Three Peaks Challenge & Adventure Blog

2011-06-12T16:23:00.001Z

How to enter a Three Peaks Challenge...

Simple - just click the link: Enter the Three Peaks Challenge here...

2011-01-21T09:33:00.002Z

OPEN BUS: Guided Three Peaks Challenge 2011

On your own? Just you and a friend? Join An Organised Group - the original and often copied 'Open Bus'..!

If you want to take part in an organised Three Peaks Challenge, but can find a team to enter with, and can't get a minibus or willing driver - then perhaps you should consider joining one of our Guided Three Peaks Challenges with some like minded walkers? These popular events sell out quickly each year.

We provide the minibus, drivers, mountain guides, safety equipment, food & drinks during the challenge: you provide the determination to reach the summits.

Once again for 2011 we will be offering fully guided Three Peaks Challenge weekends for individuals and couples, where you can take on this exhilerating event with a group of similar minded people whilst being looked after by our highly experienced drivers and qualifed mountain guides, and being transported safely around the challenge route in one of our fully insured vehicles, and fed and watered after each mountain.

For more details about the challenge in general, please visit our comprehensive Three Peaks website.

WHY CHOOSE MERSEYVENTURE? We have been organising Open Bus Three Peaks Challenges since 2000, well before many of the companies you may see advertising similarly organised challenge events, in fact, some of those companies use ourselves to deliver their events for them..! We have excellent feedback, friendly staff, and we rely simply on our reputation rather than any advertising.

ACCOMMODATION..! We do not include any accommodation in our costs. The challenge starts from Glen Nevis at around 12 noon and you will need to meet up with us by 11am at Fort William. Some people will choose to arrive in Fort William a few days before hand and organise their own digs, or perhaps arrive Saturday morning on the West Coast Sleeper Train.

If you travel with us in our minibus on Friday - then you will require accommodation in Fort William on Friday evening. Because some people want a simple shared room in a hostel at £20 per night, and others require a double room in a 4* hotel at £180, we do not block book group accommodation for our Open Bus events. We can normally organise accommodation for you if given enough notice, at cost price.

Some walkers decide to stay in north Wales on Sunday after the challenge, then make their own way home on Monday. Again, we can help organise this for you with plenty of notice. Most walkers however, will return home on Sunday.

For any queries regarding spaces, deposits, payments or accommodation, please email Richie at Merseyventure. For 2011 all entries are booked online. Thanks...

Open
21-22 May 2011: Book Your Place

Further provisional Open Bus 2011 dates:

4-5 June
18-19 June
2-3 July
23-24 July
13-14 August
27-28 August
10-11 Sept

If you have a group of 6-10 walkers hoping to attempt the challenge in 2011, we can organise a bespoke event for you. Please email us with your details for a quote and availability.

http://www.thethreepeakschallenges.com/

2011-01-20T10:16:00.003Z

Three Peaks Challenge in Yorkshire - In Winter..!

Saturday 19th February 2011, come and join us attempting a winter circuit of the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.

Enjoy the Yorkshire Three Peaks in Winter..!

This is our first Open Challenge event for 2011.

We invite a maximum of 20 individual walkers to attempt the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in winter..! Depending upon conditions at the time, you may be walking for some 14-15 hours over this 24.5 mile circular route. You will visit the summits of Pen-Y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, and see some spectacular winter landscapes.
Meeting up on Friday evening in our bunkhouse in Horton-In-Ribblesdale with overnight accommodation included, you will get to meet our team, and the other challenge walkers, and perhaps enjoy a few pints in the Golden Lion. Saturday morning sees a cooked breakfast in the bunkhouse, and an early start heading out to Pen-Y-Ghent.
Our guide will lead you (in gropus of 6-8 walkers) and encourage you, and we will have hot drinks available for you at various points enroute as you tackle this challenge route. We will also have return transport available to anyone who should need it.
After a successful ascent of Whernside and Ingleborough, you will return to Horton for medals and photo’s, and again - perhaps a few pints at the Golden Lion Hotel. Second night accommodation is included at the bunkhouse.
Sunday morning, say our goodbye’s and return home...

How much does it cost?

Entry is £75 per person, payable in full at the time of booking. Places are strictly limited to 20 individuals. No fundraising requirement - however, you may wish to raise funds for a charity or good cause and donate any funds raised directly to them. Charity entrants should enter/pay online in the normal manner.

What’s included?

* Friday & Saturday night in the 3 Peaks Bunkbarn

* Breakfast on Saturday morning

* Experienced mountain guide (max ratio 1:8)

* Hot drinks and support enroute
* Return to base transport if required
* Medal for all finishers

What’s not included?

* Transport to/from Horton-In-Ribblesdale
* Food & drinks for the weekend apart from that detailed above
* Personal accident/injury insurance

***ONLY 4 PLACES REMAINING***

To enter online, click this link:

WINTER THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE

2010-08-24T20:31:00.004Z

Open Bus Three Peaks Challenge - 21-22 August 2010

Well done to all of the climbers that recently completed the Merseyventure Open Bus Three Peaks Challenge, despite difficult conditions on Scafell Pike, rescues on Ben Nevis, and Simon's driving - everyone completed the challenge.

Big thanks as well for supporting Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team by purchasing MRT Teddies - every penny goes directly to Wasdale MRT.

Keith has now uploaded most of the pictures from the weekend onto our Three Peaks Challenge Facebook Group at: http://www.facebook.com/photo_search.php?oid=11016265439&view=all so feel free to leave any comments..!

Anyone who is interested in taking part in any of our adventures in 2011 (we do more than just the 3 Peaks..!) please visit the following website:

http://www.merseyventure.org

2010-08-08T11:41:00.002Z

Three Peaks Challenge 2011

Want to enter your team into a Three Peaks Challenge event in 2011, but don't want to have to raise some £5000 for a charity you may have no real interest in? Want to raise funds for your own charity or good cause? Or just want to attempt the challenge at the same time as a number of other teams, with full safety support in place?

The Open Challenge Series 2011 includes 3 Open Three Peaks Challenge events, all starting at Fort William for Ben Nevis, and finishing in Llanberis for Snowdon. Teams must consist of 4-8 walkers (depending upon event) and 2 drivers.

Teams will organise their own transport, accommodation and food for the challenge, and will be aiming for a true 24 hour challenge attempt, starting at 5 minute intervals from the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre.

You can secure your team place online now from £149 deposit, with the balance payable 28 days before your challenge. Your team entry fee includes:

Beacon Map / Guide Set
Pre-event training, route and equipment information
Training Days at Wasdale
Registration in Fort William hotel
Pre-event safety briefing in hotel
Kit issue for loan of safety equipment:
VHF radios
Emergency group shelters
Lightweight cooker and fule
Event bibs and vehicle ID
Sport Ident timing dibber
Sport Ident results at finish
Parking and rubbish removal
Qualified & experienced mountain staff on each mountain
First aid trained support staff at mountain bases
Finish at Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis
Medals & certificates for all finishers
Buffet & awards at finish
Event liability insurance

Our Open Challenge events for teams in 2011 are:

Spring Stroller - 7th/8th May 2011

Corporate Team Challenge - 24th/25th June 2011

Die Hard Trilogy - 3rd/4th September 2011

...And for those of you who have completed a Three Peaks Challenge - try the Three Peaks Mountain Rally Challenge - you could win £1000 cash...!

2010-08-01T21:58:00.000Z

The notoriously tough national 3 Peaks Challenge is set to see a completely new, and even harder version on offer for hardcore challengers in 2011.

The standard Three Peaks Challenge involves teams climbing the highest mountains of Scotland, England and Wales, usually within a 24 hour period. The huge increase in numbers of groups taking part in the challenge to raise funds for charities has led to a number of critisisms from various local and national bodies, as well as local residents.

However, the new Three Peaks Mountain Rally Challenge may be set to increase the contoversy as it requires teams to climb more than the 3407 metres of the national event, whilst increasing the distance travelled between the mountains.

Richard Evered, the Event Director of the Mountain Rally Challenge, stated "It's time to introduce a challenge just as demanding as the national 3 Peaks and with the same prestige, but without causing disturbance and pressure on local communities which some large charity events appear to do".

Event organisers, Merseyventure, outlined the event as requiring teams of 4 climbers and 2 drivers to "climb, and travel between, mountains in Scotland, England and Wales equivilent or higher than that of the Three Peaks Challenge - 3407 metres". The event will offer teams a choice of mountains from each country, and teams must visit border checkpoints when crossing country borders. Some have already dubbed this event as the Gumball Three Peaks.

Richard Evered continues "This event requires teams to plan routes and strategies on the move, and good logistics, communications and teamwork are as important as climbers fitness and navigational skills".

The event, planned to start from Glasgow on the evening of Friday 23rd September 2011, will finish 36 hours later somewhere in southern England. Final details will only be revealed to teams as the event starts.

No charity fundraising is required - and the organisers are offering £1000 cash prize to the first team to finish.

For further information please contact:

Richie Evered, Merseyventure Events, mobile 07976 589 818, or email richie@merseyventure.com

Full event details at: http://threepeakschallenge2011.weebly.com/team-challenges.html

2010-07-23T23:40:00.003Z

Three Peaks Challenge entries go online..!

For 2011, to cut down on administration costs and keep our entry fees the lowest possible within this field of Outdoor Challenge & Adventure Challenges, we've gone all web based... All of our 2011 events are now via online entries only.

Online entries website

You can enter all team details, and change online as required, without the need to send us paper copies via snail-mail. This system also ensures that entries are dealt with fairly on the 'first come - first served' basis. Once the event limit is reached, the system will simply reject further entries. Cruel, but fair.

We also have a new Three Peaks Challenge 2011 website, available at:
http://threepeakschallenge2011.weebly.com

Pay us a visit, and book your challenge soon to ensure entry..!

Richie..

2010-07-02T21:58:00.003Z

Three Peaks Mountain Rally Challenge 2011

Have you completed the national Three Peaks Challenge of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon? A total of 3407 metres height, and a drive of some 450 miles. Enjoy it?

What about the 'thinking man's Three Peaks Challenge'?

Starting in Glasgow, your team of 4 climbers and 2 drivers will be given a list of 6 mountains, two in each country (Scotland, England, Wales). You must select a number of mountains you will climb, totaling a minimum height of 3407 metres, and at least one mountain from each country.
A selection of possible mountain locations is shown on the google map on the left.

Here's the bones of the Mountain Rally Challenge:

Mass start of teams Gumball Rally style from venue near Glasgow, 6am Saturday morning. Teams recieve mountain locations, compulsory border checkpoint locations, and finish venue details at the start.

Pick your route and your mountains - away you go. Climb one or two mountains in Scotland, pass through the border checkpoint into England, climb one or two mountains, pass through border checkpoint into Wales, climb one or two mountains, then proceed to the Mountain Rally finish venue (south end of the country).

The first team to complete the challenge, without any rule violations, wins £1000 cash. Simples.

General Rules & Info:

Teams MUST consist of 2 drivers and 4 climbers. All of the nominated climbers MUST visit each summit, together. Visits to checkpoints and mountain summits MUST be recorded on our Sport Ident timing system. All participants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of the challenge. Teams MUST check-in via text message as required in the event rules.

The winners of the £1000 cash will be the first team to arrive at the finish checkpoint, and clock through the finish control, where their electronic timing device will prove they have:

1: Started correctly at Glasgow.
2: All of the climbers have visited summit checkpoints totaling 3407 metres or more.
3: Have visited both border checkpoints.
4: Still have both drivers.
5: Have been the first valid team to finish at the finish venue.
6: Will have complied with all event rules.

Are you up to the Three Peaks Mountain Rally Challenge?

Coming to the UK, September 2011. Entry £600 per team. First come, first served.

To register an interest and recieve event updates, please email richie@merseyventure.com with '3PM Rally Challenge' in the subject line.

2010-03-23T18:00:00.003Z

Die Hard Trilogy - Three Peaks Challenge

4th & 5th September 2010

Entries are now being invited to all groups wishing to enter the Merseyventure "Die Hard Trilogy", our last open Three Peaks Challenge event for 2010.

Teams must consist of at least 4 to 6 walkers, with two drivers who won't be taking part in the mountain walking sections. You are welcome to use this as a charity fundraising event, but note we don not require any fundraising from you. Our other Open Challenge events for 2010 are now mostly fully booked. However, to encourage you to use our new online entries system we will offer your team an Early Bird discount of £149 if you pay in full before 1st June 2010.

Die Hard Trilogy Three Peaks Challenge online entry

Die Hard Trilogy Three Peaks Challenge website

Three Peaks Challenge Facebook Group

Three Peaks Challenge updates via Twitter

General Three Peaks Challenge information

Good luck, stay safe - hope to see you in 2010..!

2010-03-21T16:25:00.004Z

Facebook Group reaches 900 members...

Our help and advice group on Facebook has now reached over 900 members, many of whom have completed the challenge previously. The group is free to join, and is updated at regular intervals. Walkers interested in both the National Three Peaks Challenge (Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon) and the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge (Pen-Y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough) will find news items, links, events and lots of advice which will be useful.

Three Peaks Challenge Facebook Group

You can also get updates via Twitter @ richieev, or Twitter at mersey_venture - we also have a news feed for our own events at Twitter @ openthreepeaks.

Click here for our Open Bus & Open Three Peaks Challenge website.

Stay safe out there,

Richie..

2010-03-09T00:55:00.004Z

Nothing to do with the Three Peaks Challenge...

OK, this is completly off topic, but I hope you take the time to read this post. Many of you will have young families, or will know friends or family with young family members. Recently I was invited to attend a number of training courses with the Police in regard to online child protection.

In my job, I work with lots and lots of young people, and also work with IT and emerging technologies - yes, as well as team building and outdoor education..!

The training course showed me how young people are targeted and groomed by, let's just say, older and less desirable people. And just how easy it is for these people to befriend and groom our children, using social media and networks, gaming sites, and various other online activities which you may not even know your young relatives are part of.

After seeing a few reports on the news today in which young people were very sadly killed by these people after grooming online, I would hope you are able to take the time to visit the website linked below:

http://www.ceop.gov.uk/

Stay safe on the hills

Keep your family safe on the internet

Richie..

2010-03-09T00:19:00.002Z

Open Bus Three Peaks Challenge 2010

Since 2000, Merseyventure have been organising Open Bus Challenges for literally hundreds of walkers who want to attempt the national Three Peaks Challenge - but don't have enough other willing friends to make up a group themselves.

For the first few years, we used our faithful Bongo Bus - which although being retired in 2005 is still going strong, and can often be seen camped up in north Wales, Derbyshire or the Lakes...

The concept of the 'Open Bus Three Peaks Challenge' was not unique, but the event name 'Open Bus' and 'Bongo Bus' were synonymous with Merseyventure. Our groups knew they were going to get honest, reliable, professional service - with a humerous and knowledgable crew with a real 'can do' ethos.

A huge amount of our clients were (are very much still are) referred from previous challengers that had used our services. Unfortunately, we have never been very much into visual promotion (despite MANY companies and clients advising us we should promote ourselves with logo's, corporate uniforms, vehicle livery, etc) and as such until you hop aboard the bus and meet the staff - you wouldn't know we were there...!!!

The image above is from a private event for Coca-Cola UK in October 2009 - can you see our corporate image on vehicle, driver, or mountain staff? Enough said...

As we don't advertise, our main point of contact is from our website: http://users.tinyonline.co.uk/richieev/tp/ which is shown high on the Google listings for Three Peaks Challenge.

Recently, we have been recieving more and more complaints from people that have booked a space on an 'Open Bus Three Peaks Challenge' only to be sadly let down on the event itself, or when waiting to be collected from the airport. Well - it's not us..! Every complaint has led back to other companies 'selling' Open Bus Three Peaks Challenges, then over booking, not turning up, having no drivers, having sad old vehicles with no VOSA licence, etc...

The vast majority of popular weekends for our Three Peaks services are now nearly fully booked for 2010, but if you want to book an authentic Open Bus Three Peaks Challenge, from Merseyventure - then please ensure you book it with us....!

Email me at richie@merseyventure.com and don't fill in online forms which send your details off into hyperspace - these are nothing to do with us.

We have VOSA and local authority licensed vehicles and professional drivers, qualified and insured mountain guides, and trained support staff. We have 10 years of experience, and we won't let you down.

Often copied - never bettered.

Check our other website at: http://open-three-peaks-challenge-2009.weebly.com/index.html

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Mersey_Venture

Please don't be the next person to send me an email complaining about a service which has nothing to do with Merseyventure :-(

Richie..

2010-01-25T00:33:00.003Z

Three Peaks Challenge 2010

A strange old year so far....

Merseyventure have been organising Three Peaks Challenges since 2000, and suddenly in 2010 someone has decided to try and steal our identity... 'Open Bus Challenges' , Merseyventure on Twitter, Merseyventure.org.uk plus other URL's....

I suppose identity theft could be flattery? Unfortunately I know this group offer very poor events, most of which don't even have any legal transport insurance, and have a number of complaints from thier previous clients. The website is 90% Google revenue, 10% information, most of which found from other sources.

Anyhow - we still offer the very best value packages to private, corporate and charity groups. We have a vast range of events for you to enter, or can organise a bespoke event for your group.

Please just send an email to: richie@merseyventure.com

2010-01-01T22:34:00.004Z

THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE

Top Ten Tips for Drivers

3 PEAKS DRIVING - TOP 10 TIPS

With years of Three Peaks Challenge experience, please accept our following safety advice for an enjoyable challenge:

1. DO NOT try to drive and walk. Get at least one, preferably two, dedicated drivers who will not be climbing the mountains. NEWS Most organised events will require two drivers as a condition of entry. If you end up driving and walking, and are involved in a crash, you may well be prosecuted for a variety of driving offences (it does happen)!

2. Take a 20 minute break between Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike. This should be used to sort kit, freshen up, get fuel, get hot food/drinks. Gretna Services on the M74 is ideal. Forgetting to fuel up here can lead to disaster later on, especially if time is getting short.

3. Sort food and drinks for both walkers and drivers. Taking some simple cooking equipment and a few hot water flasks will help keep everyone fed and watered. Don't simply rely on catering outlets (McDonalds, chip shop, 24 hour motorway services) as they are not always serving food!

4. Get the right size of vehicle for your group. You should leave plenty of space to relax and spread out, store your kit and food supplies. As a rough guide, unless you have lots of stowage space, try to leave a third of seats empty ie,. 15 seat minibus = 10 passengers maximum.

5. Check driver insurance and licence entitlement, especially if hiring a vehicle. Minibus drivers must have D1 catagory and are normally required to be over 25 and under 70 for insurance purposes.

6. Don't speed to save time..! There are a number of fixed position safety traffic cameras on the suggested driving route, and regular speed traps on the M6 Cumbria and M74 Scotland. Unmarked police cars and motorcycles patrol the A82, and north Wales police have frequent speed and safety campaigns on the A55 Coastal Road. You are warned..!

7. Be flexible with your route. During a 450 mile journey you are bound to encounter some delays, slow moving vehicles, or roadworks which were not predicted. Matrix signs are in operation on the main routes which give early warning of accidents, delays, or road diversions.

8. Use a Satnav AND road map. The satnav gives a good estimated time of arrival at your next mountain, and can be a great help getting back on track if you take the odd wrong turn or two. The road map is the best way to decide upon alternative routes to avoid delays.

9. Check the internet and the forum for up-to-date information regarding any roadworks or road closures. The driving route has three sets of long-term ongoing roadworks (as at November 2009).

10. When approaching each mountain, take care as roads are narrow, beware of sheep on the roads, slow over cattle grids and over hump backed bridges, dip headlamps when near farms, cottages, and campsites, park considerately in authorised areas - don't block access.

Visit us on Facebook for up-to-date driving route information and advice.

Stay safe - Richie...

2009-12-20T23:56:00.002Z

The Three Peaks Challenge:

Christmas Shopping List...

Dear Santa, as I will be attempting the 3 Peaks Challenge in 2010 for charity, please help me enjoy a safe and comfortable challenge by putting the following items in my stocking... :-) The items are in no particular order, but I've included a price guide and 1 to 5 star rating of importance...

1. TREKKING POLES (**): A luxury item which will benefit those with any ankle or knee problems. Can be a pain having to get out, then stow away, and can add some difficulty when traversing styles or kissing gates, but overall - they are a great addition for many walkers. Should be used well before your challenge, as they will use muscles you may not be aware you owned..! Anywhere from £20 per pair to £100 a pair.

2. WALKING SOCKS (****): Quality walking socks will make your challenge a whole lot more comfortable, and hopefully ward off any blisters... You need a fresh pair for each mountain, and any good walking shop will advise on the best available. £10 to £15 a pair.

3. ORDNANCE SURVEY MAPS (*****): OK, not the most stimulating Christmas present, but every team should have an OS map at 1:25,000 scale of each mountain. And, yes, you should know how to read it...! Get the most up-to-date version, and if you can afford it - get the laminated maps. From around £6 to £15 per map.

4. CAR SATNAV (*****): I'm sure most people can at least beg or borrow a Satnav? If you don't have one, it's a great investment if you go out and about in your car. You can even try Geocaching with it..! Remember to use our Driving Directions to input the best route into your new satnav. From around £100 upwards. Or from around £15k if it comes with a car :-)

5. BIVVY BAG (*****): Hey guys, for around a fiver, this could save your life. Just a big plastic bag that you can crawl into to be protected from all of those nasty elements the weather can chuck at you. A must have for EVERY Three Peaks Challenge walker - infact, every walker... From £5 at any walking shop.

More to follow....

2009-11-02T22:02:00.005Z

Three Peaks of Yorkshire

Are you thinking about trying to climb Pen-Y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough - the Three Peaks of Yorkshire - in 2010? The challenge in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales is often attempted for charity, or is used as a training event for the national Three Peaks.

Are you starting to plan your challenge for next year? Well, here's our top five links and info snippits to help you, and inspire you...

What time are you aiming for? Most people accept that the challenge should be completed in under 12 hours, and if you base your time on an average walking pace (including ascent times) then a time of around 10.5 hours can be achieved, although this does not allow for any comfort or food stops. However, the Three Peaks record is currently a little under 2.5 hours..! YES, people do run it...
Do you use trekking poles? Hiking poles be be a great help on longer walks, and especially over steep climbs or long descents. But if you have never used poles before, they can cause all kinds of problems for you. Get some top advice before you go by reading this useful webpage from Plas-Y-Brenin.
What about the weather? Will you need suntan lotion, sunglasses and lots of extra water to stop you from de-hydrating? Or will you need gloves, scarf, and extra warm clothing? Check the weather here before you go.
Sure you know the route? Have a good read through the Three Peaks route before your challenge so you know what to expect... Sometimes it's not as obvious as you hoped it would be, and the map doesn't show everything. Don't get lost on the moss...
Need some help? Checkout our Facebook Three Peaks Group, and get some help from other people that have already completed the challenge. Get the pro's and con's from them...

Good luck - stay safe out there...

2009-10-11T12:10:00.003Z

Three Peaks Challenge
Snowdon - Top 10 Tips

Here's a few tips to help with your challenge planning when tackling what for most people, will be the final mountain - Snowdon. This advice assumes you will have already completed Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis. These Top Tips should help - be prepared..!

1. Stay on the A55 for as long as possible..! This means staying on the 70mph dual-carriageway until the Bangor turn off. Llanberis is signposted from this point. Although the route via Capel Curig is slightly shorter, it is a much slower road, and overtaking slow vehicles or caravans, etc., is difficult.

2. Watch out for speed cameras. The Llanberis Pass and Nant Peris are often targeted by mobile speed traps, and it is known for teams to be fined twice, once going up the pass, once coming down. The speed limit at Nant Peris is 30mph.

3. Use the facilities at Nant Peris. This is a small car park halfway up the Llanberis Pass. It has basic toilet facilities. Your team should stop here to get ready to start walking, as often the Pen-Y-Pass car park is full, with very restricted stopping.

4. Phones at Pen-Y-Pass. There is no mobile phone coverage from Pen-Y-Pass, so you cannot contact your team until they are near the summit, and the drivers are below Nant Peris. The Cafe and Youth Hostel at Pen-Y-Pass both have payphones.

5. Shortest Route. The shortest route to the summit is the Pyg Track. This is quite a narrow path, and consists of short steps in places. The 'easier' option for weary legs is the Miners Track. Both have a steep climb towards the end.

6. Will the summit cafe be open? Check here for the latest details.

7. Can our friends meet us at the summit on the train? Possibly, but bear in mind that they can only stay at the summit for 1 hour, trains may not go to the summit if it's windy, and apart from that, it costs £25 per ticket..!

8. How long will Snowdon take? Most teams should be aiming for a target time of around 4 hours. The record, however, from Llanberis to the summit and back down to Llanberis (some 10 miles) is 1 hour 2 minutes..!

9. Footpaths and tracks. Generally, the paths and tracks are very easy to follow, with little navigation required. This assumes a clear day, normally with plenty of other people on the mountain. In poor weather, poor visibility, and in the winter, Snowdon becomes a much more serious outing. Each year many walkers and climbers are caught out on Snowdon, with some being killed.

10. Take plenty of food and drinks with you. As this is the final mountain for most people, teams often forget to replenish food and drinks in their rucksacs - just when your body needs it most. Don't rely on the summit cafe being open - but then again, remember to take some money incase it is..!

Good luck, stay safe.

2009-10-03T21:37:00.003Z

Three Peaks Training Courses 2010.

Merseyventure have announced dates for a series of 3 Peaks Challenge training courses for 2010. As ever, these events are free to enter for Team Leaders taking part in Merseyventure Challenges, and discounted by 50% for other team members. Those not taking part in Merseyventure events are more than welcome to attend, and prices start from just £35 per person.

This is your opportunity to visit the areas before your challenge, find out where to park, where to walk, what facilities are available, how difficult it may be to locate in the dark, and of course - what it's actually like to walk...

You will be accompanied by very experienced Merseyventure staff and mountain guides, who have completed the challenge many times. You will be able to ask any questions about navigation, safety, planning, etc., and we will show you all of the important navigational features, tip and tricks.

We also offer the option of a guided night-time ascent of Scafell Pike - well worth attending if you are going to be arriving at 2am on your Three Peaks Challenge. This can be a very disorientating area in poor visibility.

Dates are:

Ben Nevis - 2nd - 5th April 2010
Scafell Pike - 10th - 11th April 2010
Snowdon - 27th - 28th March 2010

For more details, please visit Merseyventure Three Peaks Training Events.

2009-08-09T06:01:00.000Z

Merseyventure Challenge Series: Provisional 2010 Events

We aim to offer a programme of events which will appeal to all of our previous clients, and of course - to new, private, corporate and charity groups, and individuals. We have kept our prices as low as possible, and hope you will find an event of interest below:

(Please note all dates and prices are still provisional at this time...)

20-21 February 2010: Winter Skills Course - Fort William

27-28 February 2010: Winter Skills Course - Fort William

6-7 March 2010: Winter Three Peaks Challenge

13-14 March 2010: Winter Three Peaks Challenge

27-28 March 2010: Snowdon Training Days - Llanberis

2-5 April 2010: Ben Nevis Training Days - Fort William

10-11 April 2010: Scafell Pike Training Days - Wasdale

17 April 2010: Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge

24-25 April 2010: Open Bus Three Peaks Challenge

1-3 May 2010: 48 Hour Adventure Challenge - TBC

8-9 May 2010: Spring Stroller Three Peaks Challenge

15 May 2010: Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge

22-23 May 2010: Open Bus Three Peaks Challenge

12-13 June 2010: Open Bus Three Peaks Challenge

19 June 2010: Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge

25-26 June 2010: Corporate Three Peaks Challenge

10-11 July 2010: Open Bus Three Peaks Challenge

17 July 2010: Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge

24-25 July 2010: Open Bus Three Peaks Challenge

14 August 2010: Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge

21-22 August 2010: Open Bus Three Peaks Challenge

4-5 September 2010: Die Hard Trilogy Three Peaks Challenge

11-19 September 2010: West Highland Way Challenge

25-26 September 2010: Open Bus Three Peaks Challenge

Prices:

Winter Skills Course - £120 per person

Winter Three Peaks - £499 per person

Snowdon Training Days - from £35 per person

Ben Nevis Training Days - from £50 per person

Scafell Pike Training Days - from £35 per person

Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge - £120 per team of four

Open Bus Challenge - £329 per person

Spring Stroller - £849 per team

Corporate Team Challenge - £1100 per team

Die Hard Trilogy - £849 per team

West Highland Way - £699 per person

These are by far the best prices you will find anywhere, and our customer satisfaction is second to none. Some events include accommodation, transport and food - others do not. Please see event information when available to see what is, and what is not, included.

To pre-book any of these events (all 2009 events were over-booked) please email richie@merseyventure.com for further details.

2009-07-19T21:39:00.002Z

Busy, busy, busy...

Sorry for the lack of posts since May. June and July are traditionaly our busiest months, and 2009 has showed no signs of slowing down. We've had over 1,000 people taking part in our challenges - Open Bus Challenges, Yorkshire Three Peaks, Corporate Team Challenge, and some training and navigation events - as well as the private and bespoke events.

Around 50% of teams are telling us that they have heard about Merseyventure from a friend or colleague that has recommended us. Brilliant..! If you've had a good time on one of our events - please spread the word :-)

Below is a video of our latest Open Bus Three Peaks Challenge, where 14 intrepid walkers successfully completed the national Three Peaks Challenge. A 45 minute delay at Stirling meant the sub-24 hour challenge was not possible, but without this delay the entire team would have beat the 24 hour objective - very impressive.

2009-05-25T09:36:00.003Z

Youth Cancer Trust Teams Complete 3 Peaks Challenge

On Saturday 24th May 2009, 5 teams assembled at the Chase The Wild Goose Hostel in Banavie, nr Fort William, to register for the Youth Cancer Trust - Three Peaks Challenge.

The Challenge is to climb, and travel between, the highest UK mountains of Ben Nevis (Scotland), Scafell Pike (England) and Snowdon (Wales), all within a continuous strictly timed schedule of around 24 hours. The challenge involves driving some 480 miles between the peaks, walking some 26 miles, and climbing over 10,000 feet.

Teams represented Scottish Widows, Barclays, CHF Creative, Cuddles Day Nursey and Nigel Bradley entered a team made up from his company and it's suppliers.

The forcast was for heavy rain and strong winds on Ben Nevis, but improving as the event developed and moved south. The prediction proved true, with all teams getting a soaking on the Ben, with a mixture of snow and hailstones waiting for teams on the summit area, with deep slush and snow remaining underfoot from the winter.

All teams completed the Ben Nevis climb on target, and swiftly headed off to Wasdale for the next climb - Scafell Pike. The conditions here were much more inviting, but having to climb and navigate in the dark, with only the clear skies and stars to help, careful navigation was important to ensure teams did not stray off the prescribed route. Latter teams were treated to an impressive Lake District sunrise.

Teams then started the final drive to Llanberis, Snowdonia, for the last of the Three Peaks - Snowdon. The sun was now shining, and tired teams needed to ensure they had plenty of liquids available for this climb up a very popular and busy mountain. Temperatures of 73 degrees were recorded at the finish, the Heights Hotel, in Llanberis, where drivers and support teams would await their walkers.

After just 23 hours and 45 minutes after starting the Ben Nevis climb, the first team arrived at the finish - WELL DONE..! Within a few hours all other teams had successfully completed the challenge, and also raised a huge amount of much needed funds for the Youth Cancer Trust.

Many thanks to everyone who took part, and helped acheive so much during this weekend.

Richie..

2009-05-17T21:43:00.005Z

What a strange year this is turning out to be..!

From a frighteningly slow start, we're now busier than ever. Perhaps with the financial uncertainty we are all facing, and the pound falling to 1:1 with the euro, everyone has decided to stay in the UK?

We've had some sad losses from our team and family, but we've now got some new additions too. Even though they may be leaving us for some 3 months to do voluntary work in India..! You train the staff then they go to work for someone else for no pay? Bizarre... ;-) You're only young once I suppose. Good luck Amy.

Our Three Peaks events are running week to week, with some midweek events too.

During the Spring Stroller 3 Peaks Challenge, we claim to co-ordinate the very first Lifeboat rescue on Ben Nevis..! A crew from Portishead Lifeboat were taking part in the challenge to raise funds for their voluntary service when they witnessed a walker slipping off the mountain track, and down into a ravine. Their prompt action could well have saved the other walker from at best very serious injuries.

News Article Here

Anyhow, I'm now seconded to organising Princes Trust Personal Development Programmes for young people, Janet is on residetial courses, Amy is getting ready to go to India, and everyone else is running round like the proverbial flies with blue bottoms...

Youth Cancer Trust Three Peaks Challenge is our next event, and you can now see what I'm up to via Twitter - if you really want to know.. http://twitter.com/richieev

Last day off... 26 days ago.
Average working day... 14 hours.
Expenses paid by UK taxpayer... Nil

Perhaps I'll have to still keep paying my own mortgage, cleaning my own moat, and changing my own lightbulbs. But then again... VOTE FOR ME :-) I want to give up work and be an MP.

Richie..

2009-05-04T20:33:00.003Z

Yorkshire Three Peaks - Event Complete..!

A big 'Thank You' to everyone who took part in the Open Challenge Series Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on Saturday 2nd May 2009. A total of 148 walkers started the challenge, and 15 walkers used our recovery service to return early due to fatigue, or minor injury or strains. No serious injuries or losses were recorded during the event, and all walkers were accounted for at the end of the event. Phew..!

Despite the concerns of the event director (me..!) the forcast of heavy downpours never materialised and as the mist cleared from the mountain tops, teams were treated to fantastic panoramic views of Yorkshire. Hull Pot Beck did not go into spate, and most teams enjoyed a reletively smooth passage across the moss - although some participants discovered just how deep some of the bogs were in the moss...

Teams were happy to discover the BBQ underway on their return to the finish at Horton, with the quickest team returning in 6 hours 15 minutes - the slowest in just on 15 hours. I am still amazed by those teams seen running up to checkpoints after some 20 miles of hard slog.

Some teams entered just for the sheer hell of attempting the challenge, whilst others entered to raise funds for local charities or good causes, and one team raised over £5000 for their local charity - well done. Our Open Challenge events have no fundraising comittment, but it's great to see some 60% or teams using this event for fundraising purposes. Thanks.

I'd just like to thank the staff at the Philpin Snack Bar, Susan at the 3 Peaks Bunkbarn, the Golden Lion staff, and the local National Park Rangers for making this event possible.. And of course, thanks to all of the Merseyventure support staff and mountain guides for putting up with me (and YOU..!) with a smile - always a pleasure - never a chore...

But of course, without you - the walkers, this event would not be possible - THANK YOU..!

Photo's will be posted shortly to our Flickr website, and we welcome any photo's you would like us to share. Please email to richie@merseyventure.com

We hope you may want to enter another of our Open Challenge events - details can be found at:

http://open-three-peaks-challenge-2009.weebly.com/

Stay fit - stay safe,

Richie..

2009-03-24T23:48:00.003Z

3 Peaks Challenge - Scafell Pike Training Walks

During the weekend, a number of teams and individuals took part in a series of ntraining and familiarisation events at Wasdale, including basic navigation, a night ascent of Scafell Pike, and a daytime ascent of Scafell Pike.

Conditions were fabulous for the entire weekend, but don't expect such favourable weather when you return for your Three Peaks Challenge... It's very unusual to have such clear and calm weather in this area, and after you all left we experienced high winds and hail stones. The campervan was rocking all night (due to the stormy conditions, lol) and the temperature plumetted.

ANOTHER SCAFELL PIKE DAY ANNOUNCED

Due to demand, we will be organising another guided Scafell Pike ascent, for individuals or groups wishing to see the beast before their challenge. This will be on Saturday 11th April (Easter Saturday) and it's a great excuse to have a short break in the Lake District.

Just £30 per person to enter, £15 per person if taking part in a 2009 Merseyventure Three Peaks event, or FREE if you are the designated Team Leader on one of our challenges.

Full details from the Open Challenge Three Peaks website - just click the link..

2009-03-01T00:55:00.003Z

Three Peaks Challenge Forum.

Are you organising or taking part in a 3 Peaks Challenge in 2009? Have you previously taken part in the challenge? Would you like to get some useful information from people that have completed the challenge - or event organisers that stage many challenges each year?

Perhaps you would like to offer some advice to 'first-timers'.

Our Three Peaks Forum is a place you can visit to get all of the latest news regarding access, road conditions, planned roadworks and route improvements, known event dates and details, charity events, and links for accommodation, transport, and food stops. Do you want to promote your challenge or fundraising webpage?

We also offer a unique 'team finder' service for people looking to join a team - and teams looking for members. Many members are also looking for drivers, or drivers looking to help a team out.

The forum is 100% free, but you must register to post a message.

With some 80-100 visits per day in the very quiet months, this forum has over 1000 visits per day during summer, and is the only active Three Peaks Challenge forum on the internet.

To visit, click the link below:

Three Peaks Challenge Forum

2009-02-12T23:15:00.004Z

Transport for the Three Peaks

Many teams organising their own 3 Peaks Challenge have problems sourcing suitable transport - minibuses or mpv vehicles. Some teams entering organised charity events, such as the NDCS, Fire Service, VSO or Red Cross Three Peaks Challenge events find that they have no minibus, and no willing drivers...

Recent changes to the law regarding driver experience and qualifications, driver hours, minibus speed limits, etc., can make this whole subject a nightmare for anyone organising a 3 Peaks with more than 8 walkers.

Minibus rental companies that previously used to allow collection at Glasgow Airport, and return at a London branch no longer allow the minibuses to be returned outside of Scotland - which has caused huge problems for many team organisers. Other, more local rental or hire companies will now restrict rental to 250 miles per day, with an excess payable on any excess mileage which can easily add some £400 to a minibus rental for a south-east based group.

When Merseyventure started offering a 'transport only' service in 2000, the cost was a little under £600 including all fuel, parking charges, vehicle and driver - for up to 5 walkers. Sadly, these days are well behind us now. And the Bongo Bus is retired, but living out it's final years with a loving family.!
Nearly a decade on, we must jump various hoops to provide this service.

Merseyventure vehicles are now subject to numerous rules and regulations, as are drivers , with vehicle insurance often costing more than the vehicle itself. Vehicles are tested and serviced every 6 weeks regardless of useage.

Unfortunately, this means transport costs to you - the charity walker - have now doubled since 2000. A typical transport service will cost around £1200. Our 'profit margin' has remained the same. However, if you work out the alternatives, we are still pretty comptitive.

4 days minibus hire: £400
1000 miles fuel: £250
Driver accommodation: £50
Driver wages: £300
Not getting lost: Priceless

We can offer transport services for groups of 4 to 40, and we still reckon that not only do we have more experienced and friendly drivers and guides than any other company - but we still offer the best value for money by far. We will price match any other genuine deal - but have never had our quotes tested..!

For example - we can provide a fully qualified and experienced mountain guide for your group of 10, plus a minibus and driver, with collection at Glasgow and drop-off at north Wales or Manchester, for only £160 - that's £160 each..! Other companies charge some £189 each WITHOUT TRANSPORT..!

We offer a place on our Open Challenge Bus at just £299 - that's £100 cheaper than the nearest quote.

For more details, email richie@merseyventure.com

2009-02-06T15:40:00.003Z

Merseyventure Open Challenge Series 2009

Merseyventure are proud to announce that despite the current economic climate, we now have over 70 teams signed up to adventures and challenges in our 2009 Open Challenge Series - teams still willing to raise funds and support charities that are often the first to feel the pinch.

Teams are free to raise funds for any charity and good cause of their own choice, and teams in 2009 will be supporting charities including Act4Africa, Youth Cancer Trust, Mountain Rescue, Anthony Nolan Trust, and many more, smaller, local charities that often find it difficult to attract donations.

The challenges and adventures include the Yorkshire Three Peaks, the national Three Peaks Challenge, the Welsh 3000's Challenge, as well as training and navigation events. Although some events are now full, we still have a number of team places available on various challenges during summer 2009.

For more details, please click the UK map above..!

2009-02-06T11:30:00.001Z

Scafell Pike - Top Tips for the Three Peaks Climb

Scafell Pike - Top Tips

1. Don't underestimate just how difficult this mountain can be when navigating in poor visibility. Pay a visit to the area before your challenge, and have a training walk so you are familiar when you return.

2. Many mistakes are made by trying to return back from the summit too quickly. Steady accurate progress down the mountain is much better than rapid progress in the wrong direction.

3. The paths underfoot are rocky and loose, and very slippery when wet. You will need to cross the Gill if using the route from Wasdale. Always wear walking boots with ankle protection - not training shoes.

4. Always carry a head torch and spare batteries, even if you do not intend to still be on Scafell Pike in the dark. Hi-viz jackets and rear LED lights or glow-sticks are an ideal way to help a team stay together.

5. Groups should stay together in poor visibility. It is very easy to get split up, and even pass each other without realising it. One common reason for failing to complete the challenge within a 24 hour period is time lost searching for team members on Scafell Pike in the dark.

6. Beware of becoming confused by other head torches on the mountain. It is very easy to be drawn towards other teams, only to discover they are lost, or are attempting a different route.

7. Stick to made-up paths, and route with cairns. Once you lose the path underfoot, or lose sight of cairns, it can be difficult and confusing trying to rediscover the correct route. Walking on the fell or grass adds to errosion of the area and should be avoided.

8. If possible, try to remain in contact with your support vehicle, and other team members, by using handheld VHF radios. Mobile phones will not work in the Wasdale or Seathwaite valley - but both do have a public telephone available (credit card may be required).

9. Your team should use the motorway services to have a break, get a hot drink, fuel up your vehicle, use the toilets, dispose of rubbish, fill up water bottles, change maps, sort out your kit and rucsac ready for Scafell Pike. Idealy you should be able to arrive and start walking - Wasdale and Seathwaite have no facilities, no water available, and no street lighting. Arrive fully prepared..!

10. Please respect these quiet and remote locations.

Both areas are sensitive and are surrounded by working farms, campsites, B&B's, etc. Please keep any noise and disruption to an absolute minimum. Arrive quietly and turn your engine and headlights off. Don't slam vehicle doors, play loud music, or shout to each other.

Park considerately in designated parking areas - taking care not to block access for local traffic or Mountain Rescue Services.

Remove all rubbish you create, and use motorway service toilets, not behind walls, trees and bushes..!

Ben Nevis : Scafell Pike : Snowdon : Driving Route : General Information : Gallery : Fitness : Links : Transport : Open Challenge Series 2009

2009-02-02T23:20:00.003Z

New Three Peaks Forum.

Well, I've been trying to find an intergrated forum for some time - and now I've finally found one via weebly. Hopefully this will allow website users to seamlessly get up-to-date advice and information for the Three Peaks, whilst not having to leave the website.

The new forum is only designed for people taking part in one of the Open Challenge Series 2009 events - but hopefully in the future I may be able to find a suitable forum for the national Three Peaks Challenge website too.

Any good ideas?

Richie..

2009-01-11T21:47:00.001Z

The Three Peaks Challenge
with Merseyventure
The Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing the highest peaks of:
Scotland (Ben Nevis - 1344 metres)
England (Scafell Pike - 978 metres)
Wales (Snowdon - 1085 metres)
Our challenge is a continuous attempt, starting at midday on Saturday from Glen Nevis to climb Ben Nevis and not finishing until some 24 hours later when we reach Llanberis after completing Snowdon. By entering one of our challenges, you will be spending a weekend with other like minded people – all with one goal – three peaks..!

For further details, please visit our Three Peaks website.

Challenge Itinerary:
Friday 1200: Minibus departs Liverpool
Friday 1800: Minibus collects Glasgow Intl Airport
Friday 2100: Minibus arrives Fort William
We can arrange accommodation if requested
Saturday 1100: Meet mountain guide and driver
in Fort William for introduction and team safety brief
Saturday 1200: Start Three Peaks Challenge..!
Sunday 1200: End Challenge at Llanberis, north Wales
Sunday 1400: Minibus departs for Liverpool
Sunday 1600: Minibus arrives Liverpool
We can arrange accommodation if requested

Transport is provided for you during the actual challenge itself, from Fort William to Llanberis. You are free to join our transport at our base in Liverpool where we have free, secure parking available, or you can join us at Glasgow or Fort William. We can drop walkers off at Llanberis, Llandudno Junction or Chester – or return you to your car parked at our Liverpool base.

What's Included?
Return transport & Liverpool parking
or collection/drop-off as detailed above.
Transport during the challenge itself.
Qualified & experienced mountain guide.
Experienced & friendly support driver.
Basic hot food and drinks during the challenge.
Emergency & safety equipment.
Medals & certificates for all finishers.

What's Not Included?
Transport to collection point.
Transport home from drop-off point.
Any accommodation.
Food or drinks outside of the challenge itself.

2009 Three Peaks Challenge Dates
15th-17th May 2009
19th-21st June 2009
3rd-5th July 2009
10th-12th July 2009

Cost: £299 per person

Do you want to peak three times in 24 hours with us?
Click for more details about the Three Peaks Challenge

2009-01-04T21:18:00.004Z

Corporate Three Peaks Team Challenge 2009

26th-27th June 2009

Merseyventure are pleased to announce the dates for our Corporate Three Peaks Team Challenge for 2009. Once again, the challenge, as part of our Open Challenge Series, is open to teams from all sectors and charities. This event is limited to a maximum of 15 teams, and has reached full capacity for the previous 8 years.

Teams should consist of 6-8 walkers, and two dedicated drivers that will not be taking any part in the walking.

As in all previous events, this will be a true 24 hour challenge attempt, with teams starting at pre-determined intervals from Glen Nevis - and the clock doesn't stop until your whole team reaches the finish in Llanberis. No waiting around on motorway services - no time outs. This really is the true twenty-foru hour challenge event.

Unlike other charity and corporate challenge events, we do not require a huge entry fee covered by a large fundraising commitment. Many organisers require up to £6.5k for 2009 events. Our team entry fee is just £1000, and we offer discounts for further teams representing the same company or organisation. There is absolutely no fundraising commitment, and no further payment. However, most teams choose to voluntarily raise funds for a charity or good cause as part of their CSR policies.

To download a short Power Point Presentation for the Corporate Team Challenge, please click the following link:

http://open-three-peaks-challenge-2009.weebly.com/uploads/1/2/1/0/1210517/corporate_team_challenge_2009.ppt

The Open Challenge website is at: http://open-three-peaks-challenge-2009.weebly.com/index.html

We hope to see you in 2009...!

2008-12-29T09:45:00.009Z

Top Ten Reasons For Failure

OK. Not really failure, but the top ten reasons for teams not finishing with a sub-24 hour time. These times are worked out from the start of Ben Nevis at Glen Nevis to the end of Snowdon at Llanberis, and are continuous times.

People taking part in large charity organised events may find that the challenge is over some 36 hours, and includes many breaks and time-outs. For example, many charity events will credit each team with a flat 10 hours drive time, when infact very few teams attempting a true 24 hour challenge would get such a quick time...

1. A member of the team simply wasn't fit enough. Highly frustrating when 5 out of the 6 walkers are very fit and enthusiastic. A large number of teams will take 7 hours+ on Ben Nevis because one of the team is totally unfit and unprepared, holding the entire team back. Remember that training AS A TEAM before the three peaks will help resolve any such issues. Click the link for Training & Fitness Advice.

2. A member of the team gets injured. Unfortunately accidents do happen, and a simple slip, trip or fall can result in a painful if not serious injury, slowing an otherwise fit and determined team. The only advice here is to take things steady and carefully especially on the first two mountains. You have a long way to go...!

3. Wasting time at transitions. Our schedule allows no time for the transition between the mountain and the road. Simply stopping to use the toilets, get dry, change your cloths, have a drink, get something to eat, etc., can easily waste 45 minutes. I've watched teams put in a sub-5 hour time on Ben Nevis, then fumble around for over an hour before leaving. Over the entire challenge, this can easily add 2-3 hours to your time - and you will find every minute counts... Make sure your transition is well rehearsed and slick - it should't take more than 10 minutes.

4. Stopping too long on the mountains. The walking times don't include any time for stopping to take photographs, eating butties on the summit, waiting around at various intervals for people to adjust their clothing... Keep small items of food to nibble on in your pockets. Have waterproofs, hat and gloves handy in the top of your rucsac, and keep your camera ready for action. Your team should be moving 99% of the time whilst on the mountain.

5. Getting lost on Scafell Pike. In poor weather conditions, with poor visibility, many teams will make serious navigational errors on Scafell Pike. The key here is taking your time and getting it right first time. Pre-challenge training at Scafell Pike makes a great team training day, and very few teams familiar with the mountain have problems during the three peaks.

6. Running out of fuel. Surprisingly, a number of teams in 2008 lost time because they failed to fuel up at the recommended locations hoping to complete the 450 mile route on a single tank of fuel. Although about 70% of the route is on motorway or dual-carriageway, the section through the Lake District uses a huge amount of fuel, and 24 hour filling stations can be difficult to locate later on...

7. Traffic & road accidents. Some teams were unlucky enough to get caught in long delays caused by road accidents on the motorway. Unfortunately, if you get caught between the site of the accident and the last exit, you are stuck there until the police re-open the motorway. Watch the overhead matrix signs for any trouble ahead, and adjust you route as required.

8. Getting lost by satnav. Our driving instructions detail how to programme your sat nav to direct you on the most suitable route. Minibuses will be lucky to get across the Wrynose and Hardknott Passes, and one sat nav suggested a team try to get a ferry...!?!?

9. General weather conditions. 2008 was a horrendous year for summer weather, with two events requiring a foul weather route to be introduced for safety reasons. Obviously very much out of your hands, just make sure you have enough suitable foul weather gear to remain comfortable and safe on the mountains.

10. Helping other walkers. Sadly, 2008 saw two teams stopping to assist other (unrelated) groups where one of the walkers was in serious trouble on the mountain, both turning out to be fatal incidents. Each team waited for up to 3 hours for mountain rescue whilst assisting the injured party, and effectively ended their own chances of finishing within a 24 hour time, but in the knowledge they had done all they could to help.

Good luck,

Richie..

2008-12-27T00:52:00.005Z

Brand New 2009 Merseyventure Website.

We are proud to announce our new Three Peaks & Adventure website for 2009. The new website has some introductions to the staff at Merseyventure, and details (including Flickr galleries and YouTube videos) of some previous charity and corporate Merseyventure challenge and adventure events.

http://www.merseyventure.org

Best wishes to all blog readers for Christmas, and we wish you a proserous 2009.

Richie..

2008-12-17T22:16:00.004Z

Three Peaks Challenge Blog.

Frequently asked questions.

Question: What's the weather like on Ben Nevis in the summer?

Answer Below:

2008-12-12T12:51:00.006Z

Open Challenge Series 2009

Three Peaks Challenge & Training

Full dates for the 2009 Open Challenge Series are now available, and entries for the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, Spring Stroller, and Corporate Team Challenge are now open.

Remember that in this unique series of challenge events, there is absolutely no fundraising commitment or pledge require to enter - leaving you free to raise any funds you may wish for any charity or good cause of your choice. This is ideal for teams that want the comradery and competition of taking part in an organised event, with all of the safety and support in place, without any fundraising conditions.

Our entry fees are low, from £25 per person on the Yorkshire Three Peaks, from £30 per serson on our Safety Training Days, and from £800 per team on the National Three Peaks Challenges.

Teams have previously used our events to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities that are of special interest to them. For a year of fundraising activities, why not take part in the Team Training in March, complete the Yorkshire 3 Peaks in May, then attempt a national Three Peaks Challenge in the summer?

Full details of the events are below:

Open Challenge Series 2009 Website

The Open Challenge Series 2009 includes the following events:

WASDALE TRAINING DAYS: 21-22 March 2009
Two separate training and familiarisation days for anyone taking part in a 3 Peaks Challenge in 2009. Team leaders from teams entered into our Open Challenge Series events are invited free of charge. Other team members at 50% discount. Please email for further details.

THREE PEAKS OF YORKSHIRE: 2 May 2009
Ideal training event for anyone attempting the national Three Peaks. Teams of 4, start anytime from 7-8am, bunkhouse and camping available at venue, Sport Ident timing, £100 per team of 4 walkers. Details here.

SPRING STROLLER: 9-10 May 2009
The first of our Open Challenge Three Peaks events. Teams of 4-6 walkers plus 2 drivers. A popular event - but expect some snow to still be on Ben Nevis..! £800 per team.

CORPORATE TEAM CHALLENGE: 26-27 June 2009
Ideal for teams representing larger companies, organisations or charities. Includes a team challenge option for those wishing to prove their team skills and win the Corporate Cups! Teams of 6-8 walkers plus 2 drivers. Evening entertainment at the finish venue. More details.

LATE SHIFT CHALLENGE: 19-20 July 2009
This event is held over Sunday/Monday for those that work shifts. Popular with service industry and emergency service teams. 4-6 walkers plus 2 drivers. Good light conditions for Scafell Pike..! Details.

DIE HARD TRILOGY: 5-6 September 2009
The hardest of all our Three Peaks with short daylight hours and less predictable weather conditions. Ideal for more experienced teams of 4-6 walkers and 2 drivers. More details.

2008-12-12T01:37:00.002Z

Act4Africa Comedy Gig

Jo Brand & Friends

After my last few blog postings regarding charity fundraising, I thought I would share with you a very enjoyable night out from last week... We had been invited to the Act4Africa World Aids Days Comedy Gig at the Comedy Store in Manchester.

As it's now nearly 2am, I won't go into detail, but it was a fantastic night, and great to meet up with some old friends, Lily, Martin Big Pig, Jo... The whole event was a huge success, the sell-out gig attracted over 500 people, and all of the acts (Jo Brand, Martin Bigpig, Ava Vida, and Alex Boardman) all giving their time and effort for no charge.

Many thanks to all of the staff, volunteers, and comedians - as well as the paying public - for supporting Act4Africa and their great work.

For a detailed report from the event organiser, please see Lily's news report on the Act4Africa website.

2008-11-28T17:29:00.004Z

Three Peaks Fundraising.

Part Three - Some Ideas.

Hopefully, after reading Parts 1 & 2 of my fundraising guide in this Three Peaks Blog, you will have good idea of how you can successfully approach prospective supporters and realise that their valuable support will come via one of two means (or perhaps both!):

1. Money donation or pledge to add to your fundraising total (remember that donations made by private individuals can attract 28% tax bonus, but you MUST get their name and address).

2. Payment in kind. This could range from offers of free or vastly reduced prices for services, provision of goods - clothing, equipment, petrol, vehicles, etc.

All payments in kind should be noted in your fundraising outcome, and the suppliers should be promoted in all event materials.

Attracting money donations:

* Sponsor Forms * A simple and well known way of trying to get sponsorship. Simple A4 printed sheets with a short description of your challenge and fundraising effort. Leave space for sponsors name, address, department, etc., and the amount they wish to donate - then send around your place of work and hope for the best..!

* Online Sponsorship * Also easy to set up, and tax bonus is added automatically. You can add links to your website, and the charity, and people can see how your fundraising effort is going. Add the URL to your email sig and get emailing..!

* Supermarket Bag Packing * If allowed by your local supermarket, arrange a few 'bag packing' days. Have fundraising material and publicity information available, wear your event T shirts, and start packing bags at the checkout with a bucket available for people to drop donations in.

* Car Boot Sale * Between your group you should be able to amount a lot of items which could be sold at a car boot sale. Apart from the early start, these can be good fun, and remembering to take your T shirts and information you may get some donations too.

* Race/Quiz Nights * Organising a fundraising Race or Quiz Night at your local pub can raise a fair amount of money, depending upon the prizes you have on offer. Also good fun..!

* Guess Our Time * Most teams will be aiming to complete the Three Peaks in under 24 hours. Get someone (or the organiser) to provide you with an official time that you complete the challenge in. Find a suitable sponsor prize (ie, bottle of whiskey, vouchers, any interesting item donated to your fundraising cause) and make some sponsor sheets with space for a predicted total time. Each sponsor will guess your total time, and after you've completed the challenge, the sponsor guessing the nearest eventual time wins the prize..!

* Car Wash * Organising a car wash in a suitable location (ie, supermarket car park, fire station, etc) is a good way to raise funds, promote your challenge, and also a good way to get all of the team involved. It may be better to ask for donations rather than give a set price for each car or van washed. Remember to give out information about your challenge to drivers.

* BBQ * Another fun way of promoting your event. Remember to include a quiz, and a raffle or tombola too.

* Treasure Hunt * On foot, by bike, or in cars. Needs a lot of preparation, but can be very popular. Give out a series of clues leading the teams to answers and further clues. First team back with most correct answers wins. £5 per team entry, with prizes for winners.

Payment in kind:

You are looking for items and services which will help reduce the overall cost of actually staging your event. Friends and family may well already have good business contacts that may wish to help you - just ask around. Other than that, you will need to approach potential sponsors as previously described.

Some items and services that will help you are:

A feature in your local paper
Printing and design
T Shirts and logos
Medals and certificates
Food supplies from a supermarket
Energy drinks
Instant meals
Flasks, cooking equipment
Walking clothing
Maps and guide books
Compass, GPS, head torches
Walking poles, rucsacs,
Vehicle hire/rental
Fuel
Other transport (flights, trains)
Accommodation

Remember that you are much more likely to find smaller, local sponsors to help with these items, and they should be included in all challenge promotion material, and especially any media stories or press releases.

GOOD LUCK,

Richie..

2008-11-20T16:26:00.002Z

Three Peaks Challenge
Fundraising Tips

Part Two

The image on the left is members of Honiton & District Round Table presenting a cheque to the Force Cancer Charity. Many smaller, more local charities find it hard to promote their needs via any kind of national event - so why not consider raising funds for your local charity rather than a huge national or international one? Remember, charity begins at home...

1. Agree which charity you all want to raise funds for. It may be possible that you want to raise money for more than one charity or good cause, and you should establish before you begin how you intend to split the funds once collected after the Three Peaks. This could be a simple percentage split (ie 25% to A, 75% to B) or else you could have a target for A, with any excess going to B. Example: £3000 target to buy a scanner for A charity, then any further amount raised to go to Mountain Rescue.

2. Approach the charity with your fundraising idea and see what their reaction is. You must get their permission to use any logo or branding before you begin, and it's good practice to get their support before starting any event promotion. They may well be able to put you in the right direction of supporters that may be able to help with organisation, press releases, vehicle hire, sponsorship, 3 peaks accommodation, etc.

3. Be aware of fundraising restrictions imposed either by the charity, or by law. For example, some charities may have fundraising policies which may restrict who they can accept donations from, and local authorities may require a street collections licence for any street or door-to-door collecting.

4. Once this is all set up and agreed, get some branding for your team. Simple T shirts with a Three Peaks and charity logo are ideal, and look great at fundraising events - it also shows you are serious. Printed T shirts are widely available from just a few pound each. Getting some posters and fliers are a great way to increase interest in your Three Peaks event too.

5. Set up a free fundraising webpage. Some popular online fundraising websites include www.justgiving.com and www.bmycharity.com - these are both simple and easy to set up - but take the time to make your page informative and attractive. Add a good picture, an interesting description of the charity and your Three Peaks Challenge, and a thank you message. Remember that private individuals will be able to give an extra 28% if they use tax efficient fundraising.

6. Add your fundraising webpage URL to your email sig, and include it in all sponsorship letters and information fliers.

7. Set up a fundraising and Three Peaks Challenge Blog. This is a simple and effective way to let everyone know all about yourselves, about the charity, and about the Three Peaks. Blogs are very simple to set up, most are free, and you can update them a lot more easily than trying to keep a website up-to-date and fresh. Encourage people to leave comments and messages of support. Link you blog to your fundraising webpage.

8. Organise a press release for your local newspaper, let everyone at work know what you are doing, and also see if you can generate any interest via local radio and TV.

9. Selling small unwanted items for charity via eBay can also help raise a small amount of cash, but can also help promote your fundraising page and your Three Peaks Challenge itself. Remember to include this information on your auction item page.

10. Lastly, set realistic targets. It's better to smash your fundraising target months before your challenge, rather than getting to within a week away and still only having raised 5% of your webpage target. Times are hard at the moment, and people don't have a lot of spare cash - trying to raise £5000 this year will be extremely difficult...!

Part Three, Fundraising Ideas, will be posted shortly.

Good luck..!

2008-11-15T01:09:00.004Z

Three Peaks Challenge

Mountain Guided - or Self-guided?

Unlike many other Three Peaks Challenge providers, we offer a transport only, self-guided option which can save walkers literally thousands of pounds. However, walkers should be confident of their team leaders organisational and navigational abilities before opting for a transport only event.

Even if a group opt for a transport only event, Merseyventure are more than willing to provide sound advice regarding all aspects of this mountain challenge, and are frequently 'gob-smacked' when groups choose to totally disregard this advice.

A recent group opted to attempt the challenge in winter, self-guided, stating that the more challenging the weather, the better... The group was advised that winter conditions may seriously slow them down, but they intended to go ahead regardless. The group paid a substantial amount to have vehicle support with two drivers, and with final drop-off back in London.

We were amazed to see that despite all of our warnings regarding the possible conditions, some of the team appeared at the start wearing training shoes. Many of the team had borrowed items of clothing, much of which was completely unsuitable for this challenge, at this time of year.

After some 90 minutes of walking on Ben Nevis, the group decided to abandon the entire Three Peaks Challenge and return to London. The group leader declared in his blog that they reached 900 metres before turning back for safety reasons, and another walker wrote that they could see the summit but needed to turn back because of the conditions (it was pitch dark so I don't understand how he saw the summit).

The decision to abandon Ben Nevis was undoubtably the best decision on the grounds of group safety, but this was more to do with the incompetence of the group, the group leader and the standard of kit rather than the weather conditions on Ben Nevis. They simply should never have been there.

One of the group downloaded tracklog details onto Google Earth, and this shows that the group progressed to the Halfway Lochan (Loch Meall an t-Suidhe) at around 550 metres, before bearing left and starting to descend to the CIC climbing hut. Had the group continued, they would have inevitably required rescue/collection from the north side of Ben Nevis/Torlundy.

The moral of this story?

If you are going to splash out some 2 grand or so for transport, then unless you are 110% sure of your abilty, why not spend an extra £300 or so for a professional, qualified, experienced mountain guide to ensure you don't give up after 90 minutes?

2008-11-12T21:30:00.006Z

Three Peaks Blog

"Fundraising for your 3 Peaks Challenge - Part 1"

The vast majority of Three Peaks Challenges involve some element of charitable fundraising, and my next few Blog entries will try to address some of the issues surrounding a successful fundraising effort. The first question you need to ask yourself is why you are even considering embarking on a challenge fundraising effort?

1. You have a friend or relative that has been involved in a tragic incident, and now they, or their remaining friends and family, have expressed an interest in helping out by raising funds to either help the people involved, or help other people who are in a similar situation in the future.

2. You were going to do the challenge anyway, but think it would be a great opportunity to try and raise some funds for a charity or good cause at the same time.

3. You've entered a charity organised event with some friends or colleagues, and the charity requires you to raise £xxx amount of funds just to take part.

If your answer is similar to #1 above, then you probably don't really care how much you raise - the more the better - but just organising and completing the challenge shows your support. If you've answered #2, then again, the more the better, but as you were going to attempt the challenge anyhow the fundraising is not too important. If #3 was the best answer for you, then unless you have any real interest in the charity concerned, you probably just want to reach the required fundraising limit then call it a day.

Those taking part in a larger charity organised event where a large fundraising commitment is required just to take part may find that other teams taking part in the same event representing corporate organisations have in fact undertaken no fundraising whatsoever. Many larger organisations and companies will simply pay the full fundraising and write it off as commitment to their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme and use the event (rightly) as a team building weekend. Hard to accept if you've spent 9 months washing cars, packing bags in Tesco's and auctioning all of your 80's clothing on eBay :-)

So why is it important to understand why 'YOU' want to raise money? Well, because it's also just as important to understand why potential sponsors may want to support 'YOU' in your fundraising efforts....

Who would I give money to, and why? I'm a business, a private individual, and also a Trustee on a charity board, so I guess I can offer a selection of answers.

As an individual it would help greatly if I knew you. If not, I would want some reassurance that your fundraising was genuine, that you were actually going to do the event, and that the money was actually going to arrive in the charities In tray. To reassure me, I'd like to see something official, with the charity logo, details of the challenge, challenge dates, and some kind of contact - email, phone number, webpage, etc. It would be nice to get the promise of some follow-up feedback after the challenge, either posted to me or emailed to me. If my donation had the chance of some return (ie. a raffle or quiz) I'd be inclined to give more.

As a business, I would see the whole process more as an investment rather than a donation. Why should I give you £500 rather than employ someone for a week and support them and their family? Because you will bring some business return which will enable me to employ someone for a longer period... I would want to see my details and logo prominently displayed in all publicity materials, mentioned in any press reports, and featured on your website. I would want my logo clearly displayed in all of the photo's which you take during the challenge, and would expect a large bank of quality images to be emailed to me after the challenge, along with a trip report.

As a charity Trustee, we would endeavour to supply all of the above..!

What turns sponsors away from you... "We are doing a sponsored trek to Everest Base Camp and need to raise £x amount for X charity. Can you help sponsor us?". When on closer insection the website reveals that infact this is just a free trip to Everest Base Camp for the team, with the remaining funds going to the charity. Especially if the charity has a high outlay for staff, fundraising activities and promotions, and a low amount of funds actually being spent on the core issues.

You can check on a charities turnover, internal expenses and outlay by visiting the Charity Commission Register at:

http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/ShowCharity/RegisterOfCharities/RegisterHomePage.aspx

Part 2 of this 3 Peaks Fundraising Guide will be online shortly...

2008-11-06T23:18:00.003Z

Charity Challenges & The Credit Crunch

As you may imagine, everything we are involved with has come to a grinding halt. The cheapest business loan we were offered for a new vehicle was at 15.5%. Our last loan was at some 7%. The next best offer was at a higher APR, but it was a 'Buy one, get one free' deal - honestly..!

We deal with a large number of other service providers and everyone is complaining that trade has just stopped. Dead. Nothing in the pipeline, nothing on the books. A number of provisional bookings for 2009 have been cancelled. At the moment only the legal trade, and HM Revenue & Customs seem to be trading as usual...

We also deal with a large number of charities (our number 2 after Corporate clients) who are complaining that charitable giving is the first thing to stop in a recession. This is indeed quite true, but then the charity fundraisers do try to extract every last penny from supporters, as most fundraisers are only paid on results. It's mainly the smaller charities where the actual percentage of the fundraising pound goes to the people intended - and not the huge deduction for advertising, administration, expenses, etc...

Well, how does this affect you?

In 2006, we had 6 team entries from a huge organisation that had used the Three Peaks Challenge as a Team Building event, a Public Relations event, a tax write off, and an event which fulfilled their Corporate Social Responsibility statements. Previously they had entered a large charity event, paying some £6000 per team entered (as charity fundraising) and everyone was happy. Then the funds ran out. By entering our Open Challenge Series Corporate Team Challenge - they saved some £30,000 and were still able to make a sizable donation to local Mountain Rescue services - thus fulfilling their CSR programme.

Three Peaks on the cheap...

You can still convince your employers that you can complete this challenge with minimum financial support from your employers, with maximum PR exposure...

1. Enter our Open Challenge Series - from only £800 per team.

2. Get transport sorted. Many local hire companies will be willing to provide use of a minibus if they get some advertising and PR in return. Promise loads of images, and get your challenge into the local rag. Make the hire company logo prominent on all images.

3. Approach Asda, Tesco and Morrisons for free or discounted food and fuel. Some teams have previously organised free food from McDonalds. It's out there - just chase it..! Remember to let your sponsor know what THEY will get in return.

4. Raise your own funds. Car boot sales, pub race nights, car washes, raffles and kareoke - it all adds up.

5. Other local busineses. Don't neglect other small businesses in your area. They can help support even the largest corporate organisation if given the chance.

Remember to include all supporters in all press releases, and invite them to the finish.

2008-11-05T00:51:00.003Z

Weather To Cancel?

Following on from the OMM media hype story, it may be worth noting that during the OMM weekend of 25/26 October, we had two groups of walkers in the mountains.

The first group was a self-guided group of 10 attempting the Three Peaks Challenge. They were 'training' for a future expedition to one of the Everest Base Camps (not sure which one). When booking the transport, I explained it may not be a good idea due to the winter weather conditions, but was told "the more challenging the conditions the better!" OK, fine.

The second group was a small group simply wanting to be led up Scafell Pike from Wasdale, and get some navigation practice and good advice from one of our mountain staff before attempting the 3 Peaks next year. No problem. The weather was indeed challenging, with very heavy rain, 90 mph gusts of wind, and rivers in spate. This introduced a great opportunity to demonstrate safe river crossings (in a group), as well as where to find shelter, how to pick safe routes, etc., and the group made the summit - if somewhat cold and wet.

The parking and access at Wasdale was not too bad, and the group departed safely - no-where near as bad as Seathwaite was shown in the media.

Meanwhile, the self-led group in Scotland, training for Everest, spent 3 hours battling their way up to the halfway lochan, calling it a day and returning 2 hours later back to the minibus. Although having spent a couple of thousand pounds organising their training challenge, their clothes were now soaked and they decided to call it a day, wanting to return straight back to London.

It never ceases to amaze me how some self-guided groups will set themselves up to fail, despite all of the information and advice given, whilst spending literally thousands of pounds in the process...!

I hope it doesn't rain when they arrive at Everest. It's a long way home.

2008-11-02T12:22:00.010Z

What's doing a Three Peaks Challenge REALLY like?

There are numerous Three Peaks websites, plenty of corporate webpage reports, and frequent news reports in the media - normally just stating what the Three Peaks Challenge consists of, who took part, when the event took place, and how much money was raised for a charity or good cause. Apart from some of the great trip reports on our Three Peaks Challenge Forum, there's not an awful lot on the internet that lets you have a feel of exactly what it's like to attempt the challenge itself.

Now and again, I will come across a superb write-up of a teams endeavours which sums up a typical challenge event. Over 4th & 5th August 2007, Clive Miller, along with his team of family and friends, completed the challenge in aid of Multiple Sclerosis and the British Heart Foundation - raising some £3,500.

His trip report is in .pdf format, and is located on the MS website HERE. This witty and entertaining report is well worth reading if planning a challenge, and also worth reading if you've taken part in a challenge, either one of our organised events, or your own Three Peaks. Clive states "If you have already participated in a similar effort, I suspect you will find much to nod knowingly about in this essay. If you hope to complete the challenge in the future, I hope this provides you and your team with a practical insight."

Clive sums up the challenge by saying "we found it a sobering, exiting, exhausting and entertaining weekend." His report includes details of driving a 17 seat minibus, how the back wheels can jump over the pavement, and how it can seem so much wider than a car when meeting wagons and coaches coming in the opposite direction...

He explains how cold it can be on the summit of Ben Nevis, and how quickly you get cold further down the mountain just stopping for a few moments whilst slower walkers catch up. What happens when your chosen driving route is closed, and how wet your feet get when crossing Lingmel Gill...

Great reading, enjoy..!

2008-10-26T09:50:00.004Z

Mountain Marathon Organisers Irresponisble?

The weekend has seen a frenzy of media interest in the Original Mountain Marathon (OMM) which some of you may know as the Karrimor. The BBC website this morning leads with "1700 runners still unaccounted for", explaining that mountain rescue services and police have been searching all night, with an RAF helicoptor now joining the search. The media have been desparate to find local residents and participants willing to critisise to organisers (with the event previously being described as a 'charity event').

Apart from quoting the odd phrase from one or two from completely ill-informed locals, I'm glad to say that most people have supported the organisers. A few runners have even stated that they would have been happy to continue the mountain marathon through to it's Day 2 completion.

Although some of the reporting content is now starting to reveal the actual standard and experience of those taking part in the marathon, the sensationalism used in initial reports can only have caused some worry and distress to partners, friends and family of the 1,500 or so teams taking part.

However, they should remain assured that everyone taking part in the event will, at the very least, be a seasoned fell walker or mountaineer. Most will be very able fell runners, and those in the Elite Classes will need a proven track record before their entry is even considered.

I have competed in two previous Karrimor events (KIMM) where the weather conditions were simply appalling - Galloway, and the Howling Howgills. In both of these events we were unable to complete the course (although many other runners did) and we retired from the event.

All teams are self-sufficient, well equipped and experienced, and expect to spend a night at a wild camp location (that's part of the event) so organisers are not too concerned if a team fails to check-in at the official overnight camp. The team will have simply wild camped. Teams would not expect anyone to come looking for them. These are not newcomers to the mountains, and most would be horrified to image mountain rescue teams and helicoptors were out looking for them.

The team from OMM had already instigated the foul weather 'Short Course' which would avoid routes over any dangerous river crossings, and allow extra time for teams to arrive at the overnight campsite. The weather forecasts may have been very poor, but it has become standard practise for these forecasts to err strongly on the side of over-estimating severity of winds and rain, possibly due to previous errors... On numerous occassions we have been alerted to severe weather warnings, when nothing more that a short downpour has appeared. If all events were cancelled due to what can be wildly exagerated forecasts, we would rarely see such mountain marathon events actually take place.

And that would be a very sad day...

2008-10-18T08:44:00.005Z

Three Peaks Challenge

Top Tips

(Organising Your Own Challenge)

To enjoy a safe, low impact, successful challenge, you must be prepared to put in some time and effort before the event to ensure that you have the required level of fitness and experience, the right kit suitable for the conditions you may encounter, and the right vehicle and drivers for safe and comfortable transport. You should have completed at least 2 or 3 mountain days together, as a team, so that you are aware of each others stregths and weaknesses - and you need to agree on a plan of action should one of your team become slightly injured, or not be as fit as they thought - thus slowing the team considerably. Remember - not sticking together on the mountains can lead to disaster..!

1. Group Experience, Fitness and Training: Spend some time together, as a group, walking and navigating in the mountains. You can increase your mountain fitness, get used to foul weather conditions, try out new items of kit, improve your navigation, but most importantly - see how you work together as a group. Anyone a bit slower than the others should not simply be left at the back, as this can cause resentment and extra fatigue throughout the group. Keep swapping places, and ensure the pace and rest breaks are suitable for everyone. On the challenge you MUST stay together whilst on the mountains, especially in darkness or poor visibility. A suggested fitness training programme can be found here.

2. Navigation: Ben Nevis and Snowdon are relatively straight-forward in terms of navigation. Paths are well established, and in good, clear conditions should not pose any real problems, assuming you have good basic navigational skills. Extra care should be taken on the summit plateau of Ben Nevis which may be covered in snow well into the summer (summit map and information here), and groups using the Pyg Track on Snowdon should ensure they don't stray onto Crib Goch. Scafell Pike, however, presents walkers with many more problems - especially in darkness and/or mist. It is highly recommended that you take a dry run on Scafell Pike before you attempt the challenge. If in doubt, employ a mountain guide.

3. Get The Right Equipment: Our seasons now are only determined by the temperature of the rain! You need clothing and equipment for all weathers - just select what you need on the day. It is very possible to encounter sub-zero temperatures and near arctic conditions on Ben Nevis on Saturday, heavy rain and high winds during the night at Scafell Pike, then hot and dry conditions to finish with on Snowdon. Take plenty of fresh base layers, underwear and socks, and something comfortable to travel in. Walking boots are essential - don't even think about training shoes. You should always have a bivvy bag, some extra food, and a head torch with spare batteries in your rucksack, even if you expect to finish in daylight. A full kit list can be found here.

4. Transport: During the challenge you will spend some 11 hours and over 450 miles in your vehicle, trying to get some sleep, so it's important you use something big enough to be able to spread out, and store all of your kit. 5 people in a Ford Fiesta is not comfy. As a guide for larger groups, try to leave some 25-30% or seats free, ie. 15 seater minibus = 11 people maximum. If hiring a minibus, bear in mind most are now restricted to 62mph, your driver will need D1 catagory on their licence, and some hire companies will charge a mileage excess. You MUST have at least one driver (ideally two) that will not be taking part in the walking. Have breakdown cover, check you've got a servicable spare wheel, wheel brace and jack, don't run out of fuel!

5. Accommodation: Getting a goods night sleep before the challenge helps significantly, and stopping over after the challenge allows everyone to enjoy a celebratory drink without worrying about the long drive home. Fort William and Llanberis both have a large selection of campsites, hostels, bunkhouses, B&B's, Guest Houses and Hotels. Book early, especially around the school holidays, and for the end of June when many people choose to attempt their challenge. Some links to help find accommodation can be found here.

6. Group Safety: Leave your driver with a list of contact details, and emergency contacts for each walker. They should know your intended routes and any summit ETA's, plus the time you should arrive back at the vehicle. Agree a plan of action should you not return by a certain time, and if no contact between the group/driver is possible. A mixture of mobile phones and VHF radios can help maintain contact - just remember that batteries do fail, signals are lost, and radios have lots of 'dead' spots. Any group should have enough first aid, safety and emergency equipment to remain 'comfortably' on the mountain for at least a few hours during night-time.

7. Food: You need to formulate a good plan for getting food! Many people simply opt for leaving a cooker and some flasks with the driver so they have a supply of hot water, then eat instant meals, soups, tea, coffee, etc., supplemented with sandwishes, cold pasta, crisps, nuts, fruit, energy bars, etc. Others opt to make use of the chip shop, McDonnalds, motorway services, etc., en-route. You will need a lot of water, especially during the summer if the weather is warm, and we suggest around 5 litres per person. Supplies can be purchased from the Morrisons or Tesco Metro in Fort William.

8. Setting The Dates: The end of June gives the longest daylight hours, and the shortest periods of darkness. It is possible to organise your challenge so that you do not have to walk any mountain in the dark at this time. However, this is also by far the busiest time of year for the challenge, and you certainly won't be alone. Check the internet for dates of large organised events, and try to avoid these dates. If possible, use mid-week or a staggered weekend (ie, Fri/Sat or Sun/Mon) rather than the weekend itself. For dates either side of the summer (April, October) you may well find that you have to walk two mountains in the dark.

9. Standby Team Members: Inevitably, out of the 10 people who agreed to take on the challenge (when you suggested it in the pub) some were never really going to attempt it, some just are not fit enough, some will get injured or be unwell, and some won't be able to get the time off work. Get some financial committment up front, and don't book accommodation, etc., until you have some money from them! One or two members may still pull out very close to the date for genuinne reasons, so try to have a standby walker and driver ready and waiting. Don't be tempted to share the driving between the walkers if your driver drops out - have a standby ready...!!!

10. Finally: Do some research on the places you will visit, the routes you will walk and the roads you will drive on. Be aware of the sensitivities of the communities you pass through remembering hundreds of other people may have driven or walked past just hours before you. Get up-to-date information about roadworks, traffic delays, weather reports, path diversions and have alternative plans in place - Be Ready and Stay Safe. Good Luck.

2008-10-14T21:33:00.005Z

Merseyventure Staff complete Three Peaks Challenge in 22:48 hours.

Anyone who has taken part in a Merseyventure Challenge Event will be familiar with the staff who organise parking, put up and take down tents, wait for hours in appaling weather at remote checkpoints, or drive you for hours then cook you a meal in the back of the minibus... Well, some of the Merseyventure staff decided they wanted to have a go at the Three Peaks Challenge just to see how hard it really was to complete within a 24 hour period. So after lots of planning, begging and borrowing, with dates set well outside of the June/July comfort zone, they were ready to attempt the challenge.

Carl, Tony, Keith, Peter, and Lee - along with Merseyventure Events Director, Richie Evered, departed Liverpool at 10.30am on Saturday 11th October. An hour later, they were back in Liverpool to collect Tony's walking boots. Deciding that any other items of forgotten kit would be purchased in Fort William, they set off once again.

A good night was spent entertaining the locals in Fort William, and the staff at the Bank Street Lodge are still fumigating our room. Sorry about that...

Weather forecasts for the Ben looked good, and we started our challenge from the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre at 0915 hours, reaching the summit after 2.5 hours. Great weather gave us good conditions to descend the mountain easily in 1.5 hours, giving a total mountain time of just 4 hours. I was impressed. A quick transition from mountain to minibus had us on the road in under 15 minutes - vital to keeping your challenge on track. Many teams lose hard earned time here by faffing around with things that can be done on the move.

Lee had organised flasks of boiling hot water, enabling everyone to carefully prepare Pot Noodles and Cup-A-Soups on the road. Despite our 62mph limited minibus, and some traffic delays, we arrived at Gretna Services in good time for a coffee and a quick wash whilst Lee juiced up the Transit with derv. Another quick turn-around and we were heading into Cumbria.

We arrived in Wasdale after just 5 hours and 57 minutes on the road, which proves my drive time of 6 hours with a 15 minute comfort/fuel break is possible without breaking any speed limits (although a lot of luck IS involved).

Scafell Pike proved to be problematic, as ever. Dry at Wasdale, the ground itself was wet and extremely slippery, mist was down to the Hollow Stones level. We noticed a few head torches heading into Mickeldore, before vanishing into the mist. We had problems with navigation in the very poor visibility, but with the aid of a GPS saved a lot of time otherwise spent on map and compass work.

Descent was more of a controlled slip/slide/fall than a downhill walk. Don't under-estimate how difficult this path is to descend when wet... Think of an F1 car on slicks aquaplaning for 2.5 miles.

We returned to Lee after 3.5 hours, and hit the road straight away. No more breaks, we arrived at Pen-Y-Pass around 0430 and hit the Miners Track straight away. Rain and wind battered us as we walked up the Miners Track, and visibility once again became a problem well before we met the zig-zags at Glaslyn.

Time was lost trying to stay on the footpath, but eventually we reached the summit - cold, wet and tired. During our descent into Llanberis we met three walkers - the guys we had seen on Scafell Pike - heading up the Llanberis Route to the summit. A quick chat and best wishes were all we could offer in the poor conditions.

We arrived safely in Llanberis, and stopped the clock at the Snowdon Mountain Railway station - 22 hours 48 minutes. Well done everybody...!

2008-10-08T23:42:00.003Z

The New Bongo Bus
After the sad retirement of the original Bongo Bus in late 2006, we have now replaced it with the 'All New' Moncayo 3 berth campervan for smaller Three Peaks Challenge teams and support teams. This is now in use as a staff welfare and support vehicle, and will be seen on most challenge and adventure events during 2009. With toilet, shower, cooker, fridge, bed, etc., it will make the ideal support vehicle for the more remote challenge controls and checkpoints.

And if you are organising an event - it may be of interest to you too..! This vehicle is available to hire, collect & return Liverpool Airport, from only £400 for a challenge weekend. That's unlimited mileage, collect 1000 hours Friday, return 1000 hours Monday, for the same price as a minibus.

For more details, see www.merseyventure.com/campervan

For smaller teams, this van offers some real luxury during their Three Peaks or similar challenge, and with a powerful 2.8 diesel turbo engine, won't slow you down. Challengers can eat, drink, get changed and relax whilst on the road, rather than trying to get sorted before cramming themselves into a Ford Fiesta for 6 hours.

Comes complete with VHF radio comms, full driving route details, satnav, and even medals and certificates on your return...!

2008-10-06T22:01:00.003Z

Three Peaks Challenge walkers rescue Snowdon Man...

From www.daily-post.co.uk

Oct 4 2008 by Owen R Hughes, Daily Post

A WALKER wearing trainers and no coat slept the night on the summit of Snowdon in sub-zero temperatures – and nearly died as a result. The 40-year-old was found unconscious and with severe frostbite yesterday morning, huddled in the doorway of the new summit cafe, covered in snow.

The leader of a mountain rescue team said last night the man only survived thanks to luck and the “spectacular work” of three climbers who found him. The three were undertaking the Three Peaks Challenge and spotted the man, from Manchester, at around 7.45am He was unconscious and the walkers immediately placed him in a survival bag and wrapped him in their spare clothes. One of the party then raced down the mountain until he was able to get a signal on his mobile phone. He raised the alarm with Llanberis Mountain Rescue.

The three were helped by staff on the Snowdon Mountain Railway Train to revive him.
He was taken into the cafe where rescuers tried to give him food and get him to sip water.
The man was then carried on to the train which descended to the halfway point on Snowdon.
He was then winched up by the RAF rescue helicopter and transferred to Ysbyty Gwynedd suffering from hypothermia and severe frostbite to his feet.

A spokesman for RAF Valley’s 22 Squadron said: “When we arrived he was in a serious condition and barely conscious but did improve on the short trip to Ysbyty Gwynedd.”
Llanberis team spokesman Ian Henderson said: “He is a very lucky man, it was only the spectacular work of those who found him that means he is still alive.
“It is unbelievable that he spent a night on Snowdon, below freezing and in 60mph winds, dressed in trainers and everyday clothes.”

“The Three Peaks walkers saw what they thought was rubbish buried in snow by the door of the new summit cafe. When they looked closer they saw it was a man buried in the snow.
“When they called us we contacted Snowdon Mountain Railway and just by chance they already had a train going up to the summit taking people up for an inspection of the cafe.”

When the train arrived staff helped get the man into the cafe, which is due to open next spring. They tried to get him to sip water and eat small amounts of food.
Mr Henderson added: “They were concerned about his condition and saw he needed medical attention.”

2008-10-05T23:28:00.003Z

Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge

A number of Merseyventure drivers, volunteers and general support staff stated that they would like to attempt the national Three Peaks Challenge - just so they knew the pain of those teams tackling the challenge... Fair comment, I thought, but these support staff would need some training first, so I organised a Yorkshire Three Peaks Training Weekend for 4th October (after all organised challenges had finished).

Great, with only 11 hours daylight hours, severe weather warnings for high winds and flooding - we set out from Horton-In-Ribblesdale at 7.45am, amazingly following numerous other groups of Three Peaks Challenge walkers. Who else would attempt this challenge at this time of year?

After 1 hour of walking, we had over-taken around 30 people, and reached the summit of Pen-Y-Ghent, with the rain and winds still behind us. As we descended to the Moss, and left the Pennine Way, the weather overtook us, and full water-proofs and winter clothing were the order of the day from now on.

The beck above Hull Pot was still crossable, but after this, everything we encountered was completely flooded - footpaths, bridleways, tracks, roads, rivers... The rain was very heavy and unrelenting, the strong winds blowing the rain 'up' your waterproofs. EVERYTHING got soaked. Goretex of no use now.

We reached the drinks van at Ribblehead ahead of schedule, but the queue was large, and hypothermia started to set in whilst queing to get served, so we had a short sandwich stop then carried on towards Whernside. Hands and fingers were numb after only 10 minutes, and trying to put gloves back on was a huge problem.

Reached Whernside summit ahead of schedule - with extreme weather battering down on us, we travelled straight past the trig point and descended out of the storm to find all paths and roads completely flooded by now.

The Hill Inn was very tempting, and the amount of rucksacks parked outside suggested a few walkers had given in to temptation. We stormed past, and started our ascent of Ingleborough. This final climb makes you pay for every step, and tired legs will suffer here. The final section is a very steep series of steps leading onto the summit plateau.

With the summit in deep mountain mist, down to around 10 metres, some careful navigation was required. After a 10 minute rest at the summit, we navigated our way down to the Horton path, with a group of lost walkers in tow. Once on the correct path, navigation is pretty straightforward.

However, a number of people have commented to me that the numeric fingerposts on the way down are completely wrong, with a distance of 1.5miles being shown when they think it should be double this distance.. I had considered the distance to be 'roughly' correct, so I decided to check using modern technology...!

Even when you’ve reached the top of Ingleborough you still have another five miles to go to return to the café. And on the way ignore a weathered finger-post which says it’s one-and-a-half miles to Horton-in-Ribblesdale.
It’s not, it’s probably about double that. Back at the café you can clock back in as long as you registered with them before you left.

The first fingerpost states 'Horton - 1.5 miles'. The distance to Horton Station is actually 1.7 miles. Many people think this is more like 3 or 4 miles. However, you should remember that individuals have just walked some 24 miles. so 1 mile now seems a lot further than it did after just 2 or 3 miles into the challenge some 10 hours ago, the route has a lot of 'false summits' and gentle uphill sections which add to the illusion, and the wet and muddy path underfoot slows progress considerably - compared to tarmac or hardpack tracks.

Anyhow, we successfully returned to Horton, just to find the village in total darkness - severe weather had caused a power outage, with pub cellars flooded, no mobile transmitters working, and fire engines trying to pump out flooded buildings.

I told everyone this was wet.

We are all now fully prepared for horrendous conditions during our full national Three Peaks Challenge next weekend. Check back here for a progress report..!

2008-09-23T22:52:00.002Z

Three Peaks Challenge - Die Hard Trilogy

27th to 28th of September will see another 14 teams attempt a Merseyventure Three Peaks Challenge - climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon, hopefully within a 24 hour period. The Die Hard Trilogy is probably the hardest of our Three Peaks Challenge Open Series - with 50% darkness during the challenge period. Although winter conditions are possible at this time of year in Scotland, the weather forcast is good with a large high pressure system sitting over the UK. Perhaps a few light breezes, and light rain with very cold nights, but not a bad forcast all considered.

The teams come from a variety of backgrounds, from sports clubs, works teams, army teams and charity entries to groups of friends and walking buddies. Teams are raising funds for 8 different charities, mostly smaller, local charities rather than the larger international fundraisers.

Merseyventure Open Challenge events are unique in the fact we do not insist on any fundraising commitment - you just pay one simple entry fee to cover the cost of the event - no further fundraising is demanded.

Our next event is the Spring Stroller Three Peaks Challenge, 9th & 10th May 2009. Entry fee is £800 per team, and entry is via our Online Entry System. More details HERE.

2008-09-17T22:22:00.002Z

World Firefighters Games 08 - MTB Race - Llandegla Forest - Wrexham

Merseyventure were proud to organise the MTB Event for the WFG08 on 2nd September 2008, held under UCI and British Cycling rules at Llandegla Forest, north Wales. Over 120 mountain bikers from as far away as Australia took part in the race, as well as other cycling events including time trials, road race, roller print and triathlon.

The race was held over various surfaces including hardpack, forset ride, muddy singletrack and some quite technical sections, although severve weather warnings from a few days before the event required some re-routing to avoid areas that would not drain quickly after heavy rain.

As it went, the rain on the day was only short, but heavy bursts, and the chosen course faired very well with cyclists completing 3 laps of the 10km course.

Realtime results were delivered by Mikrotime Sports Results, and are available on their website HERE.

Merseyventure once again proved their ability to deliver high quality sporting and challenge events, to a high international standard, on a totally bespoke basis. If you are looking for an events organiser for your event - just get in touch..!

2008-09-09T23:37:00.001Z

Three Peaks Challenge - Spring Stroller 2009

The 2009 Spring Stroller will be held over 9th & 10th May 2009.

Team entry fee will be the same as 2008, £800, and remember there is no further fundraising commitment or registration fees. You are, of course, free to raise funds for any charity or good cause close to your heart, and in 2008 we estimate nearly £1million pounds was raised by teams taking part in our challenges..! This all goes directly to the charities concerned - and not through Merseyventure. 2009 will see the introduction of an online entry system - so first come - first served. For more details, please see: http://www.merseyventure.com/openchallenge08/threepeakschallenge.htm
See you in 2009?
Richie..

2008-06-28T11:35:00.004Z

Mountain Rescue Teams Under Pressure...Below is an article regarding the work of the Mountain Rescue Teams, and the pressure they are under to try and find sources of funding. MRT are not financed by any government or local authority, and rely solely on their own fundraising efforts or donations from the public.

We have set up a Just Giving Webpage to try and raise £5000 for Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team by Christmas 2009. Please consider making a small donation - thanks..!

"Funding Call To Peak Challengers" BBC.

2008-06-23T07:30:00.003Z

Youth Cancer Trust

3 Peaks Challenge

21-22 June 2008

A big 'well done' to all of the teams which completed the Youth Cancer Trust 3 Peaks Challenge this weekend. Horrendous weather conditions on Scafell Pike saw numerous rescues by Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team, thankfully none concerning YCT or Merseyventure. The decision was made to implement the foul weather route, and all teams visiting Scafell Pike were safely tracked up and down the mountain by our support staff.

Praise also goes to the 'Orthoplods' who gave up their chance to fully complete the Challenge after assisting an injured walker off Ben Nevis.

Out of the eighteen teams entered, eighteen registered and started in Scotland, sixteen visited all checkpoints, one visited Ben Nevis and Snowdon checkpoints, and one retired after Ben Nevis. All teams raised a huge amount of funds for the Youth Cancer Trust - thank you..!

2007-12-22T21:11:00.000Z

Coleman Open Challenge Series 2008

We are proud to have Coleman Exponents as an Official Sponsor for our 2008 Series of Challenge & Adventure Events.

The Coleman Open Challenge Series 2008 offers 8 Adventure Challenges, ranging from the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to the National UK Three Peaks Challenge, the Welsh 3000's Challenge to Adventure Races in north Wales and northern England.

http://www.merseyventure.com/openchallenge08/

Enter an event and have a goal for getting fit in 2008..!

Event 1: 24/25 May 2008 - Spring Stroller Three Peaks Challenge (Teams of 4-6 walkers plus 2 drivers). 24 hour National Three Peaks.

Event 2: 6/7 June 2008 - Corporate Team Challenge Three Peaks Challenge (Teams of 6-8 walkers plus 2 drivers). 24 hour National Three Peaks.

Event 3: 13/15 June 2008 - Welsh 3000's (14 Peaks) Teams of 4 walkers. 24 hour continuous challenge attempt.

Event 4: 30 June/1 July 2008 - Late Shift Challenge Three Peaks Challenge (Teams of 4-6 walkers plus 2 drivers). 24 hour National Three Peaks.

Event 5: 2 August 2008 - Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge - Solo, or Teams of 4. 24 hour 12 hour Yorkshire Three Peaks.

Event 6: 9/10 August 2008 - Adventure Challenge - north Wales. Canoeing, mountain biking, orienteering, night navigation, trail running/hiking. Solo, pairs, or teams of 4. Adventure Race for all standards including beginners.

Event 7: 27/28 September 2008 - Die Hard Trilogy Three Peaks Challenge (Teams of 4-6 walkers plus 2 drivers). 24 hour National Three Peaks.

Event 8: 4/5 October 2008 - Adventure Challenge - northern England. Canoeing, mountain biking, orienteering, night navigation, trail running/hiking. Solo, pairs, or teams of 4. Adventure Race for all standards including beginners.

http://www.merseyventure.com/openchallenge08/

See you in 2008?

2007-09-24T23:47:00.002Z

3 Peaks Bid Driver On Sleep Crash Rap
21 September 2007

A DAD of two attempting to climb the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales in 24 hours caused an accident after falling asleep at the wheel.

Neil Campbell, 32, smashed into another car in the middle of the Three Peaks Challenge, a court heard. The other driver, Janet Nicholson, suffered head injuries and has been left with short-term memory loss and concentration problems.

After climbing Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike, Campbell was in Cumbria on his way to attempt Snowdonia when he nodded off and his Honda Accord drifted into the oncoming lane.
Campbell, of Blairforge, Kelty, Fife, had been due to stand trial but pled guilty to dangerous driving on July 15 last year at Foxfield. Robert Golinski, prosecuting, said Ms Nicholson had left her home in Kirkby-in-Furness when her car was struck by Campbell. He said: "He came across the white line and collided with Ms Nicholson's car on a bend.

"There was nothing that she could do. She has little recollection of the collision due to the head injuries that she suffered."

He said there could have been a change of drivers or a break. Campbell, the dad of a two-year-old and a three-month-old baby, admitted after the crash: "It was so stupid, I was going to pull in a mile down the road." He was also hurt and his passenger suffered a back injury.

Mark Kellett, defending, said Campbell, who had recently been promoted to divisional manager, was a "responsible, caring individual other than this moment of stupidity".
Recorder Teresa Pepper told Campbell at Preston Crown Court: "I am keen to do justice to all and that includes you."

Sentence was put off until October 19 for background reports and Campbell was bailed.

2007-09-10T21:54:00.000Z

Wasdale (Scafell Pike) Training & Familiarisation Days 2008.

If you are a team leader, or a Three Peaks Challenge event organiser, or are organising your own challenge, then you may be interested in our Wasdale Training & Familiarisation days on Scafell Pike - assuming you will be using this route and not Seathwaite..!

Each year we organise a number of training courses around the Wasdale area, and on Scafell Pike itself. The courses are split into two days over a weekend, and consist of one day doing some basic navigation - both in the classroom and out in the surrounding area - and one day simply walking Scafell Pike from Wasdale, paying careful attention to the navigation problems encountered.

Some people opt to make a full weekend of it and attend both the navigation day on Saturday, then the Scafell Pike walk on Sunday - whereas others just turn up Sunday to familiarise themselves with the route up and down Scafell Pike, which many teams will encounter in the dark on the challenge itself..!

The dates for the first open training weekend in 2008 will be:

Saturday 19th April 2008: Navigation & Three Peaks Planning

Sunday 20th April 2008: Scafell Pike from Wasdale Walk

Saturday 19th April 2008: Navigation & Three Peaks Planning

Cost per person: £60 Course limit: 10 people

Course Itinerary:

1000: Meet at 'The Green', Wasdale. Travel short distance to indoor 'classroom'

1015: Navigation theory & Three Peaks Planning

1200: Short orienteering course, Wasdale valley

1300 - 1400: Lunch at Wasdale (not provided)

1400: Navigation around the Scafell Massif

2000: End of course at the Wasdale Head Inn.

This course includes:

MLTE qualified instructor Indoor 'classroom' for theory work

Coffee breaks whilst in 'classroom'

Laminated A4 map of navigation area

Laminated A4 map of orienteering course

Sport Ident orienteering controls and timekeeping

Challenge handouts and planning information

Use of VHF radio safety comms

Use of emergency group shelters

Not included:

Lunch at Wasdale

Drinks after the course at Wasdale Head Inn

Any accommodation

Notes: This Navigation and Three Peaks Planning Day is designed to help team leaders or event organisers plan a safe and successful Three Peaks Challenge. However, the level of navigation will be very basic, and will be specifically aimed at known navigational problems which may be encountered on a Three Peaks Challenge. It is assumed that people attending will have little previous navigational experience. All navigation will use established tracks, footpaths and bridleways. Theory work will be less than 2 hours, so please do not expect this course to enable you to safely navigate to the summit of K2...

Sunday 20th April 2008: Scafell Pike ascent from Wasdale

Cost per person: £35 Walk limit: 30 people

Walk Itinerary:

1000: Meet at 'The Green', Wasdale. Short safety briefing & kit check.

1020: Depart Wasdale for Scafell Pike summit.

1330: Reach summit, lunch on top.

1700: Return to Wasdale. Drinks at Wasdale Head Inn.

This walk includes:

MLTE qualified instructor (1 per 8 walkers)

Laminated A4 map of navigation area

Laminated Beacon Guide licenced by Harvey Maps.

Use of VHF radio safety comms

Use of emergency group shelters

Not included:

Any food or drinks

Drinks after the course at Wasdale Head Inn

Any accommodation

Notes: This walk will be at slow pace - not a test of fitness and endurance. We will stop at each point of navigational importance, and all walkers will be encouraged to shadow our navigation. You will have plenty of opportunity to discuss the route with our mountain guides, and we will make full use of emergency equipment on the hill. If we reach full capacity (as usual) we will split into smaller groups of 6-8 when on the mountain.

_________________

2007-08-19T00:13:00.000Z

Three Peaks for sale...

Undoubtably, the national 3 Peaks Challenge is a huge opportunity for any corporate to get their name noticed, and for any charity to attract a large amount of sponsorship from willing corporate teams. And we are of course, more than willing to organise an environmentaly sound challenge to suit their needs and demands.

However, we feel that our responsibility extends further, to help educate and inform other groups that may organise their own, independent challenge - and to encourage responsible use of some sensitive mountain areas.

So - we are quite shocked to see websites climbing up the Google search pages that claim to be the 'Official' Three Peaks Challenge websites, offering certificates, medals and other merchendise - with zero input into this somewhat enviromentaly and ecologicaly delicate challenge.

After spending some 10 years trying to educate groups about the effect their challenge may have on local residents, local businesses and tourists - this new website doesn't seem to address any of the locals concerns.

www. national3peaks. co .uk (url split so the website is not promoted from here)!

What do you think?

Richie..

2007-08-14T19:20:00.000Z

Zibrant Reach The Summit Of Scafell Pike

On Friday 3rd August, one team member from each of the teams taking part in the Zibrant Three Peaks Challenge, attended a Training & Familiarisation Day at Wasdale, Cumbria, to get the low down on the local area, and to experience the footpaths of Scafell Pike, the navigational problems around Hollow Stones, and the descent on slippery, rocky paths.

In the morning, the group were split into two smaller groups, one staying indoors to do some classroom and theory work with Johnbo, whilst the other group got to try their plaaning and navigation on an orienteering course around Nether Wasdale.

The orienteering opened some team members eyes, with 50% of all teams returning back late to the finish. Some teams over-estimated their abilities, some forgot to keep a close eye on the time - others simply got lost..! However, everyone returned safely in the end.

After lunch at the Wasdale Head Inn, the heavens opened over Wasdale, and the valley became engulfed by thick mist. The group steadily climbed Scafell Pike, taking time to checkout all of the important path junctions, river crossings and track bends, which would be so useful to find in the dark. The teams also got to use some safety kit, VHF radios, group shelters, and of course - their maps and compasses.

The group safely returned to the Green, Wasdale, within 5 hours of setting off - which is not a bad time at all.

The teams can continue their fitness and mountain training, ready for their challenge over 20/21st September 2007.

For more details, visit http://www.zibrant3peakchallenge.co.uk/home.html

dtjy

2007-08-11T18:31:00.002Z

Act4Africa Challenge Completed..!

A Report on the Challenge from Lesley-Ann Newman:

Ben Nevis

The teams started the climb with fabulous weather although video footage has shown those of us at base camp how cold it was as we viewed teams sliding down from the snow covered peak. Mid afternoon as the weather closed in, Team C were faced with a member of another group of walkers having a heart attack as they descended the mountain. They were stunning in their response as they set about doing all they could to help, with Janice and Seymour electing to stay on the mountain for nearly 2 hours to give CPR and support, trying to give the walker the best chance possible before the helicopter rescue team arrived to take him to hospital. Sadly, inspite of mammoth efforts the man (who was walking with a group of friends from his church) did not survive.

Back at base camp our Mersey Venture ground crew were busy refuelling the teams as they came off the mountain to prepare them to move on to Scafell Pike for the night climb. As the buses loaded up with people and headed down to the Lakes we heard news of bombs at Glasgow airport and the closing of our motorway route back down south. Hasty diversions were agreed as the base camp crew awaited news of members of Team C, still held up on the mountain with the mountain rescue team. By the time the full team were reunited, it was getting very late and the weather was closing in but they elected to carry on and try and catch up with others at Scafell Pike.

Scafell Pike

After a long drive on twisty lanes Team A led the climb up to the summit of Scafell Pike in the early hours of Sunday morning in pretty appalling weather conditions with limited visability. A number of teams had members who had shown up for Mersey Venture's training days on Scafell and their experience came into great use in keeping every one on track in near zero visibility. As the heavens opened and the torrential rain began in earnest, we witnessed mountain rescue teams arriving to try and find walkers who had become separated from teams on other challenges and just prayed that all of ours came back together and in one piece.

Jan, Richie and the back up mountain leader team from Mersey Venture kept us posted of progress and, in no time they had set up the catering tent with an array of gorgeous hot food and snacks on the go to try and revitalise the sodden climbers on their return. By this time, in light of the hold up on Ben Nevis, team C were starting climbing a full 3 hours behind the others but were determined to complete the challenge. The condition of team members at the end of Ben Nevis could not be more diverse with some suffering back and knee problems whilst others nearly skipped across the field (Mr Phil Nichol!) in the rain to claim their bacon butty reward. We worked out that you need a tube of deep heat per 10 participants for this event as necks, knees, ankles and calves were massaged to try and salvage aching muscles in prep for the next mountain. The pain etched on Dave Lee's face as he staggered towards the catering tent with his son Miles made me think this might not have been the kind of father/son bonding experience that he'd hoped for! Before you knew it though, it was time for a complete strip off and change of clothes and all aboard the buses for the journey to Snowdon.

Snowdon

3 Peakers did there best to try and get a bit of shut eye lying prostrate at the back of the minibuses on piles of wet rucksacks or even wedging themselves on the floor in the narrow aisles between bus seats on the journey to Snowdon. Even on 16 seater buses with 8-10 people on each, it's not the easiest thing to get some rest surrounded by dripping waterproofs and piles of climbing gear. The bus drivers did a terrific job in getting everyone from mountain to mountain safely.

As Linda and I traded buses between journeys it was just brilliant to witness the camaraderie and mutual support in the teams. For some of the comedians, it must have just felt like the longest gig ever (the challenge to keep the gags going for 24 hours surely much tougher than the 25 mile hike and 3 mountain climb?) From an outsiders perspective it was great to witness the way all teams bonded and really pulled together to support those who were struggling.

As we clambered off the bus at Snowdon base camp several team members looked like the walking wounded staggering off a battlefield rather than a challenge team off to climb a mountain. This was the final test of endurance, determination, stamina and team spirit. One of our participants admitted to crying every step of the way from half way up Snowdon, the only way that she managed to get to the peak and down again was through counting her steps (repeatedly starting at 1 and finishing at 100) and her team constantly encouraging her and telling her that she could do it.

It was late on Sunday evening when our final team made it back to our hotel rendezvous for a well needed shower and the awards presentations. Martin and Kathy, Act4Africa's founders had driven to be with us to say thank-you personally to every person who had put their heart and soul into this challenge. Personally, the last time I saw such courage, joy and determination demonstrated by so many people was at Mild May Aids Hospice in Kampala, Uganda. Many of the children that Act4Africa works with there have had devastating lives. Many are HIV positive because of child rape, some have lost both parents to Aids and have been born with the disease, some been rejected by their communities or even their families because of their status. Yet they are determined to lead meaningful, positive lives inspite of their conditions. They have such a collective sense of purpose to use the talents that God gave them that I'm sure we at Act4Africa get far more out of spending time with them than they get from spending time with us. Yes, you are surrounded by people who's time on this earth is too short, those who are dying of an entirely preventable disease, BUT there is such a sense of hope, such a sense of purpose, such a sense of achievement thru' their collective experiences.

And that is what I felt yesterday when I said goodbye to each and everyone of you. Don't ever forget what you achieved yesterday. The man who died on Ben Nevis personally reminded me of the fragility of life. It seemed poignant and appropriate that one of our teams, who whilst participating in a challenge which will have raised over £37,000 and will potentially save many thousands of lives, were involved in an attempt to save one life. That our charity is not about dealing with the statistics of Aids. It's about giving every single individual the chance of a future. As I said at the beginning of this email, you will never know, in this life, the difference that you made this weekend.

Bless you. You are amazing.

Lily and all at Act4Africa...... xxxxxxx

2007-04-01T11:35:00.001Z

The No Laughing Matter - Comedians Three Peaks Challenge

- On June 30th and July 1st a bunch of comedians from the UK circuit will be attempting to climb the three highest peaks in Britain. These three peaks are Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in the Lake District, and Mount Snowdon in Wales.To make it more exciting and challenging they have to complete the climb of all three within 24 hours. It involves about 25 miles of walking, over 3,000 metres of ascent and about 11 hours of driving time.

Why are we doing it?

Well we just thought it would be a bit of a laugh of course. But the event is also being run as a fundraiser for Act4Africa. They work in Tanzania and Uganda to provide relief to AIDS victims and their orphaned children along with the equally important task of running educational programs to teach people how to avoid AIDS in the first place.

Who is involved and how do we find out more?

The No Laughing Matter comedians have their own website including photos and video clips of their preparations for the big weekend. You can also find links on the site to learn more about Act4Africa and hopefully support our efforts by even making a donation to sponsor us if you can. We have had a goal set for us of raising £1000 per comedian which of course if achieved will be a huge amount of support to the AIDS victims in Africa.

- Find out more about The Comedians Three Peaks Challenge on our website -

http://www.rexboyd.co.uk/no_laughing_matter Also, if you want to make yourself feel a lot better by giving a donation to make the world a better place, then be sure to click on the "DONATE" link which will take you to the Act4Africa site.

If you are able to make a donation then please could you also send an email to http://uk.f260.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=Act4africa@aol.com&YY=51193&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0 saying how much you've given on behalf of the comedians. This will help to let the charity keep track of our goal.

2007-03-26T21:36:00.000Z

Winter Three Peaks Challenge

Having a small team of willing volunteers assembled, the extremely mild weather during early March had lulled me into a false sense of security - the Winter Challenge was looking more likely to be a Spring Stroller. Considering the sudden winter weather conditions encountered at the end of April 06 during a Wasdale Familiarisation Day, I should have known better.

5 days before the challenge, weather reports started to indicate a band of very cold, arctic weather, sweeping right across the country from the north-west. The worst of the weather was due to hit Saturday afternoon, coming in to Scotland, and travelling south through the evening.

By the time of the challenge itself, the reports had pushed the worse weather back to Saturday evening through to Sunday. The team were advised, and the ice axes and crampons were put back in the Tourneo, along with a shovel, tow-rope, blankets and jump leads...

Travelling to Fort William on Friday evening was easy enough, and although the weather was not too inviting, neither was it showing signs of arctic conditions. Our Winter ML, Gary, gave the group plenty of advice about the challenge, and any foul weather encountered, and a rundown of the use of the axes and crampons.

An early check of the weather reports on Saturday morning led to the decision for an early start, in an attempt to stay ahead of the weather front. Our team started out on Ben Nevis in good conditions at 10am. I went for a short walk up to the Steall ruins, and visited a favourite geocache there...

On my return to the minibus, the weather took a dive, with winds gaining strength and frequent rain/hail showers. Some well equiped walkers came off the Ben reporting conditions too difficult to attempt the summit. However, at 4.30pm (some 6.5 hours after starting) our heroic walkers returned - if somewhat cold and wet. The walk across the summit plateau had been a fight against strong winds, snow and hail in white out conditions, but they had done it.

A quick bowl of hot soup, and we were off.

The road conditions across Rannoch Moor were horrendous, with driving rain bouncing off the road which was flooded in many places, headlights shining off the rain and spray rather than the road surface, and never achieving more than around 50mph. We headed to Stirling as the A82 via Loch Lomond would be flooded out, and took a well earned break at the motorway services.

After the guys had changed clothing, dried out and warmed up, we drove to Gretna for a second break. A chance for a coffee and some fuel, and time to start getting ready for Scafell Pike.

We arrived at Wasdale around 1.30am, and amazingly had clear skies, we were ahead of the weather once again...! However, after 5 hours sleep in the minibus, I awoke to more winter conditions with strong winds and the hail and snow returning.

Again slow, wintry driving conditions meant progress on the road was tedious, but as we arrived in Wales we were seeing some periods on sunshine mixed with the showers. By midday the group were dropped off at Pen-Y-Pass and were walking up the Miners Track.

Then the weather really took a turn for the worse. Whilst resting in Nant Peris car park, a huge hail storm began, turning the tarmac white in just a few minutes - next came the snow. We were getting concerned that if the snow continued, we would not be able to drive back up the pass to collect the walkers. So we set off, back up to Pen-Y-Pass, to await the return of our team.

6pm. They returned. Cold, wet, hungry. But successful...!

Conditions had been again horrendous on Snowdon, but they had reached the summit and returned, safe and well.

Well done..!

2007-01-18T10:19:00.000Z

Three Peaks Charity Challenge - Should We?

Charities organising a 3 Peaks Challenge event should be fully aware of the Institute of Fundraising voluntary code for such events, which can be found HERE.

However, they have also issued the following general information (available in .pdf format HERE):

We’re planning on organising a Three Peaks Challenge event but the idea seems to be frowned upon. Should we still go ahead?

Yes, you should. Charity challenge events are extremely popular and make for a fun and successful way to raise money. The main reason that they can come up against criticism is when a lack of respect is offered towards the environment in which it is taking place.

So as long we don’t litter and shut gates etc., we’ll be all right?

Yes and no. You’re right and this would be expected of any outdoor event as well as not blocking gateways, sticking to footpaths, ensuring you have the landowner’s permission etc.

So what else should we be considering?

Elements are often overlooked. For example, you need to give thought to those who live in that area. Excessive numbers of people can disturb them when arriving and leaving (not to mention the toll this takes on the outdoors). For this reason we recommend that such events should limit participants to 200 and even then these should be split into smaller groups.

Also, safety issues are very important. Make sure the event is well planned, seek advice from relevant bodies such as the National Trust, and make sure all participants and contacts are briefed and well prepared.

Are there any factors specific to the Three Peaks Challenge that we should be aware of?

All of the above should be taken into consideration. Further to that inform the authorities at the three locations of your event. This particular challenge event is naturally very popular in the summer months so it is recommended that you try and avoid late June and early July, weekends if possible and bank holidays. Ease congestion by limiting group size and staggering times. On a safety level, ensure everything is checked and planned and brief all walkers. Inform local Police if it is a large event and make sure you have high quality marshals with local experience. Also, something that can easily be overlooked is do not take large coaches as often the country lanes are too small to accommodate them, minibuses are a much better option if you want to actually reach the start line.

These a are few basic recommendations but the Institute, in conjunction with CARE International UK, has developed a summary code leaflet on this subject which has more detail including recommendations for each peak. If you would like a free copy please email your details to info@institute-of-fundraising.org.uk .

The full Code of Fundraising Practice, ‘Outdoor Charity Challenge Events in the UK’, is available on our website.

Sounds great, any final advice?

Be prepared for poor weather. No matter have much you plan everything else you have no control over the British weather.

Institute of Fundraising 2004

2007-01-14T22:19:00.000Z

Winter Three Peaks Challenge - 16th to 18th March 2007

Keen to attempt a Three Peaks Challenge as soon as possible? Not worried by snow, ice, high winds, short daylight hours or general winter conditions? Then this challenge could be for you...!

We are organising an 'Open Winter Challenge' over the weekend 16th to 18th March. You will need to bring your own winter walking clothing and equipment (although we can supply some ice axes and crampons if requested) and you should have some previous mountain walking experience.

This challenge, although a continuous challenge from start to finish, is unlikely to be completed within 24 hours due to the conditions at the time. Expect some fresh snow and hard going on Ben Nevis, and expect road delays due to high winds, flooding, or black ice..!

This challenge will cost £350 per person, and will include minibus transport, challenge food, 1 nights accommodation, mountain leader and safety equipment - all as detailed on the information page which you can find HERE.

Brrr, getting chilly out there...

2007-01-08T12:44:00.000Z

Ben Nevis couple found "Safe and Well"

A 23 year old couple have been found safe and well after becoming benighted on Ben Nevis. Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team initiated a search using helicopters after the pair failed to rejoin their party. They had become lost in difficult conditions, and were forced to spend the night on the mountain.

BBC Online reported that police reported "They spent the night on the mountain but were well equipped for the conditions".

It's encouraging to see that this couple had enough equipment with them to safely survive a night in hostile conditions. Most walkers will expect to be back at their car before dark on a normal days outing - but it is so easy to become delayed for some reason - next thing it is dark, you are disorientated, cold, wet, tired and hungry.

An unexpected change in weather or visibility, navigation error, planning error, simple minor injury (or more serious injury) or some other event can easily leave you out on the mountain for longer than expected - possibly with the need to remain on the hill until daylight. Attempting to continue off a mountain when exhausted, cold and hungry can lead to hypothermia and death.

Obviously the first thing to do is try and update any friends or relatives, or accommodation, that may be expecting you. The above couple did try to do this with their mobile phone, but could not get a phone signal.

If you have to stay on the hill, you will need to stay as warm and dry as possible, and any food or drinks will be a huge bonus. When packing your rucksack - always assume that you may have to stay out overnight...!

Include the following items as a bare minimum:

Head torch & spare batteries,
Bivvy (survival) bag,
An extra warm body layer,
Small cooker & fuel,
Lighter or matches,
Extra food & instant drinks.

These items should remain unused at the end of most of your walks, but will give you the confidence that if benighted, you have a fighting chance of survival. For winter conditions you should increase the items to reflect the night-time conditions.

For mountain safety information, visit the Mountaineering Council of Scotlands website.

"The two most common causes of hypothermia on the hill are exhaustion and injury. Walkers with inadequate food, clothing and shelter will not be able to sustain the level of physical work to replace the heat they are losing. Injury leads to immobility and a similar inability to generate heat – just think how you cool, off when you stop for your 'piece'.

As the body cools, various signs and symptoms will arise. Shivering is a form of muscular exercise and is the body's attempt to generate heat. As muscles cool down they become stiffer and coordination is affected so that slipping and stumbling become more common (incidentally allowing more cooling through contact with wet ground or snow and increasing the chance of injury). Coupled with this is a slowing of mental processes so that intellectual tasks (such as navigation!) become more difficult and judgement is affected. Increased urine production leads to relative dehydration."

2007-01-03T22:23:00.000Z

The Three Peaks Challenge, Channel4 & BMW.

Lots of people have asked me about this film, and where they can see it. Which is strange, because it featured on the Channel4 front webpage for over a month, but never seemed to receive the publicity I would have expected.

In June 2006, Merseyventure support staff and mountain leaders spent two weeks working with Get Shorty Productions on venue reccies, safety reccies, interested party interviews, long shots, wide shots, logistical support and event organisation for the 'challenge' itself, by a group of three young, fit, hopefuls selected by Get Shorty Productions over the previous months.

During our initial filming, we interviewed local mountain leaders, mountain rescue teams, National Park Rangers, local landowners, local businesses, and fell runner Joss Naylor MBE - who still holds the record (of less than 12 hours) for the challenge. All of the safety, environmental and ecological considerations were included in the final production - but with the message "Do the challenge - but do it safely, make it low impact, and respect the places which you pass through"

To add a bit of interest, during filming, our mountain leader for the challenge, Johnbo, made an obvious mistake regarding the challenge format itself when being interviewed. This was supposed to be cut, and the interview went to Take 2. However, Take 1 worked its way into the final film. Can you spot it?

Click the link below:

The BMW Three Peaks Challenge to watch the film.

2006-12-31T15:34:00.000Z

Three Peaks Challenge Events 2007...

For anyone looking to enter an organised challenge in 2007, find below a useful calendar of all known charity and corporate challenge events. Entry fees or fundraising committments and in brackets.

Our own Merseyventure organised challenges are listed as Events 1-4 below.

Wasdale Familiarisation / Navigation Days 21st & 22nd April 2007

LATEST EVENT DATES 2007:

Winter 3 Peaks Challenge : 16th to 18th March 2007 (£350pp)

Open Event 1 - Spring Stroller : 5th - 6th May 2007 (£800)

COINS Three Peaks Challenge : 12th - 13th May 2006 (£6000)

Meningitis Trust Challenge : 18th - 20th May 2007 (£450pp)

Open Event 2 - Corporate Team Challenge : 1st - 2nd June 2007 (£1000)

NDCS Three Peaks Challenge - 2nd - 3rd June 2007 (£5000)

Meningitis Trust Challenge : 15th - 17th June 2007 (£450pp)

Act4Africa Three Peaks Challenge - 29th June - 1st July 2007

Meningitis Trust Challenge : 6th - 8th July 2007 (£450pp)

Open Event 3 - Late Shift Challenge : 23rd - 24th July 2007 (£800)

Red Cross Three Peaks Challenge : 28th - 29th July 2007 (£2750)

VSO Three Peaks Challenge : 1st - 2nd Sept 2007 (£5000)

NDCS Three Peaks Challenge : 8th - 9th Sept 2007 (£5000)

Open Event 4 - Die Hard Trilogy : 15th - 16th Sept 2007 (£800)

Please let me know if you are aware of any other events which you think should be included in the list above. Cost in brackets is advertised entry fee and/or fundraising commitment per team or per person (pp).

2006-12-29T23:18:00.000Z

Charities & The Three Peaks Challenge...

If you are a charity fundraiser, and are considering adding the national Three Peaks Challenge to your list of events - then you should make yourself familiar with the Institute Of Fundraising Voluntary Code Of Conduct for the Three Peaks Challenge.

One main restriction is the requirement to only arrive or depart from any area of settlement outside the hours of 12midnight to 5am. This effectively rules out a true 24 hour challenge attempt for most charities, although a well experienced event organiser can arrange a 24 hour challenge which complies with this voluntary code - but requires teams to complete some climbing sections in the dark. Not ideal unless extra health and safety measures can be provided.

Merseyventure provided logistic support for a number of teams taking part in charity challenges in 2006, and it was obvious that this code was proving problematic for the organisers - with teams being held at motorway services for over 4 hours, and some teams descending Snowdon into the finish in the dark.

However, it should be noted that on all of the events we attended, some undesirable interaction with the Lake District locals was observed - and none of this was to do with Three Peaks Challenge teams, either charity or independent teams... Indeed, on one event we organised in 2006, a fight broke out in the early hours between a young couple, which ended up with our marshalls calling the Police and an Ambulance, administering first aid and attempting to calm the situation which was fuelled by alcohol.

A number of the locals and visitors were woken by the commotion, and some complaints were made about our organisation - despite the fact we were praised for our actions by local emergency services. Which just goes to show.

At other venues, we have tied-up the event by collecting any rubbish, cleaning the toilets, and closing the event - just as the local youths arrive in souped-up XR2's and Honda Civic's, with blasting music and throwing McDonalds wrappers and empty cans of Stella around the car park. What are we to do?

We have strict rules regarding behaviour on our events, with the ultimate sanction being disqualified from the event with no refund available. Our pre-event briefings fully explain the sensitive areas which we visit, and local Park Rangers are always invited to speak at the briefings (although none have ever turned up).

The HUGE charity events which used to cause so much trouble (with 500-600 walkers on the hills at one time) have pretty much died out. Event organisers are much more professional and sensitive, and many organisers co-ordintate events to ensure that there is no conflicting events.

Even so, in 2006, our mountain leaders were engaged in rescues of 'charity' events on Ben Nevis where insufficient safety support was organised, and we spent an afternoon transporting Ben Nevis walkers back from Glen Nevis into Fort William, as the event organisers transport didn't appear to turn up...!

Our advice to charities wishing to organise a Three Peaks Chalenge:

1. Does it need to be a national Three Peaks Challenge? A good outdoor provider will offer you plenty of other challenges which will still offer a great fundraising challenge.

2. Avoid late June/early July. These dates will need to be booked a couple of years in advance. If your provider accepts a booking for the same year - they probably do not have permission to run your event.

3. Consider small, well managed events for up to 24 walkers which can raise as much money as large scale events if managed correctly.

4. Check-out the credentials of your provider. Do they have a proven track record, or is this a new event for them? Are they aware of the Voluntary Code?

5. Make sure your event has a positive effect on the communities which it passes through. Leave no reason for anyone to critisize your event, or your use of the mountains. Compile a dossier of expenditure at each location and venue.

Details of our own 'Open Events' are available from http://www.merseyventure.com/openchallenge07/

Details of all other known events are available on the forum frontpage at http://forums.delphiforums.com/threepeaks/

Be sensitive,

Be safe,

Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photo's,

Have a great New Year,

Freda..xx

2006-12-27T22:12:00.000Z

150 People Killed or Injured in Snowdonia Each Year...

Sports Minister Alan Pugh, a qualified mountain leader, has urged people heading into the hills over the festive period to go well prepared, according to the BBC.

Mr Pugh said: "I am passionate about the great Welsh outdoors and would like to see more people making full use of this natural resource in a sustainable way - and in safety.
"We have superb forests with sophisticated mountain biking trails, some of the best rock climbing, especially in Snowdonia, and a superb network of walking trails, not to mention a coastline that is second to none."

However, I often meet individuals, couples or groups walking on Snowdon wearing little more than trainers, jeans and tee shirt - with no rucksack - no food, water or maps - no waterproofs or warm jackets. A few years ago I was descending the Watkin Path in dense mist, with only a couple of hours daylight left when I came across a couple as described above.

They looked cold and wet, and a bit lost. I decided to wait a minute or two, and see if they made any attempt to descend, or ask me for some help, which they didn't - but I was now convinced they were going to just try and follow me down. Not advisable given the poor visibility and the crags I heading for.

I started to talk to the couple, and yes - they were lost. They didn't know which path they had climbed, or where their car was parked - but they could show me on their map. I was amazed to see that their 'map' was a tourist information leaflet with a small 3" square location map showing the whole of Snowdonia. I gave them a lift back to their car, which they were extremely grateful for. When I asked them what they were going to do if they had not seen anyone coming off Snowdon, they simply stated that they would ring the Police and tell them they were lost of the top of Snowdon.

In February this year, 9 people were airlifted to safety from Snowdon, and were branded as 'reckless' after it emerged the ill-equipped group had taken children aged two, three and five with them. The story from the BBC is here - along with a link to the mountain rescue video.

But Snowdon must be safe. It even has a cafe on the top. And a railway station..!

In June 2005 I witnessed some of the worst conditions I've ever seen on a mountain in mid-summer, whilst walking on Snowdon. Even the train had to stop running. On three occassions I've abandoned attempts at the summit due to serious conditions, once on a mountain bike and twice when walking - so people really shouldn't be surprised by conditions they may encounter. It is the largest mountain in England and Wales after all...

ALUN PUGH'S SAFETY ADVICE
*Make sure your clothing is suitable - dress warmly and with appropriate footwear
*Don't get fooled by winter sun and idyllic landscapes - climbing Wales' highest peaks can require winter mountaineering skills
*Before leaving the house remember to check the weather conditions
Mountain weather

2006-12-26T21:59:00.000Z

Fitness Training in 2007 - Coniston 14

As detailed earlier in this blog, part of my reason for keeping this blog is to record my return to some sort of mountain fitness - out of the office and back into the hills. Well, there's no better reason than to get out training than to enter an event.

One of our team of drivers (and long time Karrimor Mountain Marathon partner) Keith, has entered our small team into the Coniston 14 Race on 24th March 2007. This is a fantastic venue, and I've completed many ACE Races and Polaris Challenges in this area. It's also one of my old training haunts with excellent canoeing, fell running and mountain biking opportunities, along with some great pubs in both Coniston and Torver.

The Coniston and Old Man/Dow Crag area tend to be a lot quieter than the eastern Lake District simply due to its location and longer distance from the M6 motorway - but well worth the extra drive time.

My last race of this distance was the Liverpool Half Marathon in 1999, when we finished in just under 2 hours - pushing a wheelchair and fundraiser around the entire route. So anything under 2 hours will suit me just fine. I will be using some of the training plan on my Three Peaks Fitness programme, but obviously only have 90 days to get fit, rather than the 6 months in the plan.

The Three Peaks Challenge forum always has lots of enquiries regarding fitness and training, and some people can't grasp the difference between simply being fit, and being 'mountain fit'. Many groups that only walk in south-east England on canals and footpaths are horrified when they arrive in Scotland - their 12 mile canal walks count for nothing on Ben Nevis.

Anyhow, I'll let you know how well (or otherwise) the training is going for Coniston....

2006-12-23T15:52:00.000Z

'First Come - First Served' Race Entries...

Rachel O'Connor comments in Bradford Online "A decade ago The Stoop Fell Race over Haworth Moor attracted around 200 runners but last Sunday it drew a record field of 321 with a further 112 in the junior race. It is a sign of the times as the 2007 Ben Nevis Race, which accepts 500 entries but which will not actually take place until September 2007, is already full with a waiting list of dozens of frustrated runners.

The Ben, like many pre-entry races, adheres to the crude first come, first served' principle.
However, when around one quarter of these entries will not make the start line and Ian Holmes (Bingley), a five times winner and the greatest fellrunner of the past decade, does not get a place because he has not yet applied for a race ten months in advance, the phrase Hamlet without the Prince of Denmark' springs to mind."

Organising various events, one of the first considerations is setting a maximum amount of people that can safely take part, and a minimum amount of entries to make the event viable. An early committment from teams or runners ensures that venues and safety staff, plus all other specially produced items can be secured for the event itself.

The Karrimor International Mountain Marathon (now The OMM) is often well over-subsribed in certain catagories, and under-subscribed in others. They select who will be offered an entry by a simple 'draw', with some unlucky entrants being offered a reserve place - but this may not become available until a few days before the marathon itself.

With the Three Peaks Challenge, teams will need a good number of months to organise accommodation, hire minibuses, get time off work, and everything else apart from the training and fitness required. Most teams need to know as soon as possible wether their team has a place or not.

Despite being unpopular - the easiest way to do this is offer a 'First Come - First Served' entry system, and most of our events will be fully subscribed 4 or 5 months before the challenge date.

If anyone can think of a better system...

2006-12-21T21:10:00.000Z

See the 3 Peaks on Christmas Day...

If you are enjoying Christmas dinner at home, but would really rather spend the day having the mountains to yourself, walking in the deserted hills with not a sole about to disturb your peace, then take this opportunity to see exactly what weather conditions the Three Peaks are currently enjoying..! Always cheers me up..!

From the BBC >

Webcams
Try your hand at the Three Peaks race...
Ben Nevis Webcam
Scafell Pike Webcam
Snowdon Webcam

2006-12-19T16:23:00.000Z

ACE Races announce Event Series dates for 2007.

Many people look for other challenges and adventures after they have completed a successful Three Peaks Challenge, and one great challenge to look at is Adventure Racing.

Each series of Adventure Races have different rules and disciplines, and are staged over either a single day or weekend, with some even longer events. Most will include some trail running, orienteering, mountain biking, canoeing - and others may include night navigation, ropework or scrambling.

The ACE Race Series are mostly based on timed stages where you complete as much as possible within a time limit to gain points. This means that you do not have to be superfit to compete, and can take a more relaxed approach on your first few events, whilst still competing against the top UK Adventure Race teams.

A typical 2-day event could run as follows, returning to your basecamp after each stage:

Day 1 : 9am - 12pm : Trail run/walk

: 1pm - 6pm : Mountain Bike Orienteering

: 8pm - 10pm : Night Navigation

Day 2 : 9am - 11am : Canoeing

: 12pm - 3pm : Orienteering

: 5pm : Event Finish & Prizes

Our first event was back in 1996, and we have taken part in most years. Phil Humphries has sadly now finished organising the events - but will be competing in 2007 when 'Detail Events' will take over the running of ACE Races.

From the latest newsletter (from Phil):

ACE Races moves on

For me, personally, it is the end of an era as I retire from organising adventure races. Instead, I look forward to competing in them and plan to take part in most of the ACE Races next year. It’s been a pleasure to have been involved in the development of adventure racing over the past decade and I move on knowing the sport is strong and will continue to flourish.

ACE Races 2007

Dates and venues for the 2007 ACE Races events are below. Entries will open mid-January.

31 March / 1 April - the Full Monty: Shropshire / Welsh Borders

1-day Series
28 April - Cannock Chase
23 June - Ashdown Forest
11 August - Bracknell

2-day Series
21-22 April - S Scotland
21-22 July - Wales
18-19 August - N England

Message from Detail Events

We're delighted to be taking up the reigns from Phil and we're all looking forward to a fantastic year of ACE Races ahead. For those of you who don't know us yet, we are Detail Events - a company formed about 3 years ago and responsible for many adventure races and other sporting events, perhaps the best known of which is the Rat Race Urban Adventure. We are Jim, Gary, Rebecca, Ruth, John and many others who work with us on our events. We already work with Phil in partnership on the Adventure Racing World Championships and the last 2-day ACE Race that took place in Dumfriesshire was organised by ourselves with John as Race Director. So we're no strangers to ACE Races.

For 2007, we'll be bringing you the same great races and a mixture of old and new venues across the country. For the one-day events, we are using the same venues as 2006, but with a cunning format change to suit all classes and grades of entrant. For the two-day races we have a new venue in Cumbria, a totally new (and glorious) venue in Scotland and a renewed classic in Wales. We are pleased to confirm that well-known racer Anthony Emmett will be your host as course designer and race director of the three 1-day ACE Races and Challenger World veteran planner Nicky Ffrench Blake will act as co-ordinator of the 2-day Series.

Prizes and sponsors will remain strong across the Series and we will make absolutely sure the great ACE Races camaraderie goes from strength to strength. We'll also be ensuring Phil and Mel get their fair share of mud, sweat and tears as they line up on the Start line. They have told us they are planning to race as much as possible in 2007.

We will be opening entries for all events on the 10th January and until then, we wish you all the very best for the Festive Season.

2006-12-17T10:46:00.000Z

The Bongo Bus Retires.

The end of an era. Freda the famous Bongo Bus has now been retired from Three Peaks Challenge events, but you will be glad to know that she is still in fine fettle, and still does some European touring and camping.

Between 2003 and 2006 she sucessfully completed over 40 challenges and was a joy to drive, and a very popular method of travel with the walkers.

She has now been replaced by a Transit Tourneo MPV and two LDV 17 Seater Minibuses but we still have some photo's available online of some groups who travelled in her between 2004 and 2005 on the Blueyonder Photobox.

We wish her well in her more relaxed tourning role..! If you are interested in getting yourself a very versitile, powerful, fast and fun campervan - then checkout the Bongo website - BONGO FURY - I'd fully recommend one...

2006-12-16T15:56:00.000Z

Three Walkers Rescued from Scafell

3 male walkers were reported missing on the Scafell Massif at 6.45pm on Wednesday, in 'atrocious' weather conditions, according to the N-W Evening Mail. Mountain Rescue Teams from Langdale and Ambleside were called in to assist with the rescue.

The local MRT offered the following safety advice for walkers getting into difficulty :

Call 999 and ask for police (ensure that you are put through to Cumbria police and not another emergency service). Tell the police operator that you need mountain rescue. Tell them where you are, give a grid reference if possible and the nature of the incident. Give them a contact phone number. Stay by the phone or where you can receive a signal on your mobile.

I also have some information regarding mountain safety, navigation and equipment on my Three Peaks Challenge page, and some Scafell Pike information available here...

Stay safe..

2006-12-13T22:28:00.000Z

What? Another Three Peaks Blogger?

This should be of interest to anyone in the planning stage for a 2007 Challenge. This group of guys from Oxford Brookes Mountaineering Society are planning their challenge for June 2007 - and have already tackled the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge - something we recommend to all challenge groups.

Three Peaks Challenge - June 2007 Blog

What I found amazing was the images from Yorkshire from October 2006. Raging torrents similar to what we encountered in May 2006.

We had organised a Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge for 50 walkers, raising funds for the Linda McCartney Centre in Liverpool. The group were travelling out early on Saturday morning, but myself, three volunteers and three mountain leaders had made our way, with two support minibuses, to Giggleswick nr Settle to stay overnight - discuss the safety provision for the event, and be insitu for the arrival of the walkers by 8am the next morning.

Unfortunately, the bar refused to close until the last volunteer had left for bed, and the mountain leaders thought it would be rude to leave the volunteers alone at the bar. Breakfast at 6.30am was a quiet affair, and after settling the bill, we departed for Horton-in-Ribblesdale by 7.15am.

After driving south for 15 minutes, I pointed out that we appeared to be going in the wrong direction. It had started raining, quite heavily, and the roads were starting to flood. We changed direction and eventually arrived at our start location in Horton at 7.55am, with the walkers expected at any minute.

We set up our control base, and start/finish tent in blistering time, and then received a phone call from the organiser - the bus had broken down. Overheated, but would continue in 15 minutes or so. The rain continued, and I was starting to get a little concerned about the whole event.

At 10am we got the news that the bus was crawling up the road at about 25mph, then sure enough, it appeared. With lots of unhappy walkers onboard. By this time we had a mountain leader with communications in situ on the summit of Pen-Y-Ghent. He reported wet, but not hostile conditions. We briefed the organiser and the walkers that due to the late arrival, and weather conditions, that a full Three Peaks would not be possible - but that we would collect walkers at Ribblehead and transfer them to Chapel-le-Dale thus missing out Whernside.

The walkers were briefed about the weather, safety, and the route - were given maps, and set off in small groups. Then the weather changed drastically for the worse. Our volunteers at the first safety checkpoint informed us that other walkers were stating horrendous conditions around the Hull Pot, with torrential rain and extreme flash flooding.

All mountain leaders were sent to find all members of the group and lead them safely around the danger area.

At checkpoint one, half of the group decided to retire, and were transferred back to Horton, and the warm and dry Pen-Y-Ghent Cafe. The rest continued, were transfered around Whernside but safely completed the Two Peaks Challenge...! Well done.

Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge website

This Linda McCartney Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is being organised again for May 2007, so if you are interested - let us know..!

2006-12-12T19:15:00.000Z

Snowdon Cafe - the search is on for a new name.

The Snowdonia National Park Authority are inviting suggestions for the name of the replacement Cafe at the summit of Snowdon. The old cafe has now been demolished, and the new £8million visitor centre/station/cafe is due for completion by spring 2008.

BBC Online News Article - I find it amazing that the Authority gave planning permission to rebuild the cafe at all, but then when the Scottish Authorities gave the go ahead for the Funicular on Cairn Gorm, I suppose that we have to accept profit always comes first - Want to change the style of letterbox on your front door in a National Park area? No chance. Want to build a cafe on the top of a mountain? Be our guest...

This feeling may be reflected in the popularity of reader submissions to the BBC poll for Snowdon Cafe names.

The most popular is currently the following:

Added: Friday, 8 December, 2006, 13:39 GMT 13:39 UK

It should be removed, carefully and Snowdon restored. Should never have got planning permission. Should be called, "This is what happens when you worship money above all else"

2006-12-11T23:00:00.000Z

Why create a blog about the Three Peaks?

My first 3 Peaks Challenge was with a group of like minded workmates in June 1996 (also the year of my first KIMM - now known strangely as the OMM) and for a number of reasons, I've been involved with the challenge ever since.

During the mid to late 90's, I was young, fit, and competing in various endurance challenges and adventure races. However, my involvement with the Three Peaks became stronger until eventually I was organising events for friends, companies, charities, walking groups....

In 2006, we organised events from April to October, and well over 1,000 people took part in our events. I have only actively taken part in the walking twice this year - and spend 99% of my time either sitting at this computer, trying to tackle the accounts, on the phone, driving Mountain Leaders or clients, or in meetings with group organisers or charities.

2006 has been the first year when I have not entered any adventure race or mountain marathon, and that's a bit worrying. My mountain bike now has two flat tyres, my road bike is in the loft, the leather on my walking boots has all cracked and withered, and my running shoes haven't seen action for some 6 months - my fell shoes? I don't even know where they are...

I have become... 'comfortably numb'.

This blog will show you (and me) how I can continue to run a successful outdoor pursuits company - and make the time to regain my fitness and get out there, into them hills, once again.

Bear with me :-)