National Three Peaks Challenge
National Three Peaks Challenge
Challenge yourself to a fast-paced adventure, as you trek the three highest peaks in the UK.
Considered one of Britain’s toughest outdoor challenges you will take on the three highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales. Over the course of two days, you will trek around 26 miles and ascend to a total height of almost 3,000m, taking on:
- Ben Nevis (1,344m) in Scotland
- Scafell Pike (978m) in England
- Snowdon (1,085m) in Wales.
Your hard work will be rewarded with spectacular views and a huge sense of achievement knowing you've done something incredible to support children’s mental health.
Key information
- Date: Various dates
- Location: England, Scotland and Wales
- Level: Tough
The National Three Peaks Challenge takes place over three days. The dates currently available are:
- 19 June - 21 June 2026
- 3 July - 5 July 2026
- 31 July - 2 August 2026
- 3 September - 6 September 2026
Register with Charity Challenge and secure your spot on Team Place2Be today!
- Registration fee: £95
- Fundraising pledge: £935
Day 1: Travel to Fort William
- At 10:30am you will meet at Chester train station before setting off to Fort William, which is close to Ben Nevis.
- You'll check in to a hotel in Fort William.
- You and your group will have the safety briefing from the Charity Challenge team.
Day 2: Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike
- You'll have an early start to the day to make sure you have time to have a good breakfast.
- The trek starts on the eastern side of Ben Nevis and you'll walk up to Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe before heading up towards the summit.
- Enjoy the incredible views from the highest summit in the UK!
- You'll head back down the mountain where a minibus will be waiting for you to take you to Wasdale in the Lake District.
- Your group will start the ascent up Scafell pike where you'll be at the highest point in England, before starting the descent back down to Wasdale.
- The minibus will start the drive to Snowdonia - this is your chance to get some sleep!
Day 3: Snowdon
- The minibus will arrive at Pen y Pass in Snowdonia, where you'll start to hike up Mount Snowdon using the Pyg Track.
- You'll reach the third and final summit of your National Three Peaks Challenge, where you'll enjoy some group celebrations and fantastic views.
- After heading back down the mountain, the minibus will take you back to Chester.
How we'll support you
When you join Team Place2Be, you'll get the superstar treatment!
Our fundraising pack full of top tips
A free Place2Be T-shirt to wear on your trek
Regular e-newsletters to keep you up to date and motivated in the lead up to the event
Support from our dedicated Events Team who will be on hand with training and fundraising advice
An invitation to a Place2Be school visit or webinar
Does the National Three Peaks Challenge have a guide?
Yes, you'll have an experienced mountain leader from Charity Challenge guiding you and the rest of your group up Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Mount Snowdon. They are qualified in first-aid and have lots of experience in leading challenges like this. They'll carry safety equipment and first-aid kits with them at all times.
There will also be a different local leader with you for each mountain.
Do I need to bring my own food and drink up the mountain?
If you sign up to complete the National Three Peaks Challenge for Place2Be, you get the following included:
- breakfast on the morning before Ben Nevis
- packed lunch to take on Ben Nevis
- packed lunch to take on Snowdon.
Charity Challenge advise you to make sure you have 2 litres of water with you at all times. There will be the opportunity to re-fill your water bottles at the minibus after each mountain.
Feel free to bring some of your favourite snacks with you too!
Dinner on both evenings isn't included.
Is my travel to and from the challenge provided?
All members of your group will be meeting at 10:30am at Chester train station on day 1 of the challenge. The minibus will take you back here after the challenge.
You'll need to make your own way to and from Chester train station.
When does the National Three Peaks Challenge take place?
The National Three Peaks Challenge begins on a Friday when the group first meet. The walking takes place on the Saturday and Sunday. There are various dates throughout the year so you'll be able to find a weekend that suits you!
How long does the National Three Peaks Challenge trek take?
The National Three Peaks Challenge is famously attempted in 24 hours. The 24-hour period begins when you start the hike up Ben Nevis and ends when you reach the summit of Mount Snowdon.
Please note that completing the challenge within 24 hours isn't guaranteed.
How fit do I have to be to complete the National Three Peaks Challenge?
The National Three Peaks Challenge is graded as a tough challenge. It involves:
- trekking for approximately 18 hours
- covering over 28 miles of undulating terrain
- ascending 3,000m.
This is a good challenge for people who have done a similar event previously and are prepared to train for it.
What clothes do I need to wear and what kit do I need to bring?
It's important you're prepared for all weather conditions because bad weather can start at any time. Some essentials include:
- walking boots
- waterproof jacket and trousers
- walking poles
- personal first aid
- head torch.
Charity Challenge have a full kit list for anyone taking part.
Get in touch
Have a question or would like more information? Get in touch with our team who will be happy to help!
- get in touch
- find more information about the National Three Peaks Challenge from Charity Challenge.