The National Three Peaks Challenge asks you to climb the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales, Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), usually within 24 hours including the driving between them. For many teams, Yr Wyddfa is the final leg, tackled on tired legs after a night with little sleep. This guide is about getting ready for that last climb, and doing it in a way that respects the mountain and the people who live beneath it. For route choice and parking on the day itself, see our companion piece on doing the Yr Wyddfa leg well.
The three summits
- Ben Nevis: 1,345 metres, the highest mountain in the UK.
- Scafell Pike: 978 metres, the highest in England.
- Yr Wyddfa: 1,085 metres, the highest in Wales.
Together they add up to around 3,000 metres of ascent and the best part of 40 kilometres of walking, plus several hundred miles on the road. It is a big day, and the walking is only half of it.
Training: what actually helps
Build hill fitness
The best training for walking up mountains is walking up mountains, or at least long hills. Aim to build up over several months to back-to-back days on the hill with a loaded pack, including plenty of descent, which is where tired knees and ankles suffer.
Practise walking tired and in the dark
At least one of your climbs will probably be at night or in the early morning. Do some training walks in the dark with a head torch, on ground you know, so the real thing is not a shock. Our guide to head-torch safety on Yr Wyddfa has practical tips.
Practise eating on the move
Work out what food and drink you can manage when you are tired and a bit queasy from the minibus. Little and often works better than big meals.
Learn the route
If you can, walk your Yr Wyddfa route before the challenge. Many teams use the Pyg Track from Pen-y-Pass up and the Miners’ Track or the same path down. The Llanberis Path is longer but more gradual, and is the route the National Park Authority suggests for large groups. Our Yr Wyddfa guide covers all the main paths.
The Yr Wyddfa leg in practice
- Parking: Pen-y-Pass runs on pre-booking through the busy season. Its standard spaces take vehicles up to 5 metres long. Minibuses between 5 and 8 metres need a booking and prior arrangement with the National Park Authority, and anything over 8 metres will not fit.
- Drop-offs: allowed at Pen-y-Pass, but space is tight. Be ready to get out quickly. Never park on the approach roads.
- Facilities: there are none on the summit overnight, and none at all from late October to May. Plan for food, water and toilets before you set off.
- Navigation: in cloud or darkness the paths can be hard to follow. Carry a map and compass, know how to use them, and do not rely on a phone alone.
More detail is in our parking and transport guide.
Doing it responsibly
Three Peaks teams arriving late at night have caused real problems for villages in Eryri (Snowdonia) over the years. Please:
- Keep noise and lights to a minimum in villages and car parks, especially at night and early morning.
- Never use residential streets for parking or drop-offs.
- Take all litter home, including fruit peel and energy gel wrappers.
- Use toilets before you start. There are none on the mountain.
- Do not speed between peaks. Drivers should be rested and should not also be walking.
Going with a guide
Many people take on the challenge with an organised group led by qualified mountain leaders, which takes care of transport, timing and navigation, and means you are walking with people trained in mountain first aid. Local operators such as Adventurous Ewe, a family-run adventure travel company based in Deganwy, organise guided walking and challenge trips in the area, so it is worth asking what they currently offer.
On the day
Listen to your body. Tell your group if you feel faint, sick or very cold, and do not try to push on regardless. The 24-hour target is a goal, not a rule, and finishing safely matters more than the clock. In an emergency, call 999, ask for the Police and then Mountain Rescue. Our list of common mistakes on Yr Wyddfa is worth reading before you go.
And when you reach the summit cairn of Yr Wyddfa, the last of the three, take a moment. Llongyfarchiadau (congratulations): you have earned it.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Yr Wyddfa leg take?
Most fit teams take around four to five hours up and down by the Pyg or Miners’ tracks, but allow longer when tired or in poor weather.
Can I park a minibus at Pen-y-Pass?
Vehicles of 5 to 8 metres need a booking and prior arrangement with the National Park Authority. Larger vehicles will not fit.
Is there anything open on the summit at night?
No. There are no summit facilities overnight, and none at all from late October to May.
