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National Three Peaks Challenge

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aymes

aymes

Senior Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Those of you on Facebook will know I've been toying with the idea for a while, well I've finally done it....I will be doing the Three Peaks Challenege in September. (that would be Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours!)

Was just wondering if any other members have ever given it a go? I'm not too worried about the fitness aspect, I run regularly and am working with a PT in the gym to get together a programme to get myself up to speed, have mountain walking practice holidays booked etc. The sleep deprivation bit is more of a concern though, and practical things like easiest way to carry all my diabetes kit and lots of carbs.
 
It's a great and rewarding challenge! I'm sure someone (Copepod?) will know a lot about it, but just wanted to cheer you on! 🙂
 
I looked into it with some friends a few years back. It was very daunting for me because I was (and am) very unfit.

The driving is one of the most crucial aspects. You need 2 solid drivers who are happy to sit in a cold vehicle for a few hours beneath each peak. That was one of the things that stopped us going forward.

There's loads of websites detailing experiences but I don't recall any diabetics, although I'm sure plenty must have done it by now.

You are clearly either very brave or very mad. Or both ! :D

The very best of luck with it and hopefully Copepod will be able to offer advice for the practicalities.

ps. We can just about see the veyr top of Snowdon when the clouds lift, so give us a wave when you get there (unless it's night) 🙂
 
Robster65 said:
The driving is one of the most crucial aspects. You need 2 solid drivers who are happy to sit in a cold vehicle for a few hours beneath each peak. That was one of the things that stopped us going forward.


You are clearly either very brave or very mad. Or both ! :D
Click to expand...

I think both! I have developed a habit for doing 'one crazy thing' each year, have done sky diving, white water rafting etc, not sure where I'll go next time!

I've gone for an organised group, couldn't persuade anyone they wanted to do the driving sadly! The bigger challenge now seems to be getting to the start, then back home again afterwards, Norwich is about as far from Wales as you can get in this country! Think it'll be a hotel somewhere near Snowdon for me, don't think I'll want that journey after 24hrs of climbing!!
 
aymes said:
I think both! I have developed a habit for doing 'one crazy thing' each year, have done sky diving, white water rafting etc, not sure where I'll go next time!

I've gone for an organised group, couldn't persuade anyone they wanted to do the driving sadly! The bigger challenge now seems to be getting to the start, then back home again afterwards, Norwich is about as far from Wales as you can get in this country! Think it'll be a hotel somewhere near Snowdon for me, don't think I'll want that journey after 24hrs of climbing!!
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There's a very, very good YHA near Snowdon that I stayed in a few years ago. Offhand, I can't remember it's name, but will do a little digging if it's the kind of place you'd consider. 😉

I do remember that it's at the bottom of the easy path down from/up to Snowdon (I think it's the Snowdon Ranger track). So it's very easy to get to.

Andy
 
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hi Aymes..... wow... I'm impressed. doing the 24 hour challenge is something else!!! my OH has done all 3 peaks but not in 24 hours.... he did it in a weekend... but did all the driving too

can't offer any advice but wanted to wish you all the best with the training and the actual event:D
 
As an alternative to the YHA, Llanberis is apparently easier for accomodation and has the advantage of shops/facilities on the same level. 🙂

Rob
 
Please check that the organised group you're using is abiding by the guidelines in the link below, as previous Three Peaks Challenges have caused serious environmental and social damage, particularly around Scafell Pike in the middle of the night.

http://www.institute-of-fundraising...de=link&guid=d4c1073ec9e54597b1545bfbde39bbc6

Key tip is to have food, sweets, drink, blood glucose meter etc all within reach, so you don't have to take rucksack off to access. Cargo trousers with leg pockets, plus pockets on rucksack waist straps are good. Have a head torch for night walking, but you probably won't need it switched on all the time.

Of the YHA hostels, Snowdon Ranger is just west of Snowdon on A4085; Pen Y Pass is on A4086, just east of Snowdon on at start of Pyg track. Definitely wise to have a night's sleep before returning to Norwich. I'd favour somewhere with a bath 🙂
 
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Wow, that sounds like something I would like to do. I remember the 3 peaks yacht race and the 3 peaks race from my orienteering days, definitely to old and to slow (and not a good enough sailor) for them now. Perhaps another year. Good luck on yours.
 
Hi Amys, no advice for you, just some encouragement!! My OH is a Norwich supporter (lots of family there!!) so we all have a soft spot for you!! Can't wait to hear about your adventure!!! :D
 
This is something I have considered a few times, having walked up snowdon and various other places it is something I would enjoy.
I will do the others individually before I attempt all 3 though.
 
The question I have is, do you need to run to achieve 24 hours or is a good walking pace enough?
 
Copepod said:
Please check that the organised group you're using is abiding by the guidelines in the link below, as previous Three Peaks Challenges have caused serious environmental and social damage, particularly around Scafell Pike in the middle of the night.

http://www.institute-of-fundraising...de=link&guid=d4c1073ec9e54597b1545bfbde39bbc6
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip, I had read a lot about the environmental impact of the challenges but hadn't thought to check but just have and they do abide by the guidelines.

HelenM said:
Wow, that sounds like something I would like to do. I remember the 3 peaks yacht race and the 3 peaks race from my orienteering days, definitely to old and to slow (and not a good enough sailor) for them now. Perhaps another year. Good luck on yours.
Click to expand...

Hmmmm, maybe a challenge for the future....will get this one done first though!

ypauly said:
The question I have is, do you need to run to achieve 24 hours or is a good walking pace enough?
Click to expand...

A good walking pace should do it. They say that you need to do a minimum of 10 hours driving to be doing it safely. The guide is then up to 5 hours for each of Ben Nevis and Scafell and 4 for Snowdon, although a lot of groups seem to shave a little off each.
 
OOOO same as Robster, I live at the bottom at the side of snowdon!

Give us a wave when you get there.

Ive lived here all my life and can honsetly say ive only walked snowden maybe 3 times>> shame on me! :(
 
John Keeler's book, called 'Living Life with Diabetes' has a section detailing his experience walking the three peaks challenge. It is also worth a read for the insight and advice which anybody who has diabetes or knows someone with diabetes.
 
Johnnyroyale said:
John Keeler's book, called 'Living Life with Diabetes' has a section detailing his experience walking the three peaks challenge. It is also worth a read for the insight and advice which anybody who has diabetes or knows someone with diabetes.
Click to expand...

Ooh, good tip, thanks! Have now ordered it from the library!
 
Hi There,

I did the three peaks challenge last June - I think you will be fine providing that you are able to handle and monitor your diabetes.

I don't have diabetes, but my bf does and he did all of the driving. If I was to recommend one thing, make sure you have more than 1 available driver per car (not involving climbers). It is a just as much a challenge for the drivers - the drive is hard work, particularly around Scafell in the hours of darkness, where there are tiny roads and sheep everywhere.

I need my 6-8 hours sleep a night and was also worried about the sleep deprivation - However, I didn't sleep at all between around 4.30am on the Saturday morning until Sunday night around 6.30 and I was fine. I think adrenaline kicks in and just keeps you going. However, if you can kip in the car then great - just be careful, as your joints can cease up from lack of movement when sleeping.

I hope this helps and best of luck 🙂
 
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