Three Peaks Challenge Mountain Navigation Problems All mountains need to be treated with respect and taken seriously.  Even the easiest routes on the most benign mountain can cause problems, especially in bad weather or poor visibility. High wind speeds and driving rain can make progress difficult on the mountains at any time of the year, especially if this is coupled with poor visibility.  Communication in and between teams can become impossible in a gale.  Group safety must always be the top priority on a mountain challenge. Check the forecast and if in doubt postpone the event until the weather improves. Good navigation is key to mountain safety. The most likely areas for walkers to experience navigation problems on the national three peaks challenge are:- The summit area and upper reaches of the Mountain Track on Ben Nevis The upper sections of the route on Scafell Pike Navigation on Ben Nevis in poor visibility is particularly difficult and critical because of the many danger areas surrounding the summit area, which basically is a broad ridge almost completely surrounded by dangerous cliffs and gullies.  Most days of the year the summit of Ben Nevis is in cloud. Study the map and guide carefully beforehand and make sure you can use a map and compass properly - this is not the place to learn to map read! We would not advise anyone without extensive experience of the mountain to risk being high on Ben Nevis as night falls, however once down to the level of Lochcan Meall an t-Suidhe the path is relatively easy to follow, even in fading light. The problem with a strategy that involves a descent at dusk is that any delay or unexpected problem means being on the mountain at night. High on Scafell Pike the route is all on rock and not well marked.  It is fairly easy to follow in good visibility, but it is easy to take a wrong turn or miss the route completely when the visibility is poor (not unusual), especially when descending from the summit.  Navigation errors are quite common here.  The rock cairns that abound can be misleading, it is essential to use a map and compass to find the correct route off in anything other than perfect visibility.  Again, the lower part of the route to/from Wasdale, below the top of Brown Tongue is relatively straightforward to follow, but care is still needed. If Snowdon is tackled at night, this too can present problems, even on the Llanberis Path which is probably the easiest route to follow. The area below the summit around Bwlch Glas and down to Clogwyn requires the most care. To avoid causing unnecessary erosion on the mountains please keep to the paths and do not take shortcuts. All the above needs to be considered carefully when planning a challenge schedule, and also the need to respect the local communities and protect sensitive environments.  The Institute of Fundraising Code of Conduct agreed with the charities (see summary) states that teams should not depart or arrive inhabited areas between midnight and 5 AM, so please respect this and try to avoid arriving or departing Wasdale Head or Seathwaite between these times. The Mountain Navigation page contains lots of info. on basic navigation techniques using map, compass and GPS.  A useful and practical guide to completing the Three Peaks is also included in the new challenge Team Pack. To return to the main Three Peaks page please click here.