In late September a team of 12 members at Sidmouth Fit took part in an attempt to climb the 3 Peaks in 24 hours. The challenge includes scaling the 3 highest peaks in mainland UK including Scotland (Ben Nevis), England (Scafell Pike) and Wales (Snowdon). The challenge was completed to raise funds for the Stanley Beau charity which works with children in the Devon area. In preparation the team had completed a number of walks around the local area and on Dartmoor to try and get some miles in the legs. We left the South West in the early hours to make the 12 + hour drive up over the border into Scotland. Having had a few preparatory drinks and a hefty meal the night before the ascent onto Ben Nevis took place the following morning in stunning conditions (little did we know what was to come).

The ascent started in t-shirt weather but upon hitting the summit the sun was nowhere to be seen and any potential view further than seeing your hand in front of your face was gone. Luckily the route up had provided some stunning scenery and the weather cleared again on the way down providing some stunning views of Scotland’s countryside. Once back to the vans and suitably re-fuelled it was back on the road, stealing any sleep possible whilst making way to the Lake District. If Nevis had been initially sunny Scafell was the total opposite. Arriving in the dark at 11PM with rain and wind howling it was clear this was just a case of toughing it out. And so it was. Probably the hardest walk I’ve ever done, battling the wind, rain and cold to get to the top and then back down as quickly as possible and in one piece was the order of the day.

Back at the vans, soaking through, the drivers had made hot drinks to warm the wet walkers. A quick change into drier clothing and it was back on the road again towards North Wales. Any hopes of grabbing sleep were dented severely by the winding Welsh roads. Arriving at the foot of Snowdon at daylight we jumped back into our wet gear and set off on the final leg. Spirits were still high despite the fatigue and the soaking of the previous night, and incredibly weren’t dampened by the still wet weather and a slight miscalculation of route! Upon arrival at the summit we were met by more inclement weather meaning views were not on offer. However the main objective had been completed. There was some popping of corks of a champagne bottle for those who were keen before a return back to the vans and a long drive back to Devon. The whole experience was incredible and wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for the support drivers and those organising the event behind the scenes. A lot of money raised for charity and a great way to spend a few days in good company, next time we just need to order the weather!