Three Peaks Challenge Travel Insurance

The National Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing the three highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales: Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon. The challenge is typically completed within 24 hours, including both hiking and driving time between the peaks.

Are you taking the Three Peaks Challenge and staying in pre-booked accommodation?

JS Travel Insurance will cover you for:

• Search and Rescue up to £50,000.
• Cancellation or Curtailment.
• Personal Possessions.
• Activity Equipment to £1,500.

3 Peaks - The Sole Purpose of Your Trip

So even though you are a UK Resident and travelling in the UK, you should still have a travel insurance policy in place. Even if you have a policy through your bank, make sure it covers you for trekking up to 2,000 metres and for the sole purpose of the trip.

If the Activity is described as incidental on your existing policy, you might not be covered.

Transportation Strategy

The biggest logistical challenge is driving between mountains. The total driving distance is approximately 460-480 miles. It takes around 10 hours without traffic.

• Dedicated Drivers (Highly Recommended): This is the safest and most efficient way to do the challenge. Having at least two dedicated drivers who are not participating in the climbs allows the walkers to rest and sleep during transit. This is crucial for safety, especially given the strict driving regulations for commercial vehicles (like minibuses)., Many companies specialise in providing transport for the Three Peaks Challenge.
• Organised Tours: Many companies offer guided Three Peak Challenge tours that include transportation, accommodation, mountain leaders and sometimes even meals. These often depart from major transport hubs like Manchester, Warrington and Glasgow.
• Self-Drive (Not Recommended for 24-hour challenge): While possible, it is very difficult and potentially unsafe to attempt the 24 hour challenge by driving yourself. The fatigue from climbing combined with long driving hours increase accident risk. If you do self driving consider dong the challenge of 2 or 3 days to allow for proper rest. The largest vehicle suitable for the narrow roads is a 16 seater minibus.

Route and Logistics

The most common order for the peaks (and recommended to optimise driving and climbing in daylight where possible) is:

Ben Nevis (Scotland)

• Location: Fort William, Scottish Highlands.
• Starting Point: Glen Nevis Visitor Centre (PH33 6ST) or hostel. The "Pony Track" is the most popular ascent route.
• Getting there from Batley: This is the longest drive. You will likely travel north on the M6.
• Drive: Approximately 5-6 hours to Fort William from areas like Manchester/Chester. From Batley, except it to be a bit longer.
• Train: You can take a train to Fort William, potentially including a sleeper train. However, coordinating train travel with the challenging schedule and inter-peak transfers can be complex.
• Flights: You could consider flying to Inverness or Glasgow, then transferring to Fort William.
• Climb Time: Around 3-5.5 hours.

Scafell Pike (England)

• Location: Lake District National Park, Cumbria.
• Starting Point: Wasdale Head Car Park (CA20 1EX) is the fastest route.
• Getting there from Ben Nevis: Approximately 5.5 hours drive (258.5 miles).
• Climb Time: Around 4-45 hours from Wasdale Head. This leg often involves climbing in the dark if aiming for 24 hours.

Snowdon (Wales)

• Location: Snowdonia National Park, Gwynedd.
• Starting Point: Pen-y-Pass Car Park (LL55 4NY) for the Pyg Track or Minors Track (popular routes). Parking here can be very busy, so consider a shuttle bus from nearby towns if parking is an issue.
• Getting there from Scafell Pike: Approximately 4.5 hours drive (205.3 miles).
• Climb Time: Around 4-4.5 hours.Mountain Rescue Services 

Scafell Pike - Wasdale Mountain Rescue

Snowdon - Snowdon-Mountain-Rescue

Ben Nevis - Lochaber Mountain Rescue