Although I have hiked to the summit of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon they were all years apart, so not really in the spirit of the Three Peaks Challenge.
Did Ben Nevis first many years ago – was so laughably unfit that it nearly killed me. Then a few years later did Snowdon as part of my girlfriend’s and my training for a rim to rim hike across the Grand Canyon. We had done a considerable amount of hiking leading up to it and were surprised to find that we practically ran up it! I have no idea if this is because Snowdon is a lot easier than Ben Nevis or it was just the vast difference in fitness levels.
Then a couple more years later we did Scafell Pike. Much harder navigation-wise – you definitely need a map, whereas on the other 2 it is simply a case of following a very well-defined path. This is the main reason for it taking us two attempts! The first time we went there, we had no map and couldn’t find any signs or indication as to which of the many mountains dotting the landscape was Scafell Pike! On the 2nd attempt we made it, but it was quite tough especially as it rained on our descent, making it v.slippy.
Now we know where to go, the next target is to do it all in 24 hours. We hope to go to the Open Golf in Turnberry next year and so we may do it then, as a more interesting way to make the journey back home!
