MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
So my work are organising it and I'm gonna need to do some training. Is it really as hard as most people make out? Can I carry on doing 1 day a weekend on the MTB and sorta like 40 miles a week on the road or is that not enough?
[url= http://thebmc.co.uk/three-peaks-challenge ]Have a look at this link[/url]
That will be plenty. It will be pretty easy if you have any kind of fitness.
Donate to the mountain rescue
Take a look at the link...
Do a bit of walking/climbing/running as well, just to build a bit more strength in the supporting muscles around foot and ankles that don't get much of a workout on the bike. It's not too hard fitness wise, but it is a long day on uneven ground, so can wear you down a bit.
Don't worry too much about some of the views in that BMC article either, a lot of 'seasoned' hill walkers seem to have a bit of a chip on their shoulders about it. Do, however, do it it in a small group, ensure you can navigate properly, be prepared for the weather, and to call off the walk if it's too bad, and be respectful of locals, particularly at night, by driving sensibly, not dropping litter, and not making too much noise. Try and persuade those organising it at work to donate a %age of your sponsorship to the three mountain rescue stations as well.
The walking is quite frankly easy, far more interesting walks to be done around Ben Nevis taking in much more vertical feet and interesting scenery.
The 3 peaks is more about your driver and driving.
Do the 3 peaks cyclocross race, much more of a challenge!
If you are a relatively fit and outdoorsy kind of person and your work decide to do the challenge its probably not the best career move to not do it. If that is the case pleaderwilliams advice is good.
My advice...
- 2 drivers per vehicle with none walking
- Plenty of space in the vehicles - if it's wet you don't want to be crammed in.
- Don't get obsessed with 24hrs, just aim to do the 3 walks in 13hrs (that way things like traffic, slower team members etc won't prevent you achieving your personal challenge)
- Get the drivers to prepare hot water in flasks so you have tea/coffee/pot noodle/porridge available in the vehicle at the start of each journey
- Spare clothes in the vehicles but don't carry too much on your back, these are not epic adventures
- Good boots, I've heard stories of numpties having soles fall off on the way up Ben Nevis
- Listen to the haterz as the advice re. the impact on Wasdale Head is true etc, but don't let it get you down if its a work thing or a challenge you want to achieve as its a fun 2 days (if not the most inspiring walks). If others don't want to donate to mountain rescue as part of the challenge then make a private donation yourself.
Small groups, donation to Mountain Rescue as a minimum.
The lakes was always the one that lost out as most people just drove in and out again so it does have some very negative views.
A better idea is to a 3 Peaks closer to each other and remove all the driving but still have a decent challenge.
Normal hill rules be prepared take everything home with you and expect the worse weather possible.
People who raise valid criticism of the 3 Peaks challenge haven't got a chip on their shoulder, neither are they 'haterz', which implies there's no substance to their complaint.
The 3 Peaks industry, driven by private firms as well as charities, has turned the whole thing into a bloated and damaging farce. The Institute of Fundraising's specific guidance demands that organisers be sensitive to local residents and organise adequate toilet and water facilities, when this is frankly impossible at or near Wasdale Head when the very nature of the event means you arrive in the middle of Saturday night.
If your sleep every Saturday night from May to August was disturbed by vans arriving and leaving every 20 minutes, noisy groups disembarking or embarking, and every Sunday morning you were clearing up litter and faeces from your front garden, you'd probably be a little disenchanted with the whole thing.
If the OP is determined to go ahead, fine, I hope he can encourage his group to be sensitive, to be virtually silent at Wasdale Head and use the bogs at the Mway services rather than crap in the doorway of the hotel or on the path in the darkness.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-18785590
Please think very carefully about this. I'm ashamed to say I did this many years ago in a small group and was completely shocked at what I saw.
The charities, imo, were irresponsible and some of the people walking had clearly not done any training or partaken in any exercise whatsoever.
If I had realised beforehand the impact this had on local people, I would never have done it. There is indeed something on the web written from the Wasdale perspective, I'll see if I can find it.
Edit: we were an independent group and no charity involvement.
As above - the main training should be avoiding crapping on the ground and taking your rubbish home with you.
Why not just drive a car for 24hours round the M25, it would at least be original, and there are more places to go for a dump.
I did it a few years ago on rail industry event which involved doing it all by rail on a specially arranged train (with on board poop facilities obviously). It was a big group but pretty well organised and they did seem to be focussed on trying to minimize impact where possible (in as much as you could do with dozens of people involved) - we did Snowdon first, in the dark, and they kept the cafe and facilities at Pen Y Pass open especially for us. We got the narrow gauge railway up from the main line at Ravensglass to Boot in Eskdale and walked in from there to Wasdale to do Scafell the following morning (again there were facilities there for us to use). Travelled up to Fort William overnight for an early morning ascent of Ben Nevis.
Like others, having become aware of the issues since, I wouldn't do it again, but have to say I enjoyed the event at the time.
I'd say that anyone of average fitness with some hill walking experience would be fine.
Why not do the Yorkshire 3 Peaks, the original one?
There's less driving, better walking, better pubs, and it's more of a real physical effort.
please do not do this and try to discourage your collegues by sending the above link to the BMC's article. It isn't so much of a walking challenge as it is a driving one.
As Moses says - yorkshire 3 peaks are a blast !!
Makes it a bit harder because you don`t get to rest en route to the next one but easily achievable with a reasonable level of fitness ...
Do it in winter to avoid the crowds and you`ll enjoy the bogs more - maybe ..
As a keen walker ive avoided the NATIONAL 3 peaks like the plague - mainly because its very disruptive and seen as a jolly by most of the participants. Great for the charities but brings nothing to the communites involved .
Ah the old Three Peaks Driving Challenge. The people of Borrowdale and Wasdale, etc, will welcome your coach party with open arms. I haven't got a chip on my shoulder, I really don't like it. Other challenges are available. Fitness wise, you'll probably be in better shape than Keith from Accounts.
Can I carry on doing 1 day a weekend on the MTB and sorta like 40 miles a week on the road or is that not enough?
Hang on, which Three Peaks are we talking about here?
From your OP, you sound like you're talking about a riding one cos there's no mention of walking in your question?
If it's the Three Peaks Challenge of walking up Ben Nevis, Scafell and Snowdon in 24hrs then don't do it - see above for the reasons why.
If it's the Three Peaks of Yorkshire (Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, Ingleborough) on foot then some walking practice would be useful given that you can expect to be out for anywhere between 6 and 18hrs (pace/weather dependent).
If it's the Three Peaks CX race held every September then practice riding a CX bike off-road and hiking the thing up hills on your shoulder!
OK so general consensus seems to be don't do it, sorry for you all but I am doing it. I was not aware of the damage done but I am now. I am a respectable person as are all my work colleagues. It's a shame that this is the attitude due to the majority but there's nothing I can do about that.
How about trail centres littered with gels and litter, should we advise everyone to avoid this also due to the environmental damage and noise pollution to the local area? Should we ban the London marathon due to the disruption to so many peoples working lives?
I will now knowing the damage make a conscious effort to pick up any litter I see whilst on the hills, as I would do if out on the trails.
I will now knowing the damage make a conscious effort to pick up any litter I see whilst on the hills, as I would do if out on the trails.
Good on you for that - just make sure you take enough bags.
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Anyway, back to the training.
You need to get in plenty of hours practising holding your right foot at a slightly plantarflexed angle.
How about trail centres littered with gels and litter, should we advise everyone to avoid this also due to the environmental damage and noise pollution to the local area? Should we ban the London marathon due to the disruption to so many peoples working lives?
Poor analogies in my opinion. You can make a real difference by convincing your work to do something more inspiring and less impactful in order to raise money. The 3 peaks continues because businesses are not aware of the negativity the challenge attracts. Have a look at your company's environmental charter if they've developed one and see if the challenge fits with it? Not dissing you personally BTW. Awareness needs raising, it is a real problem.
I did it a few years ago.
I was pretty fit through cycling (finished about 15th team at Mountain Mayhem on singlespeeds - mostly due to teh mud killing everyone else) and did a few practice walks of 3 hours plus leading up to it.
Only trouble was I wasn't used to walking the up/down stuff - its pretty flat round here. Was getting pretty tired by Snowdon but completed it in about 12 hours walking however next 3 days was AGONY - could hardly walk my legs weer so sore and stiff.
So I strongly recommend walking up and down (especially down - that was much harder for me) some steep stuff in advance.
Glad I did it as I now want to go back and do some proper walking at each location, but the sight of 20 vans of walkers pissing and shitting all over the verges in the peaks really did bring home the local effect there.
OK so general consensus seems to be don't do it, sorry for you all but I am doing it. I was not aware of the damage done but I am now. I am a respectable person as are all my work colleagues. It's a shame that this is the attitude due to the majority but there's nothing I can do about that.How about trail centres littered with gels and litter, should we advise everyone to avoid this also due to the environmental damage and noise pollution to the local area? Should we ban the London marathon due to the disruption to so many peoples working lives?
I will now knowing the damage make a conscious effort to pick up any litter I see whilst on the hills, as I would do if out on the trails.
I'm wondering why you asked for opinions? You seem a tad touchy ... is it cos you didn't like some of the opinions voiced?
To be fair, he was asking for training tips, not a breakdown on how his plans were up there with Pol Pot's ideas about the future of Cambodia.
Individually he will do less damage than the average 3-peaker, probably only as much as the average punter who ticks off Snowdon, Scafell P and the Ben.
Yeah you're right martin. I guess I just feel strongly about this having done it myself and not realising beforehand the impact.
I'm wondering why you asked for opinions? You seem a tad touchy ... is it cos you didn't like some of the opinions voiced?
To be fair, he was asking for training tips, not a breakdown on how his plans were up there with Pol Pot's ideas about the future of Cambodia.
I was only asking for training tips, didn't expect to have the politics behind it introduced to me instead. Glad I did, however, because I'm now educated on the issue and can better myself with this knowledge.
I find it hard to believe that people would stop to shit on the verge but the human race never fails to surprise me. I can 100% assure you that none of my group will be making such stops.
I don't really understand why you haven't considered even discussing doing something less environmentally unsound.
You've taken the facts of the situation and decided to go ahead anyway.
There is an over riding factor in all this and that's the fact that it's a rubbish challenge and I know you will look back after doing it and agree that it wasn't worth the cramped, sleepless car journey between each leg all for a couple 100 quid for a random charity that has nothing to do with the challenge itself.
I find it hard to believe that people would stop to shit on the verge
Some of them do it on the path. Make sure you're packing a decent headtorch for jobbie avoidance.
I did it when I was in sixth form so over 20 years ago. As said above the driving is the hard bit. We had two dads driving and six of us walked. Didnt notice any crowds of people, but then it was all fields in those days.
No disrepect to the OP but its become more of an office thing to raise cash for good causes. I suspect 90% of the participants have never climbed a serious hill before, training involves an extra lap around the shopping center in the new boots and map skills arent needed as you just follow the herd . Obviously the OP doesnt fit into this category 😉
I posted above about the yorkshire 3 peaks being more of a challenge and i stand by that although its getting very busy over the summer with charity challengers and guides.
As for fitness you`ll be fine on the day but expect to seriously feel it for a good few days afterwards.
I seriously hope you enjoy it as nothing beats a good challenge but the national 3 peaks an organised jolly - enjoy but im sure as a responsible adult youll be wincing at the antics and fitness of your fellow challengers...
a couple 100 quid for a random charity that has nothing to do with the challenge itself.
+1
The various National Park authorities have to do their own fundraising to help cover the very expensive repairs they need to make to the paths and the landscape from damage caused by these "Three Peakers".
The worst hit area is around Scafell. Timings usually dictate that the groups arrive about 10pm - midnight and leave by about 5am so the local villages get constant streams of cars & minibuses going through in the middle of the night, parking on the verges and then buggering off again without even staying in the area and benefitting the local economy in any way.
It's a crap challenge, it really is. Shedloads of fuel and lots of damage to the paths to walk up three relatively easy hills. Big hills yes, but there's no real challenge to them. You'll literally be following lines of headtorches.
You know it may not be that hard/interesting but it is an achievement, you will have climbed the highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales back to back. The terminally offended on here will scoff and moan but your friends and family, the people that matter, will be proud that you got of your arse and did it.
Do it with some care and you will have the same or less impact than anyone climbing them individually (which is 100s of 1000s more than the 3 peakers). Donate to the mountain rescue and the national trust and you will even have a positive impact.
You know it may not be that hard/interesting but it is an achievement
if you consider walking 23 miles, mostly in the dark interspersed with about 13 hrs of being on the road an achievement, go for it.
I suspect 90% of the participants have never climbed a serious hill before, training involves an extra lap around the shopping center in the new boots and map skills arent needed as you just follow the herd . Obviously the OP doesnt fit into this category
I've done Scafell and I'm visiting Snowdon some time before I actually attempt the three peaks and 4 of the other members of our team are serious sports persons, 1 triathlete and 3 marathon runners, I guess we're not your 90%, sorry 😀
The worst hit area is around Scafell. Timings usually dictate that the groups arrive about 10pm - midnight and leave by about 5am so the local villages get constant streams of cars & minibuses going through in the middle of the night, parking on the verges and then buggering off again without even staying in the area and benefitting the local economy in any way.
See above. Spent 1 night under canvas at the bottom of Scafell in the camping area and reluctantly parted with £15 for a hat which I stupidly forgot to pack in the store situated at the bottom then drank far too much after we got back down...t'was a good job we pitched the tents when we arrived. Also was the hardest I've ever worked for some Gorgonzola and crackers!(Mid-way-up snack break food.)
I know you're not directly attacking me but seriously guys, we're not the bad ones and on that basis we will undertake this 'challenge' with out a guilt trip because we know we tried our best to decrease the impact on the locals.
Now here's a question that I'm sure will get a few going...
How about sponsoring me once it's all OK'd and we have dates. Sponsor me for The National Trust and Mountain Rescue? Or are all you who are against the three peaks not even going to support the ones you claim to be preaching for? Just a question, maybe you'll prove me wrong...
Maybe the National Park authority should ban all nocturnal parking and dropping off of passengers for a two mile radius around Wasdale and patrol the area throughly. This would solve the problem. People are happy to walk X miles up and down a bleedin' mountain but if they can't drive to the start of their trek then they can't be bothered.
The two Peak Challange anyone?
😉
BTW, I wasn't aware of the problems surrounding the 'Challenge' until I read this thread and followed the links, but I think I sympathise with the locals on this one. Seems a bit like a rural version of chugging to me... OK, whatever the cost, as long as it raises a bit of money for charity.
I've done Scafell and I'm visiting Snowdon some time before I actually attempt the three peaks and 4 of the other members of our team are serious sports persons, 1 triathlete and 3 marathon runners, I guess we're not your 90%, sorry
In that case it's even less of a challenge so no, I won't sponsor you.
If it was someone who'd never set foot outside a city before who'd been "inspired" by who knows what then maybe - it's out of their comfort zone, something they've never done before.
But an active, outdoorsy person doing it? That'd be like me asking for sponsorship to ride 100 miles. I've done dozens of century rides and while they're a bit of an undertaking, they're nothing special. Same with this for you - it'll require a bit more thought and preparation than your normal walk up a hill but the main challenge behind it will be putting up with your team-mates farting and snoring in the minibus between peaks.
I did it years ago, team of 4, all climbed the mountains, pairs relay cycling as far as Tarbett then full group for the final stretch into Glen Nevis, start to the top of the Ben was sub 60 hours
We then assisted a poorly tourist on the descent who was helicoptored off the Ben (we were the only people on the hill who would stop to help (and who had basic kit such as warm clothes and a survival bag, this was before mobiles) despite it being very busy.
The helicopter did come back for us but we had to turn the lift down aas the vehicles were in the other valley
Also acquired a nickname 😉
Big-n-daft .. Proper adventure and top respect, done with a twist and i like that sort of thing..
Sorry Bradley sire - no sponsorship from the Lasty coffers im afraid.
Your lads may have the legs for it but unfortunatly they may get a rude awakening, up and down is a different kettle of fish.
By all means do the national 3 peaks and at some point follow it up with the yorkshire challenge and then tell me which was the most fun/challenging - sorry mate but no contest 😆
Sounds like you have some fit guys on your team, Bradley.
So...here's a curveball - do Scafell Pike from Langdale instead. Easier road access, fewer people to piss off if you park sensibly, but four miles longer, and not just following everyone else's headtorches up the route.
How about sponsoring me once it's all OK'd and we have dates. Sponsor me for The National Trust and Mountain Rescue? Or are all you who are against the three peaks not even going to support the ones you claim to be preaching for? Just a question, maybe you'll prove me wrong...
Go do something that's a proper challenge: Welsh 3000s inside 24 hours maybe? Bob Graham Round? Even the Whitton, but a glorified motoring tour of the UK interspersed with some roadside walks... Or do what you're doing by interesting routes - Tower Ridge on the Ben, something on lliwedd, just use some imagination...
Sorry but reading a plea from the BMC not to do it and then say I'm doing it anyway whilst being aware of the issues still means you'll be part of the problem, consciously or otherwise..
I think people were hoping you'd day 'if the 3 peaks is causing that much of an issue then I'll have nothing to do with it'
You could work out what the petrol would cost and just give that amount to your chosen charity and go out and do a century ride on your own... win win win surely?
Or the Welsh 3000's. That's proper.
I am not sponsoring you because I think you are taking the easy path by not challenging it. Also i have done the Welsh 3000s which is proper nails. But, good luck regardless.
How about sponsoring me once it's all OK'd and we have dates. Sponsor me for The National Trust and Mountain Rescue?
You're having a laugh aren't you?
The NT explicitly refuse to accept anything from companies running these 3 peaks events as doing so will, in their eyes, imply they condone such events.
Another vote for Welsh 3000s. Proper good mountain challenge.
We did 22 1/2 hours first peak to last peak, including three hours hiding in the shelter on foel grach for daylight to return and the weather to lift.
On the hills for 27 hours in total. Only needed a car to take us home afterwards.
Challenge yourself certainly. It's a great thing to do. But honestly, there are far, far better ones to do than this. It's not even as if it's particularly tough. There are loads out there that are more responsible, and also more satisfying, and indeed fun.
A bloke at work did it with a mate, but they cycled between the peaks on a tandem, how about that?
Personally I don't "get" sponsorship, it's too close to chugging people who know you.
I would far rather see people organising events for others as social entrepreneurship rather than wanting to be in the limelight doing the challenge.
Adds far more to the community, can raise more money and isn't about something for nothing ( ie I give you money to get the credit for donating to charity whilst you do a challenge you always wanted to do)
Just a thought
Tell you what, I'll give a tenner to each of the three MRTs if you pledge not to do it. The locals in Wasdale win, and the MRT win.
^^^^ Interesting concept, one i would willingly match ...
And me. I think we're onto a winner with this new concept where the challenge is NOT doing the 3 peaks
There are lots of people who are seriously hard of understanding here.
Why do you think people climb Everest? I mean its not the hardest climb or the most beautiful or even that special, 1000s of people have done. K2 is much harder, why not do that? Well because Everest is the highest and nothing is going to change that.
Now it's obviously a totally different scale but its the same principle with the national 3 peaks, sure there are plenty of harder things to do but nothing is going to change the fact that the 3 mountains are the highest. Getting to the top is a milestone, an achievement.
And yes there are issues with some people who do the challenge but that doesn't mean it's wrong for anyone to climb these mountains, and if you are going to climb them, why not do it one after the other.
For those offering sponsorship to not do it, I will be taking up that challenge this June. Screenshots of the donation receipt please.
To the OP - this website is useful when planning the trip. http://www.uk3peaks.com/
To the op this is an open plea to reconsider. Jfletch comparing it to Everest makes you look stupid.
A large number of people who know a fair bit more about it have given solid reasons why not.
Your company (if it's got any idea) should not be supporting or suggesting it. As a minimum you will need a driver change every 2hrs and the resting driver should be able to rest. The fuel use on its own is stupid. There are plenty of other challenges that rely in fitness and skill not booting it down the m6.
For those offering sponsorship to not do it, I will be taking up that challenge this June. Screenshots of the donation receipt please.
No problem. Please provide evidence of the corporate challenge masquerade you have managed to cancel.
For me, I don't like the 3 Peaks industry, but there are only three issues about 3-Peaking which are really problematic for me - impact on Wasdale Head, additional path erosion and the extra burden on MRTs.
The carbon/fuel thing IMO is a bit of a red herring - I'm sure a lot of people on here have driven large distances on separate occasions to N Wales, Scotland and the Lakes for a leisure activity (I certainly have). In theory, bagging all three peaks in one go could be considered more efficient, given that most teams are minibussing it rather than going in separate cars. Not my idea of fun, admittedly.
The OP's team are taking steps to mitigate these problems by being a little more sensitive to the local community and hopefully vaguely competent, and even suggesting supporting the NT with donations towards path repair. I suggested starting in Langdale and I hope they consider that rather than just follow the crowds.
It's not the way I like to climb mountains, but I can see the value in it for people who would not usually think of walking up Snowdon or the Ben.
So...here's a curveball - do Scafell Pike from Langdale instead.
Having climbed Scafell Pike from Langdale, I'd recommend that option. Plenty of proper parking, a lovely walk, and a lot quieter than the tourist route. We saw relatively few people on a stunning April Saturday until we were at the top (although no doubt that is less of an issue in the middle of the night).
There are plenty of other challenges that rely in fitness and skill not booting it down the m6.
Yes but there aren't any other challenges that result in you having climbed the 3 [b]highest[/b] peaks in Scotland, England and Wales.
Martinhutch has a balanced view, of course if you are a serious outdoorsy type there are better challenges and there are some things that are objectionable about the industry, but these are all issues that can be mitigated by a sensibly planned challenge.
Mikewsmith and others, your objection comes across as being founded in snobbery that someone would be so beneath you to want to attempt the challenge and are ignoring the OPs very sensible approach to doing something they see as worth doing.
Mikewsmith and others, your objection comes across as being founded in snobbery that someone would be so beneath you to want to attempt the challenge and are ignoring the OPs very sensible approach to doing something they see as worth doing.
As one of the 'others', please can you re-read the BMC piece. It's about consideration for the locals, consideration for Mountain Rescue (charity btw) poo on the mountain and sustainability of the paths...
If you want a challenge that's out of your comfort zone, why not dissuade your company from doing this? That will take guts and skill.
If you can't rise to that challenge, why bother with the 3 Peaks?
I'm sure you will but...
Please just be respectful for the residents at Wasdale head.
During the season the green can become a rubbish dump and public toilet! with coaches rolling up with noisy 3 peakers in the earlier hours which isn't very nice for them.
There is a portaloo toilet just a few hundred yards up the road near the start of the trail and bins to.
oh and you'll be fine, make sure your driver rests though.
The Three peaks Yacht Race is the only one that Wasdale head pub and the residents actually support.
do enjoy it though I'm not trying to be a kill joy 🙂
This is quite interesting as i did the 3 peaks a long time ago'93/94 i think, simply for the fun of it, 6 lads hired a minibus and did it. Didn't go via Wasdale Head. We only met one other group doingit . i have been up Ben Nevis twice the second time I was utterly disgusted to find someone had left a huge toley at the top clearly without any attempt to disguise it or hide it.
The whole impact debate is difficult as people are encouraged to be active but then this ruins areas of natural beauty. Personally there a re far better "challenges" like the http://www.corrieyairack.org/ where the whole thing is properly managed and from what I understand a lot more fun.
As one of the 'others', please can you re-read the BMC piece. It's about consideration for the locals, consideration for Mountain Rescue (charity btw) poo on the mountain and sustainability of the paths...
I've read the BMC piece, it's a one sided and condescending way to raise the valid issues. Issues which can easily be mitigated.
There are only locals at Wasdale, start from Langdale.
Mountain rescue, don't be a numpty, plan proprely and take the necessary precautions as you would on any outdoors activity so that you only use them in a genuine emergency. Maybe make donation as well.
Poo on the mountains? Don't poo on the mountain!
Erosion, I'm not sure I buy this one. The figures on the BMC article show more people climb the mountain in July and August than the rest of the year. I don't think this is a massive shock (it's the school holidays FFS) and its unlikely that is due to 3 peakers to any significant extent. I've done the 3 peaks during "the season" and climbed Scafell on a week day during the holidays and it was a hell of a lot busier during the holidays. But a donation to the NT is a good thing what ever your resason for climbing.
Mikewsmith and others, your objection comes across as being founded in snobbery that someone would be so beneath you to want to attempt the challenge
Maybe. Mine actually comes from years spent in the mountains looking aghast at the trainer clad idiots chucking Mars bar wrappers all over the place and stuffing up the roads/car parks with mini-buses. Sadly, doing something "sensibly" does nothing to discourage these people. I sensibly put my litter in the bin in town centres, this does nothing to make litter louts stop chucking it. Confronting them does, but it's a hell of a challenge to make the confrontation. This is the crux of my argument. Probably flawed.
My final gripe is that I don't think the challenge introduces people properly to mountaineering, I think the hell of the drive, night walking and general discomfort possibly puts them off it.
If you want to climb the three highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales, why are you in the Lake District at all?
Mikewsmith and others, your objection comes across as being founded in snobbery that someone would be so beneath you to want to attempt the challenge and are ignoring the OPs very sensible approach to doing something they see as worth doing.
Having lived and worked in the lake district and seen some of this first hand. Having met a few of the mountain rescue people who give up their time for no reward. Having seen the impact on the fells caused by this sort of thing.. etc etc etc
As for ignoring the OP he seems to have decided he's doing it regardless of a large amount of requests from the people who manage the fells, look after the people getting lost and injured and represent some major interest groups.
I have seen plenty of original fund raising ideas that will not impact in these ways.
If you want to climb the three highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales, why are you in the Lake District at all?
Or leaving Scotland for that matter - Ben Nevis, Ben Macdui and Braeriach are a pretty good challenge in 24hours, much less driving as well.
All the Scottish 4000's in 48hours, all the Welsh 3000's in 24hours, if anything - the lakes doesn't lend itself to this type of challenge as well (from a numbers perspective) but the Bob Graham round is a good one to aim for...
If you want to climb the three highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales, why are you in the Lake District at all?
See, snobbery, you clearly know what the challenge means.
Mine actually comes from years spent in the mountains looking aghast at the trainer clad idiots chucking Mars bar wrappers all over the place and stuffing up the roads/car parks with mini-buses.
touch of snobbery here but since the OP has said he will be none of these things is it ok for him to do it?
Having lived and worked in the lake district and seen some of this first hand. Having met a few of the mountain rescue people who give up their time for no reward. Having seen the impact on the fells caused by this sort of thing.. etc etc etc
But the only body I'm aware of who have outright said don't do it are the BMC and they are just come across as a snobby bunch of whingers with some spurious "facts". They certainly don't actively manage the fell. The NT and the Wasdale Mountain Rescue just ask that you follow the guidelines and be sensible which the OP said he would.
I like the concept on page 1 of sponsoring people to NOT do the three peaks challenge. This is a charitable endeavour I'm well up for, so in support of the three local Mountain Rescue teams, I am willing at great personal risk to commit to also not doing the three peaks in return for sponsorship.
I think I'm not free the weekend 15-16th June so I think this is the best weekend to not do the three peaks. It will be a bit boring and lonely not doing all that driving, walking and pooing on my own, so I was wondering if any other STWers fancy risking it and joining in? We could all not do the three peaks together, which would be much better all round. Who's with me?
Anyone who's not free that weekend, or is free but can otherwise commit to not doing the three peaks, let me know and we can get it not organised. I reckon I'm already half way there as I already don't have access to a minibus, and if lots want to join in, I also don't have access to a 52 seater coach that we could therefore not use. If anyone wants to get involved but doesn't think they're up to the challenge of not walking up those hills, we'll need a few capable drivers who are able to not drive vast distances for us brave souls who'll be doing the not walking part.
Remember, the more of you who commit to not doing this, the more diesel we don't use, and the more poo we don't leave in inappropriate locations. What other way can you do so much good by simply not doing something?
If it all goes well, I'm considering planning another, more ambitious and unsound challenge to not do - maybe not trekking to Everest basecamp in 2014?
I'm in Ed, although I'm a bit concerned about how much non-training we'll have to do. Any ideas?? 🙂
Yeah, I was thinking about that, but I reckon as we've got till June there should be enough time to not do sufficient training. As everyone seems to suggest the hills aren't that bad, I'm planning on not walking a few localish hills (Yorkshire Dales) every other weekend, depending on the weather. Otherwise, I might have to not go to the gym a bit.
Well up for the none training none event of the year - count me in ..
Gonna have to pass on the Everest non-event though as i`m not busy in 2014.
How about this? Harder, but less controversial:
http://www.caledonianchallenge.com/
I know someone who is extremely fit but found this a tough challenge because he was not used to walking.
The donation offer was made for the OP only - sorry to disappoint.
Caledonian Challenge would be good, or if you prefer doing it yourself then doing a chunk of the West Highland Way would be an idea. You can do the whole thing with train travel, and you'll actually be able to enjoy the scenery in the daytime.
Well I'll be blowed. Doing by coach actually emits less carbon per person than by train. Funny thing facts aren't they.
This is rich...
As for ignoring the OP he seems to have decided he's doing it regardless of a large amount of requests from the people who manage the fells, look after the people getting lost and injured and represent some major interest groups.
And I suppose if you were in the army you'd politely ask the enemy to stop shooting at you too. What I mean is, you choose to manage the fells, you choose to be part of the mountain rescue team. If you wish to discourage people that much and whine about it then give it up.
One idea to the OP. Challenge would be more fun and less impactful if you dropped the 24 hours and attempted it by public transport unsupported in quickest time possible?
Slight tangent, but mountain rescues are a win-win situation. The imperilled mountaineer wants to get rescued, and the rescue team want to rescue people.
Anyone know if there's an official lowest mountain in England, Scotland and Wales?
That would make a great alternative! 🙂
why?
Spend money doing something thats nothing special. Daft