Typical Schedule for the 24 Hour Three Peaks Challenge Remember that the Three Peaks do not have to be done in 24 hours for them to constitute a significant and memorable challenge for those who set out to climb them! The majority of three peak challengers start at Ben Nevis and finish on Snowdon, but of course it can be done the other way round, which is probably more convenient if you happen to live in Scotland. There are no hard and fast rules about when and where the challenge should start and end, its up to the individual or team to decide, i.e. summit to summit, base to final summit, base to base or even sea level to sea level.  The most popular option is to take the time from the start of the first mountain to the base of the last, but anyone who successfully completes their challenge, whatever criteria they use, will have achieved an outstanding and memorable feat. It is almost impossible to define "average" times for climbing the mountains because it depends so much on the individuals and conditions on the day, but as a very rough guide, typical times for fit walkers taking on a 24 hour challenge in summer are generally:- Climbing and descending Ben Nevis via the Mountain Track:    5 - 6 hours Driving time from Fort William to the Lake District:                      6 - 6.5 hours Climbing and descending Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head:       3.5 - 4.5 hours Driving time from Wasdale to Pen-y-Pass:                                  4.5 - 5 hours Climbing and descending Snowdon:                                           4 - 4.5 hours Fell runners may well complete the mountain routes in under half the above times!  As far as we know the historic record for the fastest overall time for the three peaks was set in 1971 when the legendary fell runner Joss Naylor from Wasdale and climber Frank Davies from Ambleside completed the three mountains from sea level to sea level in just under 12 hours with the aid of a motor racing team for transport (they used a special 3.0L Capri with a 22 gallon fuel tank). However under modern conditions completing the challenge in under 20 hours is exceptionally fast, and most find completing in under 24 hours to be a challenging enough target. Under winter conditions the three peaks have been tackled over three days, but it is a serious proposition because of the conditions and short day length.  It requires the ability to navigate in a "white out" and good winter mountain walking skills, which include the ability to move confidently and safely on steep snow and ice using ice axe and crampons. The challenge has been done by teams of runners in relay, and as far as we know the relay record is held by a team of 5 runners, who in 1981 completed the run from sea level to sea level in 54 hours, 39 min. and 14 seconds.  It has also been undertaken by individuals cycling between the mountains. It has certainly been cycled in less than four days and the fastest time we are aware of is 46 hours 30 min. (with support).  This may still be the record, if you have any further info. on the fastest cycling / running National Three Peaks please let us know. The driving time can be reduced by climbing Scafell Pike from Seathwaite in Borrowdale, but usually most of this potential advantage is lost because the mountain route is significantly longer and more difficult to navigate than from Wasdale Head. Please remember it is not a race and drivers should keep to speed limits at all times and drive carefully, especially on the narrow unfenced roads in the Lake District which are often used by sheep (and walkers) at night, the sheep being attracted by the warmth of the tarmac.  Driving times quoted allow for short rest stops.   Experience has shown that the way to achieve a good overall time is by careful planning, good training and accurate navigation on and off the mountains. For safety, challenge event organisers will usually impose a minimum driving time between the mountains, i.e. teams will not be allowed to start climbing until the minimum driving time has elapsed, or they may have a standard total time agreed for the driving sections (10 hours for example), irrespective of the actual time taken. The car park at Pen-y-Pass is very popular and soon becomes full most days during the summer, so you may have to use it as a drop-off point only (no waiting is allowed so drivers make sure your passengers are ready to get out and go).  If starting from Wasdale Head in the Lakes please note that the NT car park there is normally closed at night in summer (from 8.30 PM to 7.30 AM) to prevent disturbance to the adjacent camp site.  Also the Code of Conduct (see below) asks large charity event teams doing the Three Peaks not to park on the Green at Wasdale Head.  For Ben Nevis, the best starting point is the large car park at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. When planning a challenge schedule please bear in mind the need to respect the local communities and avoid disturbance at unsocial hours.  The Institute of Fundraising Code of Conduct agreed with the charities (see summary) states that teams should not arrive or depart inhabited areas (which includes Wasdale & Seathwaite in the Lake District) between midnight and 5 AM, so please respect this and plan the schedule accordingly.  Remember that many groups undertake the challenge in the summer months and the effect of the disturbance is cumulative.  Responsible behaviour now by all will ensure that the event is able to continue, allowing others to enjoy the challenge in future years. For additional information see also the navigation problems page. To return to the Three Peaks Challenge page click here.