National Three Peaks
22nd - 23rd August 2009
Back in August 2009, Matt, John and Derek set off on the challenge of climbing the highest peaks in each of England (Scafell Pike), Scotland (Ben Nevis) and Wales (Snowdon) within 24 hours, dragging Teri along as 'support driver'.
4.45pm Starting Ben Nevis, Scotland
7.30pm Summit of Ben Nevis (1344m)
3.45am Starting Scafell Pike, England
6.00am Summit of Scafell Pike (978m)
12.45pm Starting Snowdon, Wales
2.40pm Summit of Snowdon (1085m)
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After camping for a night in Scotland and spending the day at Loch Ness, we all arrived at the foot of Ben Nevis and the boys prepare to start the challenge. Teri waited nervously in the car (there were hailstones and wind so strong that the car was rocking, and the boys had limited mobile reception...). The boys reach the top of Ben Nevis in good time considering the bad weather, and headed back down as quick as possible as the night came in. Meanwhile back at the car park, Teri attempted to heat some pasta for when the boys returned. The pasta wouldn't cook as it was too windy, so beans and sausages in a tin it was... At 10.30pm the boys reached the foot of the mountain and jumped straight in the car, and it was time for Teri to drive the 5 hours through the middle of the night to Scafell Pike in Yorkshire, while the boys got some much-needed kip. Luckily there wasn't too much traffic driving through the night, so we made good progress and at this stage were on schedule. Arriving at the foot of Scafell Pike before dawn, the boys headed off for the summit in the dark, kitted with GPS (which ended up getting them lost) and headlights! The weather took a turn for the worse again as the sun slowly started to rise, only after they decided to make up their own route straight up the side of the mountain...! Through the mist and rain the summit of Scafell was finally reached, and after a quick photo they boys headed back down the mountain as quickly as possible. Teri tried to get a bit of sleep back in the car ready for another long road trip to the final mountain, but wasn't very successful! Once again the sausages and beans were ready for when the boys got back to the car. Still just about running on time, the boys completed Scafell Pike by 8pm, jumped in the car and we made our way to Wales. This was the time when any traffic could have caused problems and made the trip unsuccessful, but luck was on our side. The boys made the most of the car journey by getting some more sleep. After over four hours of driving and with only four hours to go, the race was on to reach the top of Snowdon and get back to the car park before the 24 hours was up!
The sun decided to make an appearance at last, which helped the climb for the summit. Leaving themselves just two hours to get back to the car park, the boys finally reached the top of the last peak and had just enough time to get a quick snap before practically running back down the mountain! This time it wasn't so hard for Teri waiting in the car as the sun was shining so it was time for a spot of sunbathing! Just before 4.30pm, in just over 23 hours and 40 minutes overall, Matt, John and Derek (with the help of Teri's driving!) completed the National Three Peaks challenge. Now it was time for a much-needed beer... |
4.25pm NATIONAL THREE PEAKS COMPLETE!