Winter 3 Peaks Challenge - 18th March 2017

17th March

We have an exciting Winter 3 Peaks Challenge kicking off this weekend. The team of 5 have all completed training courses to prepare for climbing the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales back-to-back in winter conditions. Leaving on Saturday morning for their first peak Ben Nevis, the team will then head south to Scafell Pike before rounding off with an ascent of Snowdon, all within 24 hours.

Inspired by the Snow Leopard Challenge, the team are dedicating their winter climb to endangered winter species, in particular snow leopards and polar bears, by raising money for WWF. Take a look at the team’s fundraising page to find out more.

We look forward to hearing how you get on and seeing the snaps from the tops!

Good luck to Yulia, Anna, Aida, Kirstina and Hugh!

19th March

Adventure Peaks Winter National 3 Peaks 17th -19th March 2017

Instructor: Tom

The National Three Peaks (Ben Nevis, Scafell, Snowdon) is a significant challenge, and undertaken in winter it has additional challenge of cold temperatures, shorter daylight hours and snow underfoot.

The weekend kicked off with a winter skills training day for Kirstina, Aida and Annamaria on the Friday. We went to Aonoch Mor, using the ski area gondola to gain height and reach the snowline more easily. Once on the snow, we learnt how to walk in crampons, practising effective footwork and how to use an ice axe. We then looked at the snowpack and an introduction to avalanche hazard, before some ice axe arrest practise.

On the Saturday, we were joined by Hugh and Yulia for  an ascent of Ben Nevis, looked after by Adventure Peaks guide James. With snow on the path down to the Red Burn, the group did well to complete the Ben leg in under 7 hours. Hot drinks back at the van and we were on our way to Scafell Pike in the Lake District.

Despite initial hopes of a break in the rain, Scafell proved to be a downpour – and we were turned back by flooding which made the streams uncrossable. Drying out back in the van, we picked up a second driver, Andy, and headed down to Snowdon for the last leg of the trip.

The weather on Snowdon was windy, but never as bad as the 70mph gusts forecasted. We opted for a traverse of the mountain, via the Pyg Track and a descent down the Llanberis Path. Patches of snow made the ascent feel a little more wintery, and despite tired legs, we were encouraged in the knowledge this was the last peak of the trip.

There followed a thawing out and refuelling at the famous Pete’s Eats, before a return to the train station and final goodbyes.

Thanks for a great weekend team and well done!

19th March

Ben Nevis

Instructor: James

The team’s first peak of the National Three Peaks Winter Challenge was Ben Nevis via the mountain track from Achintee. The weather was mild with light winds, although visibility was poor for much of the day and there was frequent light drizzle. Despite the drizzly conditions the group made good progress throughout the day, reaching consistent snow at around 900m, and crampons were needed above 1100m. After a successful summit of Ben Nevis, the team made a rapid descent back to Achintee and a welcome supply of hot drinks before driving south to Wasdale and peak number 2…

Some more colourful shots from the weekend courtesy of Yulia

Find out more about the Winter 3 Peaks Challenge