The National 3 Peaks: Taking Up the Challenge - Softcover

Steve Williams

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1904946429 ISBN 13: 9781904946427

Publisher: Discovery Walking Guides Ltd, 2008

Synopsis

Undertaking the National Three Peaks walk has become a hugely popular challenge. Many 'challengers' are motivated by a wish to raise money for a charitable cause. But as well as that, more and more people are seeking personal milestones in their lives; seeking to test themselves, their stamina, their grit and determination. For many the National Three Peaks provides one such milestone. But it can be even more. It can be great fun, an adventure, a memorable, enjoyable experience of team and individual achievement. For a few it can even be a life changing event. Sadly for others it can be a failure, a disappointment. One of the most common reasons for this outcome is preparation or rather the lack of it combined with mistaken or unrealistic expectations about the event and perhaps even themselves. The Three Peaks Challenge is never going to be a walk in the park. But with proper preparation and know-how it is eminently attainable for most people. That's the reason for this book. When Steve's team started to plan for the challenge they found information was readily available on routes, timings, advice on training and hillcraft. But nowhere could they find such advice combined with a full account of a successful challenge attempt. What they really wanted and needed was to get a true feel for what they would be facing. They wanted to gauge their capabilities against others who had already succeeded, to identify with the highs and lows and anticipate or forestall their own. This then is their story, plus suggestions on training, walking routes (including GPS track logs from the actual paths walked), driving routes, navigation, equipment, meals, and accommodation. Their Challenge Plan ran to 11 pages of text and checklists. It is included at the end of the book for you to copy. Contents A Germ of an Idea: An overnight bivvy on Scafell Pike; A midnight encounter with 3 Peakers Decision Time: Should we, shouldn't we? A fitness test; Some early lessons; Finding a support team Getting Fit: Our training regime; The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge; Snowdon x 2; A little upset; A suggested training schedule Getting Organised: The areas to be planned Walking Routes: The sequence of the mountains; The Ben Nevis Mountain Track; Scafell Pike routes; The Snowdon alternatives Road Routes: The possibilities; Ben Nevis to Wasdale; Wasdale to Pen y Pass; Our final schedule Creating the Plan: Roles and responsibilities; Our team's ground rules D Day Minus 1: Getting together; Problems with a sat-nav; Drinking too much... The Real Thing...: Throbbing heads; North to Fort William; Slips, trips and falls; Murk on Scafell Pike; Team issues; Frustration on Snowdon; Success at the end The Remains of the Day: A return match; Presentations and awards Reflections: 'I knew you'd make it'; The lasting after effects; Next time What Passes for Wisdom: A few do's and don'ts The Plan in Detail GPS Waypoints & Coordinates: Ben Nevis; Scafell Pike; Snowdon Accommodation list GPS/Sat-Nav Navigation by David Brawn The Editors Cut - Ideas for improving your probability of success by David Brawn

About this title

Review:

excellent, 28 Mar 2009 A fantastic book. I bought this 3 months prior to attempting the 3 peaks challenge and found the tips it gave me very valuable. The book is written as a story about one groups journey over the 3 peaks in 24 hours. There are amusing highlights and lowlights, mixed with excellent hints and tips to the smallest detail. It even included the food they took on the walk. It inspired me further to complete the challenge. D J Manby - UK Fantastic, 27 Feb 2009 This is a truly fantastic book. I read the book cover to cover in a few hours, started thinking about when & if I could or should do it. I have now got a couple of friends together & we are in training following the suggested regime. This book is simply so good, it explains in simple terms the needed fitness levels, training requirements, trial routes & general plan for the event. Worth every penny. jmac - Worcs UK Essential Reading, 30 Dec 2008 This is an essential read before contemplating the challenge that is the National 3 Peaks. Steve Williams has done an excellent job of taking the reader through the many aspects of the adventure, from conception to implementation. The book outlines accurately the training required, the equipment required and most importantly the routes. The book is full of facts and wit. R Griffith - England

About the Author:

Steve Williams' passion for mountain walking has taken him along most of Britain's long distance paths; he's thoroughly familiar with the Cumbrian mountains, the Pennines, Snowdonia and the Western Highlands of Scotland. In addition, he has cycled from John O'Groats to Land's End and has walked the Pennine Way - and successfully completes the National Three Peaks Challenge in under 24 hours.

About this edition

• Publisher: Discovery Walking Guides Ltd
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 1904946429
• ISBN 13: 9781904946427
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 108
• Editor: David Brawn