fantastic motivator, inspiring them to train hard, bond with their team, and reach a significant milestone on their hiking adventure.
We believe it’s crucial to hike within your group’s abilities, stick together, and complete the challenge as one. Completing all three peaks consecutively is a huge achievement that everyone should be proud of, regardless of the time taken.
So, take a moment to reflect: Would you prefer to rush through the adventure, possibly sacrificing safety and enjoyment, or would you rather take your time, celebrate each summit, and come away with a treasure trove of lovely memories? After all, hiking is about connecting with nature and each other — let’s make the most of it, regardless of how long it takes!