I Try The National Three Peaks Challenge: Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, Mount Snowdon (Gone Wrong)

The National Three Peaks challenge has always sounded insane to me. To complete it, you must climb to and return from the summits of the 3 tallest British mountains in under 24 hours. The mountains? Ben Nevis in Scotland (1345m), Scafell Pike in England (978m), and Mount Snowdon in Wales (1085m).
With over 23 miles to hike, over 3062 metres to ascent, and over 462 miles to drive, all in under 24 hours, I have always wondered if it could really be done. So, I decided to find out. Early one August morning, we headed up to Scotland to give this challenge a try. In this video, I document the experience of how I try the National Three Peaks challenge.
After having attempted the challenge, I can confidently say that this was one of the most difficult and draining experiences of my entire life. The main challenges are sleep deprivation, the cold, the wind, the rain, slipping over rocks, keeping morale high, and of course the 24-hour time pressure.
That being said, there were many fun and extremely rewarding moments. Each of the 3 mountains are situated in areas of natural beauty and wilderness, with beautiful landscapes stretching for as the eye can see. I really enjoyed getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a weekend to give this mental challenge a try.
As you will see in the video, I make no attempt to pretend to know what I’m doing when it comes to climbing mountains and I would class my self as a humble amateur (shown by some of the mistakes made throughout).
If you’re going to attempt the National Three Peaks challenge, I’d recommend that you do the following (learnt the hard way):
- Research all 3 mountains thoroughly
- Try and do the challenge on a weekend with good weather (seriously)
- Equip yourself with all the correct mountain climbing gear and equipment (including waterproofs, dry clothes, an emergency blanket, 2 light sources, a map, compass and changes of dry clothes for each stage. Seriously, don't skip out on this step as it could be fatal)
- Be sure to get full night’s sleep ahead of the first mountain
- Secure a designated driver or drivers. Don’t try to climb and drive yourself
- Try and sleep between climbs (if possible)
- If climbing in the dark, have at least 2 headtorches
For a written, detailed version, check out my blog post here: www.runningcafe.online/post/n...
My running gear:
Road shoes - amzn.to/47MSCy5
Trail all rounder - amzn.to/48l0Jmk
Trail for wet, muddy conditions - amzn.to/3NTb7cT
GPS running watch - amzn.to/3NT72FM
Running backpack - amzn.to/3OgDbY3
Bottles - amzn.to/48riSPE
Waterproof jacket amzn.to/3S8pP2b
Headtorch amzn.to/3S7SHaH
Sunglasses amzn.to/3U8DY0X
Poles harrierrunfree.co.uk/products...
Bars - amzn.to/3TQPDRH
Electrolyte powder - amzn.to/3U8DZSz
Wireless earphones amzn.to/48Ne07f
Travel size sunscreen SPF 50 amzn.to/3RNcWJA
FOR MORE, SUBSCRIBE: youtube.com/@runningcafe1?sub...
WATCH NEXT (RECOMMENDED PLAYLISTS): 🎥
Parkrun Tourism: www.tinyurl.com/runningcafepa...
Races: www.tinyurl.com/runningcaferaces
Top tips for running: www.tinyurl.com/runningcafeto...
LET'S CONNECT: ✅
Follow me on Strava: / strava
Follow me on Instagram: @craigbarden1
HOW I MAKE MY VIDEOS: 📷
Camera - amzn.to/40fVFvn
Running camera - amzn.to/3uN3NV8
Mic: Rodesmartlav+ - amzn.to/3dyq42v
Joby 3K Tripod - amzn.to/3jNk72N
SAMTIAN 58 inch Tripod - amzn.to/3b6QLZD
Music by Epidemic Sound - epidemicsound.com/referral/5qaq9
0:00 - Introduction
01:29 - Ben Nevis Ascent
6:12 - Ben Nevis Summit
6:47 - Ben Nevis Descent
7:52 - Journey to Scafell Pike
8:09 - Scafell Pike Ascent
11:04 - What went wrong on Scafell Pike summit?
14:32 - Scafell Pike Descent
15:53 - Journey to Mount Snowdon
16:13 - Mount Snowdon Ascent
18:29 - Mount Snowdon Summit
19:01 - Mount Snowdon Descent
19:41 - Resolution
#threepeaks #nationalthreepeakschallenge #bennevis #scafellpike #mountsnowdon #climbing #hiking #threepeaksUK #britishthreepeaks #englandscotlandwales #scotland #england #wales #wilderness #hiking #adventure #Itrythenationalthreepeakschallenge #craigtries #threepeaksgonewrong
Some of the links above are affiliate links. This means that the channel may receive a small commission for any purchases made after you click on one of these links. This is at no extra cost to you, and it will be a way to support the channel. Thank you :)

[@runningcafe1]

For a written, detailed version, check out my blog post here: www.runningcafe.online/post/nationalthreepeakschallenge All of the gear I use for running and hiking, and to make my videos, is linked in the description. 👟 🎥 I want to say that I am not proud of how I handled the sketchy section on Scafell Pike in this video. It's embarrassing and cringe worthy to watch how underprepared and unskilled I was, which lead to the dire situation. By no means am I endorsing climbing a mountain, which is a very serious undertaking, with such a lack of preparation. Since this experience, which I was lucky to walk away from, I have learnt more about navigation and now have a minimum checklist for climbing mountains including having the route fully loaded up in my watch and an easily accessible map on my phone. Please don't attempt to climb a mountain without the right gear and preparation. How I go about it in this video is totally wrong. Thank you for watching

[@thelowedown2571]

The goal is always to make it back to the car park, the summit is just a bonus along the way.

[@willj518]

Just as important and much harder sometimes to share things that didn't go well...but you may/may have saved someones life by not letting your pride win...thanks for sharing both the good and the bad :)

[@runningcafe1]

@@willj518 Thanks, appreciate that

[@paulellam6926]

Great stuff, enjoyed that, great effort lads!

[@runningcafe1]

Cheers Paul, glad you enjoyed it!

[@James-ov5xr]

Amazing video , keep them coming, I really enjoyed !!

[@runningcafe1]

Thanks!!

[@MihaiGoRunning]

Great challenge Craig, my friend! Completely watched! Beautiful trails, but dangerous adventure to hike that second peak in the dark, without sleep, in all the fog and rain.... Congrats on completing your challenge though! 25:30 is a good time! 👏 Watch the weather forecast next time! 🤔

[@runningcafe1]

Thanks so much for watching Mihai and for the kind words. I agree with your advice; next time I'll be sure to watch out for the weather forecast and minimise climbing in the dark!

[@markg99]

Flipping heck, that was a hairy adventure. Well done for surviving, and getting all 3 done. I liked that little paradox where you said it was pitch black for as far as the eye can see... which I guess was not very far at all 😁👍🏻 Fair play to your dad for doing all that driving.

[@runningcafe1]

Cheers, Mark! It was a crazy adventure and I'm lucky to have made it out in one piece. Yeah, you really couldn't see that far in front of you up Scafell Pike to be fair haha. Definitely want to try and beat this challenge again one day. Yeah, massive Kudos to my Dad fair play! Cheers for watching, mate

[@M14UJJ]

Honestly, very well done to you guys. We did Scafell pike yesterday and we’re all shattered. To do all 3 in one go is a great life accomplishment. Massive shout out to you lads 👊💪

[@runningcafe1]

Ah, thanks very much! It was a tough slog but happy to have finished all 3 in 1 go, even if we didn’t make the 24h time exactly. Hope you enjoyed Scafell Pike, it’s a lovely climb!

[@LordHeath1972]

Scafell Pike in the dark is just ludicrous! At the Snowdon summit (never call it "Mount" Snowdon - the locals hate that!) I would have gone past them all and explained you are on the clock for the challenge. I've done that before and everyone is cool with it. You are literally a few seconds and nobody will mind that. Great effort.

[@chrissmith6650]

You didn't fail 👍. You simply didn't make the time. Doing all 3 peaks in the time you did is still awesome.

[@runningcafe1]

Thanks for that mate! It was an achievement for sure. The mishaps and not making the 24h time mark is motivation for taking it on again someday.

[@Empiric26]

Congrats!!! Well done! I've been just a week ago on Scafell Pike, shi...ty weather - I was sick but very happy :) :) :)

[@runningcafe1]

Thank you! The weather can change so quickly so I would recommend bringing a change of dry clothes and a strong waterproof coat just to be safe :)

[@Empiric26]

@@runningcafe1 I’ll be remember mate 😉

[@mjojrjr6231]

I just climbed this the other day. June 17, 2023. Proper daylight with patches of clouds, very mild rain at times and bit of sunshine. I can't imagine how hard it was for both of you out there.

[@thesummitingfalcon]

Great job for finishing the full challenge, and thanks for sharing your honest experience doing so! - It's good that you were honest with your mistakes and it's all a good learning experience. It's a tough challenge and you did very well! :) Do you think you will give it another shot at some point?

[@runningcafe1]

Hey, sorry only just seen this comment. Thanks so much! Yes, I definitely own my mistakes in this one; all good learning and I'm glad to have walked out unharmed. I will be giving it another shot in the near future I hope, I have some unfinished business! :)

[@billandbensfitnesschalleng8781]

very good effort men. stand tall

[@runningcafe1]

Thank you sir!

[@craigshannon6011]

I'm shocked at how many people you seen climbing Scafel in the middle of the night in pouring rain.

[@Point5TV]

It's normal. I'd be shocked if you go up there and don't encounter someone.

[@corinnaluxford8790]

Wow! Doing this in October. Actually really useful to see first hand the less obvious challenges. How did you manage power to film? Spare batteries ir power bank recharge?

[@runningcafe1]

Hey, glad you found the video helpful! I filmed this using a Go Pro Hero 8 and, whenever out and about like this, I take spare batteries with me. Unfortunately, Go Pro batteries drain extremely quick so I bought a good supply of them which I charge before and quickly switch into the camera when needed. Good luck with the challenge in October, hope there's not too much snow!

[@modifidious666]

good effort lads, you didnt fail your challenge, you just didnt do it on time but you still finished. the most important thing in the mountains is to have a map and compass and the new waterproof ones and how to read them, i went up there once thinking i knew the way but when the storm came i got lost too, if i remembered my map and compass i would not have got lost myself, the one thing i learnt was not to walk around aimlessly thinking im lost, but to find a human made route and luckily i did and got down to wasdale head but your video was awesome crazy, you had big balls that day.

[@runningcafe1]

Thanks for that, really appreciate the kind words. Sounds like you got yourself in a scary situation, glad you walked away unharmed. I agree that a map and a compass, waterproof, are both essentials. I keep them with me on any major mountain trip from now on. Lesson learnt. Cheers!

[@tararuaman]

You lads would have learned from the experience and can only improve, and simply because you can take criticism, some people can't and bumble on making mistake after mistake . I taught bush craft here in NZ for years and still in the mountains at 73. Good on you for trying. Good luck on all your trips. I also taught night Tramping (as we call it over here). This was to get people used to walking in the dark, one only has to twist an ankle on the way down and the dynamics change. I would give them a 2 way radio and start out 20 / 30 minuets after them so it gave them a sense of isolation so when it came to the real situation it didn't feel scary for them. We would do at least 10, 4 hour tramps in the dark before they relaxed and became comfortable with it. Cheers

[@elianecristina5785]

Weldone guys! Thank you for sharing. There are so many videos that explain how to summit, but a few talking about the real struggle when get lost. Me and my friend decided to climb before new year, but we also got lost last Friday (22/12/23). Because of the windy/raining weather we miss the path on the way down. We end up taking the wrong direction and 4pm was absolutely dark already. We remember that we need to go back to the Lake (Wasdale carpark), luckily after change direction we were able to see the lake. We also remember that there was a river on our right on the way up, so we tried to follow the river down that believe to be Lingmell Gill , but was totally difficult because of the wet floor and we were getting stuck. As we couldn't go any further because was too dangerous, we decided to cross to the other side and carry on to the lake direction. Finally we got some mobile signal and we checked the map again, and we could see a track just above us. We managed to get back into the main rota. That was such relief when we finally made it back to the car park. For 2024 I will climb again, but on summer time and preferably with more preparation.

[@runningcafe1]

Thanks for your comment and for sharing your story. Sorry to hear that you also got lost recently on Scafell Pike but I'm glad that you made it back safely. Unfortunately, we sometimes only learn through bad experiences. Good luck in 2024 when you climb it again, I'm sure it will be much nicer in Summer time

[@leeh3535]

Despite the navigation error hour half over and life preservation great drills sir

[@paulmcmc4005]

Consider the challenge a sucess mate and well done! You'd have easily smashed it if it were not for getting disorientated on Scafel. You're right about being close to death due to being soaked to the skin, exhausted and panic setting in. The fact that you kept moving saved your lives bro. If you'd have stopped for any considerable amount of time you would have suffered hypothermia. It's a very scary experience, I've suffered similar doing the Yorkshire 3 Peaks challenge due to coming home in the dark from the last mountain, Ingleborough. We veered off the track and got lost and disorientated doing exactly what you guys did and added a few extra miles - instead of 25, we covered 28miles, soaked to the skin, starving with horizontal rain and gusts against us (winter). Even stopping for a few mins caused us to shiver violently so we had to keep moving. We learn from these experiences. It's also character building! Again well done👍

[@runningcafe1]

Thanks very much for the kind words and for sharing your story! It’s definitely a really scary experience and not one I’m in a hurry to repeat again. Like you say, we learn from these experiences and I definitely attest to that. Now, I always bring a compass, spare head torch, and try to load the route up and down into my sports watch prior to setting off. Character building indeed and probably the harshest way you can be taught about the importance of preparation. Thanks again fella!

[@Point5TV]

Well done for getting down safe. The summit of Scafell Pike is notorious as it's a pretty featureless plateau. Some people use red bike lights as breadcrumbs. Knowing what you know now, 2yrs on, what would you have done differently on Scafell Pike?

[@runningcafe1]

Thank you. It was certainly a massive learning curve and we were certainly lucky to make it down in one piece. Now, I've learnt the basics of map reading, have a feature on my watch which lets me retrack my steps using GPS, have much more powerful headtorches, better clothing equipment, and would have researched the route more prior to taking it on in the middle of the night. I've done it again since, but in full day light on a hot Spring morning. Felt a bit odd compared to my first experience, to say the least!

[@imsteveoneill]

Having done these I found scafell pike the hardest of the 3, So easy to walk off a crag lost in the mist never mind the dark. We started ben nevis at 6pm as to arrive at scafell pike around 5am when getting light to make it easier i think thats the error you made not maximising the light hrs !! We broke down on the way to snowdon lost over 2 or 3 hrs to get a new vehicle but arrived at mount snowdon with 2.5 hrs to get up and down had to run it and finished with 15 mins to spare inside the 24hrs !!....... Props to you all hell of an experience completing it no matter the time 👊

[@runningcafe1]

I think the Scafell Pike main path is the one which is not well marked out of the three compared to the others. It's not that bad but at night it was hard to navigate, being as inexperienced and unknowledgeable as we were. We definitely made an error by not starting Ben Nevis at 6pm as you suggested. Congratulations on completing the challenge under the time limit despite the breakdown!

[@arkahmn1673]

how do you only have 95 subs these vids are good

[@runningcafe1]

Thanks mate, glad you're enjoying them!

[@robbiemorrison7085]

I climbed Ben Nevis at age 15, did it in total of 7 and a half hrs I think ,could never do the 3 peaks! Good on you!

[@runningcafe1]

Hope you enjoyed the climb, it's a challenging yet rewarding mountain. Thanks Robbie! :)

[@MrCW1979]

Had you taken the pyg track you might of given yourself a better chance of coming in sub 24hrs , it's the shortest route up to the summit , Llanberis path being one of the longest . Congrats on doing the 3 tho 👏

[@runningcafe1]

Did the miners path as part of the Welsh three peaks this June. It’s next to the pyg track and they meet towards the top. I’ll definitely have to try the pyg track, the miners path was very long at the start but once it climbed it was very steep. I’ll definitely be doing it again one day, hopefully next year! Cheers

[@valergrad]

It is not a fail at all! Finishing this in 24 hours - is a hard challenge, impossible for 95% people. So, you've almost did it from first attempt, and definitely will do if you try it one more time.

[@runningcafe1]

Thanks for the encouragement and kind words! Definitely want to try this again at some point, many lessons learnt during this attempt

[@keithscott4286]

Hope you learn from your experience I myself got stuck Up 3000ft mountain in bonnie Scotland bivied out for the night Carried emergency gear with me lived to tell the tail🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@runningcafe1]

Hi Keith, I certainly did learn from the experience and the mistakes! Sounds like you had a pretty horrendous one there, but your emergency gear obviously saved the day. Nice story and a reminder for why prep is key!

[@tiffshae1]

You are from the UK! You for real didn’t know about Midgies?

[@runningcafe1]

Looks like it!

[@nongamergirl1659]

Hiya Craig found your channel as I love to climb mountains I've climbed scarfel and snowdonia. Want to climb ben Nevis for my mum.

[@runningcafe1]

Hi mate, great stuff. Go ahead and climb Ben Nevis, what’s stopping you? I’d highly recommend it, you will remember it for life

[@nongamergirl1659]

@@runningcafe1 yh we wanted to do it before she can't walk x

[@2oldtroutgowalkabout988]

Did you do it ?

[@ShortBreaksCheapEscapes]

Did you not have a gps route planned on strava, Komoot etc or a compass for Scarfell Pike ?. Its fairly easy with a compass, you just take note of the bearing once walking towards the trig and then reverse the bearing and follow that bearing back the opposite way. Either that or Komoot, Strava etc has an arrow in which direction you are walking, you just point the arrow in the direction of the planned route and walk towards it.

[@runningcafe1]

All things that I wish I knew and thought of at the time. Since this video, I've learnt a lot about navigation including compass skills and I now know there are many apps to help. I was just grateful to have made it out in one piece and able to learn my lesson. I hope this video helps others to understand the risks and to take mountains more seriously than I did.

[@pozadomem5986]

Super 👍👌

[@petercole6698]

The 'short cut' on Ben Nevis is not a short cut, I have overtaken people using the proper path on a couple of occasions in each direction. Using the 'short cut' only contributes to the erosion, hence the warning signs. Do not use it

[@runningcafe1]

Thanks for the info

[@abbastravelvlog5206]

Great passion 👍I love it but worse experience in the night time scafell climbed. Hopefully you enjoyed 😉 nice video

[@runningcafe1]

Thanks for the kind words Mesam! Scafell Pike certainly was an interesting experience, I did very much enjoy this challenge thanks! : )

[@capio78]

Amazing, I'm going up sca fell for the second time this weekend, I wouldn't do this challenge simply because of what happened to you, I got lost in daytime, no way I'd do that at night

[@runningcafe1]

Best of luck! It was a pretty hairy situation we were in but luckily walked away in one piece and have learnt from it. When I do this challenge again, I’ll have the night time section mountain route loaded up in advance in my gps watch and I’ll also have a proper compass/waterproofs etc. lesson learnt!

[@capio78]

@@runningcafe1 cheers, sage advice, I actually rock climbed up a boulder cliff last time as I didn't understand how to get up, my own stupid fault and very dangerous but quite the experience.

[@shreyasharma5080]

How far in advance did you train for this?

[@runningcafe1]

Didn’t train specifically for this challenge as I was running practically every day and competing in long distance races at the time so cardiovascular fitness was there. I’d say at least 2 months training would be needed from an okay baseline of fitness to be able to do this comfortably. You could probably do it on less training but it would probably be much harder

[@markcameron3]

Didn't you have a track back feature or have the route on your watch

[@runningcafe1]

I didn’t have one on my watch as it was a very basic garmin at the time but my brothers garmin definitely did (I found out afterwards). Lesson learnt

[@markcameron3]

@@runningcafe1 so many people have these fancy running watches and don't use most of the features, including your bro ! hope you had a good birthday, i had my 50th the same day as you had your 25th which made me feel a bit old but at least i was climbing mountains in Snowdonia on my day, with the trackback feature on my fenix 7x enabled :)

[@MilitaryFusion]

Being from one of the mountain states in the US 🇺🇸 i want to try these peaks and mark them off my list

[@runningcafe1]

I’d love to come to the states and do some of the fantastic mountains. Colorado looks like an amazing place for mountains. You should try these peaks on the uk if you get a chance!

[@captainplanet1576]

What options did you have for navigation on Scafell?

[@runningcafe1]

In hindsight... The use of a mobile phone application like All Trails or OS Maps, an actual map and compass (possibly not the best for at night though), downloading the route onto a GPS watch and following it, following the marked path more diligently (hard in some sections). Lots of lessons learnt the hard way

[@captainplanet1576]

@runningcafe1 I asked this before attempting three peaks with my 9 year old( over three days). I use OS maps and had horrendous storms at the top of scafell and Snowdon. OS app helped me find my way off scafell when i couldn't see far. Climbing scafell in a storm at night is nuts mate.

[@slavicsnake8403]

If this isnt an advertisement for a map , compass and working gps i dont know what is

[@runningcafe1]

You know!

[@iaincphotography6051]

A map, Compass and some basic skills would have had off the mountain, but by your comments you learned your lesson and got down safe. Tell the driver no speeding or you fail! It has been done riding a bike instead of using a car, 48hrs is a good time, the record is under 33 hours. Good luck on your next attempt.

[@flesz_]

I never did any climbing in my life and first thing when I arrived in UK I was taken up cribgoch ,the most dangerous approach in Adidas trainers and with rucksack full of beer. I did survive, but I prayed....

[@ysabellpp]

wait, you went without a gps? at night ?

[@runningcafe1]

Considering that there was virtually 0 mobile reception on Scafell Pike, we were effectively without a GPS yes. Next time we will definitely program the route into our sports watches as a precaution, lesson learnt

[@ysabellpp]

@@runningcafe1 please do 🙏🏻 I don’t move anymore without a handheld gps and/or watch with a gps. There is rarely any mobile signal up the hills (i live in Scotland) and I wouldn’t be typing this if it wasn’t for a gps which saved me more than once.

[@danielmain9944]

How did you do Ben Nevis do quick?

[@runningcafe1]

We went really quick and didn't stop to rest / eat. We wanted to get up and down as quick as possible to give us some spare time for the rest of the mountains

[@Adam-lf9vs]

The 24 hours is between the base of Mountain 1 (Ben Nevis) and the summit of Mountain 3 (Snowdon) rather than the base of Snowdon - so surely you more or less did it?

[@runningcafe1]

Hi Adam, I thought this before taking on the challenge but after a quick search online it turns out that the challenge is in fact the time taken to ascend and descend all 3 mountains as per the three peaks site: 'Your total challenge time should include ascending and descending all three mountains, finishing at the base of the third.' it's a shame that we didn't make it but it was a great experience. Learnt a lot from it and hopefully suceed in taking it on one day! www.threepeakschallenge.uk/national-three-peaks-challenge/common-questions

[@Adam-lf9vs]

@@runningcafe1 ahh that's a shame, although to do it in the 25 or so hours you did it is no easy feat! A good excuse to give it another crack in the future!

[@6AlphaMikeCharlie9]

That Quote "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"is not from Wayne Gretzki by the way 😁

[@runningcafe1]

Thanks for the education

[@6AlphaMikeCharlie9]

@@runningcafe1 just sayin 🙃

[@KryptonitetoallBS]

Congratulations for persevering and completing the 3 peaks in challenging conditions. I've been up a few of Scotland's mountains and Snowdon so I'm aware just how rapidly conditions can change and leave you struggling. Experienced winds over 100 mph on Aonach Mor in extremely deep snow. It's then you realise just how weak and pathetic man is compared to nature. I couldn't have done what you guys did now I'm in my 50's. I'm glad you made it home safe. Well done boys 👍

[@runningcafe1]

Thanks very much for the kind words! It was certainly a slow and I'd do it differently if I got a chance to do it again. Sounds like you've had some close shaves yourself! Cheers

[@farnyone]

Ive just signed up for this.....what have i done 🤦‍♂️

[@runningcafe1]

You'll be fine! In the video description I've got some recommendations that I'd follow religiously if I took this on again. Best of luck :)

[@ChrisWhitehead-to3nr]

The highest hills in the UK are all in Scotland surely?

[@runningcafe1]

Yep. There are many mountains in Scotland that are much taller than mount Snowdon in Wales and scafell pike in England (the tallest in those two countries respectively)

[@XP_Limit]

term of the fly things is midges

[@robwootton1]

100k steps and this…. Fair fucking play geezer

[@runningcafe1]

Cheers for watching fella, they were both pretty mental challenges but good to have done em'

[@robwootton1]

@@runningcafe1 I’ve been contemplating 100k….. looks brutal…… how many hours to complete? Might start at 50k!!

[@runningcafe1]

@@robwootton1 100k was brutal for sure. I started at 7am and finished at 10pm and I only stopped for 30 mins to have a hot meal. I run everyday so I think I had a good base level of fitness before taking it on but it was a massive challenge. The last 15,000k was draining but great to have pushed through. I'd recommend trying 50k first to see how you get on then maybe try 100! Anything to prevent blisters like comfy shoes, vaseline, thick socks is highly recommended (not fun!!) Best of luck

[@stephencooper5155]

Who starts 3 peaks challenge at 2:30 in the afternoon? lmao I mean fair play guys, brain dead though.

[@runningcafe1]

I totally agree with you mate haha. I was heavily for starting at 6pm but I unfortunately got persuaded to start earlier, biggest fail of the whole challenge. In future i will start at 6pm and I'm sure we will smash it. Brain dead is a fair comment lmao

[@Scott-di8dg]

Running equipment does not cut it On a mountain

[@nymph.mp3]

Why didn’t ya just use a compass??

[@runningcafe1]

Good question. We were unprepared and inexperienced. I’ve now got a minimum kit list I take with me which includes a compass amongst other things like emergency blanket, first aid stuff, head torch etc

[@petelumley1578]

I have done this challenge 3 times and completed it each time. What you did was totally the wrong way to do it, but at least you had the bottle to do it.

[@runningcafe1]

Congratulations on your epic achievement, respect. 3 times is insane. Certainly acknowledge the mistakes I made. I think we started Ben Nevis far to early personally, and obviously should have had the routes in map/GPS form of some kind. Any tips for completing it? I'll be giving it another crack at some point

[@petelumley1578]

@@runningcafe1 Each time we did the challenge this was our routine: hire a mini bus and get 2 dedicated drivers that are not climbing. Do the challenge at the end of may. Start at the Ben at around 17:00, while you are going up n down the ben get the drivers to warm up a large pan of potato ash ( pre prepared), as soon as you get back down scoff the food then get your head down while the drivers take you to scafel, that way you are never on a mountain in the dark. Get dropped off at the closest point you get to scafel then you go up and over the mountain meeting the drivers on the other side of scafel, that cuts 40/50 miles off the rout. The travel to snowden for the final assent, I would recommend the pigg track. Best of luck 🤝

[@runningcafe1]

@@petelumley1578 Fantastic advice, thanks for that. Sounds like you've got it down to a tee there, will bare that in mind for next time

[@MeggyXcoconut]

I'm scottish btw

[@charleypower6330]

Should of tried the the ledge route - Nevis

[@runningcafe1]

Thanks buddy, will start it next time!!

[@paulcritchley464]

Quite sad when people don’t know how to navigate. Map and compass or even a GPS, you can download to your phone a map of the UK Probably save the search and rescue a job. You guys was quite jammy someone else was fluffing around up there I’m only 70 and I could do what you guys did. I wouldn’t get lost, sleep or know sleep Here in NZed that is a Zed not a zee. We have three peaks challenge, and 1st peak is 2287mtr. 2nd peak is 2797mtr 3rd peak is 2518mtr and they are all volcanoes. That’s just in the north island By the way what as your Mom got to do with it. I thought it was Mum coming from England Cheers have a great day

[@runningcafe1]

I'm not proud of the lack of navigation skills but decided to leave the video up as a warning to others to take climbing these mountains more seriously. I'm definitely more serious about these sorts of things now and I have a minimum checklist before even attempting a climb now including route fully downloaded into watch and the map available on my phone. Lesson learnt the hardway with this one and I'm admitting that how I managed this situation was not good at all. No idea why you're bringing up my mum, bit random. Thanks for watching

[@paulcritchley464]

@@runningcafe1 I only brought up your mum is it was spelt mom on the video. I suppose that was for the American market, their the ones that matter, or do they? You keep up what your doing Somethings I carry even on a day trip First aid kit Rain coat Head torch. Just in case I get out late or roll an ankle. Saved me a night out in the poo Food Another skin Map and compass. That’s an important skill All into a day pack

[@paulcritchley464]

@@runningcafe1 Didn’t finish my list Water fluids Maybe over trousers Down in NZed not a zee we tramp in shorts as the bush is generally wet so we pretend to tough it out. Follow your heart Cheers have a great day

[@jgul1874]

Watching this after completing the challenge myself 🤛

[@mourneslad6819]

No way did you summit that Ben Nevis in 2hrs 16!.. because you were only at the half way point at 1.5 hours according to your statement..so it couldn't have taken 46 mins to do the second half ,less than half the time of the first half, so times do not add up

[@runningcafe1]

I honestly can't remember the exact splits as this was 2 years ago now. Just checked the Strava file, and it took me 4h 14m to get up and down Ben Nevis. We were going fast and overtook many people, so I think the time is possible. I have no reason to lie, so any errors in what I say would just be an honest mistake.

[@sammorgan7606]

Why would you take on this challenge if “you’re not prepared” or with no “mountain knowledge”

[@runningcafe1]

To answer your question, why does anyone make any mistake? You think you can do something until it goes wrong. Same situation here, underestimated the size of the challenge which resulted in the outcome. I admit my mistake

[@rickywiltshire5579]

Good challenge. But pretty stupid... no map reading skills in a storm. Brainless.. well done tho.

[@runningcafe1]

Thanks mate, I agree; it was pretty stupid and we learnt our lesson.

[@rickywiltshire5579]

@@runningcafe1 I didn't mean it as horrible as I came across. Was ment to be more tongue in cheek. Fair play to sticking it out tho.... you looked like a completely difficult man at the end of the video after no sleep etc. Your channel deserves more subs pal

[@runningcafe1]

@@rickywiltshire5579 Haha, not at all mate. To be honest, we are two runners who thought that we could blitz our way through this mountain challenge with sheer endurance alone and this obviously backfired in our faces by the lack of planning and skills. I can just imagine the proper climbers and hikers cringing as they watch the Scafell Pike section of this video but I still wanted to share it as it will hopefully warn others of the dangers of not starting at the right time and not being prepared etc. I definitely think the lack of sleep contributed to the mishap but that's just part and parcel of this challenge. Definitely want to try it again but with all of this learning in mind. Thanks for the kind words about the channel and for watching!