National Three Peaks

The National Three Peaks challenge has no single governing body, no fixed route and no official starting point. What it has is a clear goal: summit all three highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales, with the driving time between them counting against the clock. The 24-hour target has become the standard challenge; a 12-hour target is popular for those also running the hills at pace.

Ben Nevis (1,345 m) goes first — the longest drive from the other two. Scafell Pike (978 m) in the Lake District is the middle peak. Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon, 1,085 m) in Snowdonia is the finish. Total driving distance is around 750 km; total ascent on foot around 3,300 m across the three summits.

The challenge has a mixed reputation. In its charity fund-raising format it draws thousands of poorly-equipped participants every year, causing significant path erosion, mountain rescue call-outs and disturbance in the communities at the start of each mountain. The peaks themselves have suffered from overuse.

For properly equipped trail runners, however, the Three Peaks is a worthwhile challenge that tests speed, pacing and logistics. Elite runners have completed the three ascents in under ten hours total.

Ben Nevis: The tourist path from the Glen Nevis visitor centre (or the CMD arête for runners) gives a clear line to the summit. 1,345 m ascent. From Fort William, drive south via the A82 and A9 to the Lake District (approximately 3.5 hours).

Scafell Pike: Most runners use the Wasdale Head approach (shortest) or the Borrowdale/Styhead approach. Wasdale gives 930 m of ascent in roughly 8 km round trip. Drive south via the M6 and A55 to North Wales (approximately 2.5–3 hours).

Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon: The Pyg Track or Miners' Track from Pen-y-Pass are the most popular runners' lines. The Llanberis Path is longer but gentler. 900 m ascent from Pen-y-Pass.

Fort William is the base for Ben Nevis — the Glen Nevis visitor centre car park is the standard start. Drive via the A82 south.

Wasdale Head for Scafell Pike — remote valley with a campsite and the Wasdale Head Inn. From the M6, exit at junction 40 (Penrith) and follow the A66 west.

Pen-y-Pass for Snowdon — the Pen-y-Pass car park books up far in advance in summer; the Sherpa bus from Llanberis is the better option at weekends.

Best time: June and July for maximum daylight. An early start from Glen Nevis (4–5am) allows a daylight traverse of all three. Avoid bank holidays when Snowdon is extremely busy.