Are you looking for a UK 3 peaks challenge that doesn't require completing all 3 peaks in 24 hours, and can even be done solo? The Explore by Nature UK 3 peaks challenge is a unique adventure that encompasses climbing each of the highest peaks in Scotland, England & Wales in 3 consecutive days.
A UK 3 peaks challenge is more than just a hiking adventure, it's a journey through some of the most stunning landscapes in the UK. In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know about climbing the UK 3 peaks, how to complete all 3 peaks in 3 days, what to bring and where to stay, and a fantastic itinerary to keep you on track.
What are the UK 3 Peaks?
The UK 3 peaks refer to the tallest mountains in Scotland, England & Wales.
Scotland: Ben Nevis
Standing at 1,345m (4,414ft), Ben Nevis is not only the highest peak in Scotland, but the highest in all of the UK. The name, Ben Nevis, comes from the Gaelic "Beinn Nibheis", which is often translated as "venomous mountain". This is likely due to the unpredictable weather and challenging conditions of the mountain. Located near the town of Fort William, Ben Nevis is not just a walk in the park, it is a striking natural monument that offers spectacular views and has inspired poets and writers throughout the centuries. The summit once hosted a meteorological observatory from 1883 to 1904, giving it further importance in both scientific and cultural contexts.
Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe, Mountain Track of Ben Nevis.
England: Scafell Pike
Scafell Pike, standing tall at 978m (3,209ft), is the highest peak in England. It derives its name from Old Norse, showing its connection to Viking heritage. The summit has long attracted walkers and outdoor enthusiasts, particularly gaining popularity during the Victorian era when tourism in the Lake District surged. Many poets and authors have been inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of Scafell Pike. In 1918, a memorial was erected at the summit in honour of those who fell during the First World War. Today, it stands not only as a natural wonder, but also as a testament to the spirit of adventure in the UK.
Lovely swimming spot on the ascent to Scafell Pike summit.
Wales: Snowdon
Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa in Welsh) stands at an impressive height of 1,085m (3,560ft), making it the tallest point in Wales. It has a remarkable history that dates back to the prehistoric era. The surrounding areas are littered with archaeological sites, revealing human activity for thousands of years. Snowdon is steeped in mythology, often appearing in folklore and stories that speak of giants and heroes. The early connection to Wales and its traditions is evident as many Welsh legends regard the mountain as sacred. Snowdon gained significant popularity during the Victorian era, thanks in part to the introduction of the Snowdon Mountain Railway in the late 19th century. This made the stunning heights of Snowdon accessible to even more people. Today, Snowdon remains an iconic symbol of Welsh pride and natural beauty, drawing visitors from all around the globe.
Views near the top of Snowdon.
What is the UK 3 Peaks Challenge?
The UK 3 peaks challenge refers to the completion of the 3 highest mountains in Scotland, England & Wales, typically within a specified time frame. While many opt to complete the challenge in 24 hours, embarking on a journey that takes one peak per day allows for a more leisurely pace, breathtaking views, photography opportunities, and the chance to soak in the beauty of the British countryside.
The beginning of the hike up Scafell Pike.
For those intending to drive to each peak on their own, this challenge is perfect for you. While completing the UK 3 peaks in 24 hours can be accomplished with solo driving, it's really just not worth the risk. Driving while tired, especially on unfamiliar roads, could ultimately lead to an accident.
The Explore by Nature UK 3 peaks challenge has you summiting Ben Nevis on day one, Scafell Pike on day two, and finally Snowdon on day three.
How Difficult is the UK 3 Peaks Challenge?
The UK 3 peaks challenge is physically demanding and a moderate level of fitness is required. Before embarking on this adventure, consider the following preparation tips.
- Cardiovascular Training - aim to workout 3-4 times a week by cycling, running, swimming or hiking, all of these improve endurance and leg strength.
- Strength Training - if you can incorporate some strength training and weights into the above workouts, you will find your overall endurance improves. Focusing on your arm and back muscles will also aid in carrying a backpack for long periods of time.
- Endurance Hiking - if you can find time to complete at least one long hike a week, aiming for 4-8 hours of walking in varied conditions, this will help you prepare. 3 peaks in 3 days will involve one 5-10 hour hike per day for 3 consecutive days so it's essential to get your body used to long days.
- Nutrition and Hydration - maintain a balanced diet leading up to the challenge, focusing on carbohydrates, protein and hydration.
How to Organise the UK 3 Peaks Challenge?
Before approaching the 3 peaks themselves, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully complete this UK 3 peaks challenge, from planning and preparation to accommodation and fitness levels.
Choosing Your Approach: Solo, Group or Guided Tour?
Completing the challenge solo is an exciting and empowering experience. However, you need to be comfortable with driving long distances and navigating the trails alone. Ensure you have a reliable map or GPS system and stay updated on weather conditions. I highly recommend using the GPX Viewer app and download the required GPX files if you're going solo. They're a fantastic source of navigation that can be used offline.
Joining a group can enhance the experience, providing camaraderie and mutual support. Whether it's friends, family, or fellow hiking enthusiasts, sharing the experience can lead to lasting memories. One thing to keep in mind is making sure your group is on the same page regarding pace and objectives.
Me & my guide for Ben Nevis, John.
If you prefer a little more structure and would like to remove the responsibility of navigation, consider a guided tour. Experienced guides offer valuable insights, navigation support, and can assist in managing logistics.
For my UK 3 peaks challenge, I hired a guide for Ben Nevis via AirBnB Experiences (purely by luck, this ended up being a private tour as no one else has booked for this date), joined a guided tour for Scafell Pike with Large Outdoors, and hiked Snowdon with a friend.
The Packing List
Packing appropriately is crucial for safety and comfort during the 3 peaks challenge. Find my comprehensive list of what you should bring to successfully climb all 3 peaks in 3 days.
Clothing
- Base Layers - moisture-wicking t-shirt or long-sleeve top and walking trousers/leggings. During colder weather, consider thermal base layers first.
- Insulating Layer - a fleece or down jacket for warmth, even in summer. UK weather, especially at high altitudes, can be unpredictable.
- Outer Layer - waterproof and windproof jackets and trousers are essential with the UK's love of rain. Packable waterproofs are a great idea in the summer to save space and weight.
- Hiking Boots - sturdy, waterproof boots with good grip.
- Socks - walking/hiking socks to reduce the chance of blisters and keep your feet warm.
- Gloves/hat/neck gaiters - great to pack in all seasons, even in the summer it can get rather chilly at a height.
- Sunglasses/cap - for warmer weather & during the summer months.
Equipment
- Backpack - 15-30L day pack.
- Hydration System - approximately 1-2L of water per peak. I recommend this 1.5L Camelbak and a spare 1L water bottle.
- Food - my go-to for hikes are pastas or wraps for lunch and bananas and energy bars for snacks.
- First Aid Kit - basic supplies for blisters and other minor injuries.
- Suncream - essential during warm weather & summer months.
- Navigation Tools - OS map, compass and/or GPS device (essential if you're hiking solo)
Where to Park For the UK 3 Peaks
- Ben Nevis - free parking at Achintee Road car park or paid parking at Ben Nevis car park or Ben Nevis Visitor Centre car park.
- Scafell Pike - free parking along the roadside on the single-track lane before you reach Seathwaite Farm Campsite. Ensure you're well out of the way of any gates as this is a working farm and you'll be away from your vehicle for 6+ hours. There's also paid parking at Seathwaite Farm Campsite for only £5 for the day.
- Snowdon - paid parking in Llanberis at "Parking for Snowdon" with 200 available spaces and at Electric Mountain car park. For starting and/or finishing Snowdon via the Pyg or Miners Track, Pen y Pass car park is a great spot, but with limited spaces.
Where to Stay Around the UK 3 Peaks
This guide will provide overnight parking, campsites & hostel/hotel accommodation options close to each peak's starting point. It's important to keep in mind that, depending on when you choose to drive, you may be arriving/departing late at night or in the early hours of the morning and you may need to confirm these times are okay with your chosen campsite/hostel/hotel.
The Snowdon Mountain Railway.
Ben Nevis
- Achintee Road car park for free overnight parking, but it can be a little tricky for larger vehicles when crowded or paid overnight parking at Ben Nevis Car Park. Both car parks can also be used as a starting point for the climb.
- Glen Nevis Caravan and Camping Park is only a 10-minute walk from the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre. Ben Nevis Holiday Park is between a 5-10 minute drive from the centre.
- Glen Nevis Youth Hostel for shared or private accommodation, Ben Nevis Inn for group bookings in the perfect location, or Nevis Bank Hotel for an affordable hotel stay less than a 5-minute drive away from Ben Nevis Visitor Centre.
Scafell Pike
- Free overnight roadside parking in Seathwaite before you reach Seathwaite Farm Campsite. Just be careful not to park in the way of any gates as this is a working farm. Around a 10-minute drive from the Seathwaite starting point, you can find overnight parking for around £10 at Honister Slate Mine.
- For campsites near the Seathwaite starting point of Scafell Pike, it doesn't get any closer than Seathwaite Farm Camping. This campsite is £10pp/night for all vehicles (cars, motorhomes and caravans). They also offer overnight accommodation in their camping barn at £25pp/night. Chapel House Farm is a great campsite with beautiful views not to far from the Seathwaite starting point.
- For an affordable overnight stay, YHA Borrowdale Hostel is around a 5-minute drive to the Seathwaite starting point for Scafell Pike, with private, shared and camping accommodation. Borrowdale Gates Hotel offers a more luxurious stay, located around a 15-minute drive from Seathwaite.
Snowdon
- Free overnight roadside parking by the water and only a 5-minute walk from Llanberis town centre. A little further outside Llanberis town and overlooking Llyn Peris, there are two spacious laybys with space for around 3-4 vehicles.
- Llanberis Touring Park (motorhomes and caravans) and Camping in Llanberis (gamping yurts and tent pitches) are two perfectly located campsites for conquering Snowdon.
- YHA Snowdon Llanberis and YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass are two budget-friendly hostels in great locations for climbing Snowdon. For a little more luxury at an affordable price, consider staying at The Royal Victoria Hotel, a charming hotel cradled between two lakes.
Where to Eat Around the UK 3 Peaks
I'd recommend bringing your own food given that hiking times can vary and there's a lot of travel included in this UK 3 peaks challenge itinerary. If you do, however, want to find somewhere to eat at the end of one or all of your hikes, check out the following suggestions below.
- Ben Nevis - consider dining at the perfectly located Ben Nevis Inn, with limited vegetarian, vegan & gluten-free options. There's also the Nevis Bank Hotel offering a range of delectable dishes with vegetarian, vegan & gluten-free options.
- Scafell Pike - nearby, you'll find the restaurant at the Borrowdale Hotel serving quality dishes and, in the opposite direction, the Boot Inn serves a delicious range of food. Both with limited vegetarian, vegan & gluten-free options.
- Snowdon - with seasonal opening times, The Peak Restaurant offers a great range of meals to celebrate your accomplishment with. Vegetarian, vegan & gluten-free options available. Alternatively, consider dining at The Heights for a classic pub meal, with vegetarian, vegan & gluten-free options.
UK 3 Peaks Challenge Itinerary
On the afternoon/evening before day 1 of your UK 3 peaks challenge, drive to your chosen overnight stay near Ben Nevis. The earlier you're able to depart to ensure you have a good night's rest, the better. You have an exciting, but long 3 days ahead of you.
Day 1: Ben Nevis (1,345m)
Download the Ben Nevis Mountain Path GPX file here!
The average time for completing Ben Nevis is 6-8 hours. I began the hike at 08:45 and returned to the van by 14:45, with a total time of 6 hours walking.
The most popular and accessible route up Ben Nevis is the Mountain Track. This path was created for walkers in 1887 by Sir Robert McNab. Beginning at Glen Nevis Visitor Centre, the path is generally well-marked and consists of a series of stone steps, rocky sections, and some uneven terrain.
A very foggy ascent up Ben Nevis.
The Ascent
From the visitor centre, the path starts steadily with a gentle climb through a forested area. The initial stretch sets the tone as you become accustomed to the environment. As you ascend further, the terrain becomes rocky and the path steepens. You'll encounter several zigzag sections that lead you up the mountain slow and steady. The views over Glen Nevis, should you encounter a clear day, are extremely rewarding. At roughly 800m (~2,600ft), you will reach the Red Burn, characterised by small streams of water. If you're running low on water, this stream of clear, mountain water is drinkable so consider filling up your bottle here.
Ben Nevis Summit.
Upon reaching the summit plateau at around 1,200m (~3,950ft), you will experience an abrupt change in the environment. Featuring open terrain and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, you may struggle to pry your eyes away to focus on the hiking trail ahead. You'll traverse boulders on the final stretch to the summit, ultimately leading you to the iconic ruins of the old observatory and the summit cairn.
Clearer weather on the Ben Nevis descent.
The Descent
Spend a moment at the top to absorb the views and take pictures before beginning your descent. It's also a good time for a snack to refuel. The descent follows the same path, which can be quicker but requires careful footing. As you make your way down, you'll notice the landscape changing with perspective. Be mindful of changing weather conditions as you descend. The weather in the mountains can be highly unpredictable and the fog can roll in quickly.
With the highest point in the UK conquered, it's time to head towards the Lake District for the night. By car, the journey from Ben Nevis Visitor Centre to Seathwaite should take around 5 hours. Enjoy a good night's rest to prepare for tackling Scafell Pike on day 2 of this UK 3 peaks challenge.
Day 2: Scafell Pike (978m)
Download the Scafell Pike circular route from Seathwaite GPX file here!
Following this route from Seathwaite, the average time taken to complete Scafell Pike is 6-9 hours. I found this peak to be the most challenging, taking a total time of 8 hours with a 09:20 start.
Scafell Pike can be a significant challenge for many hikers participating in the UK 3 peaks challenge. Nestled in the beautiful Lake District, it offers stunning views, diverse landscapes, and a true sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit. This UK 3 peaks challenge follows the Corridor Route from Seathwaite to the summit and back down via Esk Hause, bringing you back to where you started.
Beautiful landscape at the beginning of the Scafell Pike route.
The Ascent
Your journey to Scafell Pike begins in the picturesque village of Seathwaite, located in the Borrowdale Valley. This quaint hamlet is accessible by car and provides parking facilities for hiking. Begin your hike from Seathwaite Farm Campsite and follow the path alongside the River Derwent. Stay on the main track until you reach Stockley Bridge, where you'll cross over the bridge and continue walking along the route towards Sty Head.
Overlooking Sty Head Tarn.
Sty Head Tarn is a popular resting spot where many hikers take a moment to enjoy the scenery and gather their strength for the ascent. From Sty Head Tarn, the Corridor Route begins. This section involves a considerable elevation gain but rewards you with stunning panoramas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Follow the well-marked path that traverses the slopes, where you'll encounter rocky terrain and occasional scree. The Corridor Route will involve some scrambling for a very short period of time so ensure you're comfortable with scrambling before attempting this route.
Beautiful body of water on the ascent to Scafell Pike summit.
As you ascend, take time to appreciate the views of Great Gable and the impressive cliffs of Scafell to your left. Keep an eye out for the beautiful body of water pictured above, it's on your right on the route between the scrambling and the path to the summit. The final push leads you to the summit of Scafell Pike. It's a steep, zigzagging scree path that isn't the most enjoyable to walk up. Our minor complaints soon ended when we realised we were reaching the summit alongside Paul Ellis. What a way to be humbled. On a clear day, the views stretch for miles, encompassing a breathtaking landscape of mountains, lakes and valleys.
Scafell Pike Summit.
The Descent
After basking in the glory of reaching the summit, it's time to descend. The circular route via Esk Hause provides a different perspective of the mountain. Instead of retracing your steps, you'll head towards Broad Crag following downhill, rocky terrain on the other side of Scafell Pike. You'll cross over large boulders before reaching easier terrain on the descent. Head towards Esk Hause, the high mountain pass lying between Scafell Pike and Scafell.
Descending Scafell Pike.
From Esk Hause, turn left towards a shelter and left again to make your way towards Sprinkling Tarn. You'll take the path alongside the river feeding into Grains Gill, which flows back to Stockley Bridge, feeding into the River Derwent. Once you return to Stockley Bridge (no need to cross as the bridge will be to your left), retrace your steps along the river back to Seathwaite Farm Campsite.
Now, you have a decision to make. Either embark on the 4 hour drive to Llanberis, drive part way tonight and the rest of the way in the morning, or spend the night in Seathwaite and begin the drive on day 3 of this UK 3 peaks challenge. I completed the full drive on day 3 as I was picking up a friend early in the morning to climb Snowdon together. If you choose to drive on day 3, consider having an early night and getting ready to drive around 03:00/04:00 to get to Llanberis before 08:00/09:00.
Day 3: Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa (1,085m)
Completing Snowdon via the Llanberis Path there and back or ascending Pyg Track and descending Llanberis Path will both take on average around 5-8 hours to complete. During my UK 3 peaks challenge in 2022, my friend & I chose to stick with the Llanberis Path, taking us a total time of 6 hours. When I climbed Snowdon in 2024 via the Pyg Track and Llanberis Path, it took me a total time of 3 hours & 40 minutes. The constant rain led to a lot less breaks to take in the views and climbing solo removed the conversational element. In this UK 3 peaks challenge guide, I'll talk you through climbing via the Pyg Track and descending via the Llanberis Path as it's the most interesting of the two I've completed.
Llyn Llydaw along the Pyg Track, Snowdon.
To ascend via the Pyg Track, you need to begin your hike in Pen y Pass. Rather than parking in the small car park there, I recommend parking in Llanberis and getting the Sherpa bus to Pen y Pass in the morning. Check out the Sherpa bus times here. The Pyg Track is a popular route known for its breathtaking views and challenging ascent. This trail is steeper than some other paths, but the scenery along the way makes the effort worthwhile.
Ascending Snowdon via the Pyg Track.
The Ascent
As you start your hike, the Pyg Track quickly gains elevation. You will encounter rocky steps and uneven terrain, so it's essential to take care, especially in wet conditions. The path follows alongside a ridge, offering spectacular views of the sparkling lakes below, including Llyn Llydaw and the surrounding valleys. You may cross running water depending on the recent weather conditions, so take care on these parts, the rocks can be slippery.
Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon Summit
After navigating the rocky terrain, you will eventually join up with the Llanberis Path for the final trail to the summit. The path transitions into large stone steps taking you up to a stone monument at the highest point. On a windy day, take extra care climbing the steps to the summit cairn, it can be quite a dangerous spot. The summit can get crowded and you need to queue. It's wise to arrive early or later in the day if you're looking for a quieter experience. When we queued in 2022, it took around 20-30 minutes to reach the summit cairn.
Views from the top of Snowdon.
The Descent
Snowdon's Llanberis Path offers a gentler descent and is the longest of the main paths, making it an ideal choice for those who want a less strenuous way to return. It provides a clear route while allowing hikers to enjoy the scenery at a more leisurely pace. From the summit, retrace your steps initially, but instead of turning right to follow the Pyg Track, stay straight with the railway tracks to your left. You'll eventually reach a stone sign pointing you in the direction of the Llanberis Path.
The toughest part of the Llanberis Path when ascending.
On your way down, the Llanberis Path wraps around the mountain, providing impressive views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The end of the path brings you to the scenic Llanberis village, where you can find cafés and shops to replenish your energy. It's a perfect place to reflect on your accomplishment over a warm meal or a refreshing drink.
Congratulations! Day 3 marks the end of your UK 3 peaks challenge - you did it!
To Summarise
The Explore by Nature UK 3 peaks challenge is an exhilarating test of endurance and spirit that takes adventurers through some of the most breathtaking landscapes Scotland, England & Wales has to offer. Whether you've climbed mountains before or this is your first peak challenge, this extensive guide will help you navigate and prepare for the UK's highest peaks.
Views during the ascent of Scafell Pike.
Conquering Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 3 consecutive days allows you to not only experience the stunning vistas of mountains, lakes and valleys, but to also push personal boundaries and achieve a sense of accomplishment that is hard to match. This challenge is truly a must-have on any nature-enthusiast's bucket list.
Looking for your next 3 peaks challenge? Check out my guide to the Yorkshire 3 Peaks & Morocco's 3 Peaks Challenge!
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