There’s no single “perfect” timetable for the National 3 Peaks, but there is a sensible one. Ours is built around safety, weather conditions and the pace of a normal group — not the fastest possible time. The aim is to complete the challenge feeling tired and proud, not limping down Snowdon in the dark wondering why you ever agreed to this.
Below is what you can expect on a typical 3 Peaks trip with Advocate Events.
Day 1 – Pre-event meet up and briefing
Arrival
We meet at Glasgow Airport Holiday Inn late afternoon/early evening. Most people fly in, or we can pick you up from Chester Rail Station and drive you there. You’ll have time to check into your accommodation, organise kit, and get any last-minute advice from our team.
Briefing
We run through the route, weather, kit checks, pacing and what to expect overnight between the peaks. If you’re missing anything important (mostly waterproofs), we’ll sort solutions before the challenge begins.
Start Time
We set off from the hotel early the following morning (6.15am) begin Ben Nevis by 9am. The exact start depends on weather forecasts and conditions, but expect an early start. We will stop on the way for you to get water, snacks and any other essentials you may need.
Ben Nevis (1,345m)
- Approx. 5–6 hours total walking time
- Steady, stepped path with snow possible at the top, even in summer
- The descent often catches people out more than the climb — pace matters
Post-descent
Once everyone is safely down, we will help you with your kit and anything else you need so we can get straight into the minibus and begin the journey to Scafell Pike. Quick change overs are essential for a successful 24 hour challenge! We’ll stop on the way for food, natural break and a chance to rest.
Scafell Pike (Lake District)
We arrive during the evening or night depending on conditions and group pace usually starting circa 9pm. Scafell Pike is the shortest climb, but rarely feels like it. You’ll be tired, it may be dark, and this is where good waterproofs and a decent head torch earn their keep.
- Approx. 4–5 hours total walking time
- Rocky, steep in places, with uneven terrain that demands concentration
- This is where teamwork and morale matter most
After finishing Scafell Pike, we load up and travel to Snowdonia. Food, hot drinks and morale go a long way here. Sleep if you can, or at least rest.
Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)
We aim to start Snowdon around sunrise. The route is chosen based on weather and safety, but the timing is set so the group gets the best possible chance to finish well.
- Approx. 4-5 hours total walking time
- Expect tired legs, changing weather and busy paths later in the morning
You’ll climb, peak, descend, and at the bottom there’s a mix of celebration, relief, miserable legs and the sudden realisation that you’ve completed the highest mountains of Scotland, England and Wales in one push.
Finish & Travel Home
Once everyone is safely down, the event is complete. And an opportunity to celebrate and feel the sense of achievement. After that, we drop you back at Chester Rail Station so you can make your onward journeys home, shower, and pretend stairs don’t exist for a bit!
Want to join us?
If you’d like a properly supported 3 Peaks experience led by people who’ve done this many times and still enjoy it, you can find all the details here:
National 3 Peaks Challenge with Advocate Events
