The 3-peaks team are off on their challenge....

Click here to track their progress and enjoy their pictures...

Comments

[Barry Wills]

Good on ya guys, photos look good. Trying to arrange the same thing for next year so be interested to read how you found it once you've got your breath back! It'll be our first attempt with no real hiking experience between us - let's hope we can gain some in the next year!

[Dan Germain]

Hi Barry - thanks for the support, we had a great time. The views were awe insipring and completing the climbs was personally rewarding for all of the team. The challenge really was a CHALLENGE for us, it was physically hard and tiring doing 3 peaks in 3 days with all the travelling.

If I could give you a few bits of advice -

a) If you're travelling from far away (we had an 8 hour trip to get from Fareham to Glasgow on night and then another 3 hours to Fort William) then try and get this out of the way before you start your first climb.
b) Try and do Ben Nevis first. It's the longest with continual rocky climbs (no let up) and is the most remote.
c) Have a flexible schedule. Allow extra time in the day for breaks, getting ready and car parking etc. Also, make allowances for tired/aching legs on the 2nd/3rd peaks - we weren't so quick up and down those.
d) Sat-Nav was very useful with all the travelling about. We cover 1400 miles in 26 hours of driving.
e) use walking poles. These are great when coming down and slipping over wet rocks.
f) be prepared for bad weather. We were very lucky with the weather on all 3 days but we were very prepared for it to turn nasty. I did get cold on the top of the peaks and when you stopped for a rest.

We were not experienced hikers/climbers and had done limited practice really. As long as you are generally fit and flexible, and have all the right equipment you should be fine. Try and get some practice in - the uphill climbing requires general aerobic fitness, the downhill walking need physically strength and stamina in your legs.

Hope that helps.
Dan