Three Peaks FAQs

Welcome to our all new 3 Peaks FAQ's page.

How long will we spend on each mountain?
To be successful on the Three Peaks you will need to be walking at a steady consistent speed of approximately 3 / 4 km an hour. You can expect to stop twice on the way up each peak for 5 minutes. Based on this schedule you should expect to be on each peak no longer than for the following times: Ben Nevis – Pony Track - 5:30 Scafell Pike – Corridor Route – 5:00 Scafell Pike – Wasdale – 4:00 Snowdon – PYG – 4:00 Your guide will continually keep you updated on your progress on each mountain.

I’m worried about climbing Scafell Pike at night…. How tough is it?
Scafell Pike at night is always something that is a slight worry to people pre challenge. Actually at the end of a three peaks challenge it is one of the highlights of challenge. Usually you are extremely close the summit as the sun sets hopefully allowing for a beautiful sunset over the Irish Sea and the stars to guide you down. Our guides know Scafell Pike extremely well and will keep you safe throughout. During darkness hours the pace of the group will slow more and we will take are time more in ascent and descent. You will also be walking in a far tighter group so will never be more than a minute from your group or leader. The majority of the time you will be so excited after reaching the summit you will forget to be scared and just enjoy what is quite a unique experience. We recommend you test out your headtorch pre-event on a local nightwalk!

What should I wear in the mountains?
There are many different fabrics and technologies on the shelves of mountain stores across the country. They all claim to be offering the latest in breathability, comfort and performance. Whilst these products are great don’t feel like you have to break the bank on equipment to participate on the Three Peaks challenges. Ultimately depending on the weather the key is to wear layers. Starting with a good quality trekking trouser and a thermal t-shirt or vest you should also have a number of additional layers to wear over the top as and when you require them. These can come in various formats, fleeces, micro fleece, soft shells or insulated jackets. We would recommend starting of with one of these warm layers on and having another in your pack ready to put on if it gets colder. You should also as a necessity carry with you a waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers. On the Three Peaks we also recommend bringing a change of clothes for the bus as well as a few additional clean mountain layers that you can switch between mountains. This allows you to start feeling fresher and if it has been wet start dry and warm.

I have Trainers – will they be ok?
Trainers unfortunately do not offer the ankle support you require in the mountain. On Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike especially you will be walking over rocky broken ground. It is important in whilst walking over this terrain and with the onset of fatigue that your foot ware has ankle support as it is all too easy to roll an ankle. For This reason we recommend wearing a good pair of walking boots with good ankle support that you have taken the time to break in pre challenge. Trainers also are not waterproof and no one likes wet socks!

What should I take with me on my Trek?
We will provide kit lists for you pre challenge but for a days trekking you should carry as a guide: • At least 1.5litres of water • Food for the challenge, Sandwich, snacks (nuts and dried fruit are ideal – try to avoid to many high sugary snacks), a chocolate bar for the summit. • Warm clothing to put on the higher you get on the mountain or for later in the day. This should including hat and gloves. Each morning your leader will brief you on the conditions for day after which will more accurately allow you to prepare for the days trek.

How many times have you done this challenge?
All Adventure Café leaders are hand picked for their technical skills, personality and experience. All our 3 Peaks guides have been guiding on the Three Peaks for a number of seasons so don’t be surprised if your guide on your challenge has done the challenge in excess of 30+ times! In total Adventure Cafe have organised the 3 Peaks in excess of 150 times. We have taken over 2000 people to the tops of these mountains!

How did you become a Leader?
All our staff have become mountain leaders through a love of the mountains. They have qualified through the Mountain Leader Training England syllabus. This course is broken down into three sections: training, Consolidation (six months minimum) and Assessment. At the end of the course there is a pass/fail criteria that is based on technical ability and experience. In the majority of cases this process will take in excess of 2 to 3 years to pass through. Needless to say by the end of the process you are in safe hands.

I see a lot of people with walking poles – What do they do and do the work?
Walking poles are becoming more and more popular in the mountains and we at adventure café recommend them especially in descent. They have numerous benefits for trekking. The two main benefits are they reduce the stress and strain on joints and muscles and also allowing greater contact with the maintain reducing the chance of slips, trips and falls. They can also help to fend off bears☺!

Will our leader be with us for the whole challenge?
Are leaders are there to guide you throughout the challenge – They will be with you from the moment you step on to the bus in Chester to your bacon buttie and cup of tea in Pen Y Pass car park post challenge. We do not set up check points or leave you alone on the mountain at any time. You will be trekking in a group of ten and will be working as a team throughout. Your leader will never be more than 2 minutes away.

What should I be eating on the challenge?
We split food for the challenge down into two parts, food for the hill and food for the bus.

Food for the Hill: You do not want to be carrying to much food on the mountain just enough to see you through the 4/5hrs on the mountain. We recommend good wholesome foods that are high on energy. Nuts, dried fruit, flapjack and a small sandwiches are ideal. We would also recommend taking some small treats to keep you going when you feel low. A chocolate bar for the summit and gummy bears can give you the instant pick me up you may need.

Food for the Bus: Travelling between peaks you will want to eat food that will give you energy, is tasty and will fill you up. Pre made pasta pots that you can get from most supermarkets are great for this. Whatever you pick remember choose wisely….. What looks tasty at when in the supermarket may not look so good at 12pm while tired and fresh off Scafell Pike!

Does the Bus Stop Between Peaks?
The Challenge bus does stop at Annandale services between Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike and again at Chester Services between Scafell and Snowdon. At Annandale this is for an enforced 45minut break which allows time to get some hot food and a coffee and prepare your bag for Scafell Pike. At Chester (approx 3am) this is just for 5 minutes as we change drivers. This is enough time to visit the bathroom is you need to.

If you have any questions in the meantime, please call us on 01823 444246 or email us at info@adventure-cafe.com