Firestyle Magazine: Issue 1 - Autumn 2015

MOUNTAINEERING & WALKING
50
The Fire Service Three Peaks Challenge is a mountain endurance challenge in which
participants attempt to climb the highest peaks of each of Great Britain’s three countries,
There is no formail governing body of the
National Three Peaks Challenge. Each
year many independent teams takeon the
challenge. There are also a large number of
organised attempts made at the challenge
with the aim of fundraising for charity.
The Firefighters Charity organises one of the
largest of these events, carried out over two
consecutive weekends in June. Firefighters
from Swindon and Wiltshire form a large part
of the support team, both on the hill and at
the start and finish points. They provide not
only verification of times, but more importantly,
safety and support to the participants.
After completing the second climb, each
team must then drive to Wales and climb
down Snowdon, where the three peaks
challenge finishes.
The aim is to complete the three climbs and
all driving within 24 hours, Once completed,
each team will have walked over 20 miles,
ascended more than 10,000 feet and driven
over 500 miles.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
The three peaks are Ben Nevis in Scotland,which rises up to 1344m and is the highest peak
in the UK. The second peak to be conquered is Scafell Pike in the Lake District, England
which is 978m high and lastly, Snowdon in Wales which is 1085m high.
Each team consists of between 4
and 7 walkers and 2 or 3 drivers and
the challenge starts at the foot of
Ben Nevis. Each team must then
walk to the summit of Ben Nevis
to reach a checkpoint. They must
then descend Ben Nevis before
reaching their team minibus and
driving to Scafell Pike, where each
team then climbs England’s highest
mountain.
After completing the second climb,
each team must then drive to
Wales and climb Snowdon where
the three peaks challenge finishes.
There are many awards for
completing the challenge including
the fastest team, fastest mixed
team, first youth team and of
course, the wooden spoon! Everyone
receives a certificate for entering and
a coloured ribbon depending on how
good your finishing time is.
Anyone thinking of taking part should
have above average fitness levels as
the walk is continuously steep and
takes its toll on your ankles, knees and
leg muscles. Blisters are common and
despite taking place in the summer,
the challenge can be badly affected
by adverse weather.
There is snow on the peak of Ben
Nevis all year and the weather
cinditions on all three peaks can be
very inpredictable, so appropriate
walking clothing and equipment will
be needed.
You should also bear in mind that
sleep deprivation may also cause
you problems. Your only rest between
walking each mountain is on the
minibus whilst driving between each
peak.
The Fire Service three peaks
challenge is a great test of strength
and stamina and is the largest UK fire
service event held annually.