Three Peaks Challenge

Driving notes and routes

One of the hardest parts of the challenge is driving between the hills. This alone will clock up some 500 miles, and take around 10 hours. Remember that you will have to drive to the start of the challenge, and then, of course, drive home afterwards. So your round trip will be at least 1,000 miles, but realisticaly a lot further unless you live on the route.

Other things that need to be done whilst travelling: Eating Drinking Changing wet clothes Top up water bottles Replace used items Change maps and route cards Navigate Get Fuel Toilet stop Sleep !!!

For this reason, a dedicated pair of drivers would be invaluable to share the driving and navigation. If this isn't possible, you will have to take it in turns to drive and navigate, whilst the others sort themselves out and get some rest. Remember that the more tired a driver becomes, the chances of them driving unsafely, getting lost, taking chances or falling asleep increase.

Running late?  Speed cameras are in use throughout the country. The last time I drove to Scotland I saw three laser speed traps, set up from ordinary unmarked Police cars, above the motorways on a bridge. If you are speeding - by the time you see these traps you will have been caught. It is quite possible to be banned from driving during a single challenge attempt, and you won't find out until a few weeks later....

Many challenge organisers now impose a minimum driving time of 10 hours, so there really is no reason to speed anyway.

Don't forget to do basic vehicle checks before you leave home, oil, tyre pressures, washer bottle etc, and make sure that the jack and wheelbrace won't be stored underneath everyone's kit. Sort out a light for the navigator which won't annoy the driver during darkness. Try to fuel up before the start, will the vehicle need fueling en-route? If so, where? And is the petrol station 24 hour?

Route details

From Fort William A82 south to Crianlarich A85 south to M9 Stirling Services Join M80 to J4 A80 to M73 Join M74 south Bothwell Services M74 to J44 M6 A7 to Carlisle A595 to Gosforth At Gosforth, minor road to Wasdale Head Minor roads back to A595 A595 south toward Barrow A5092 to Lowick A590 to Newby Bridge A591 to M6 M6 south Forton Services Charnock Richard Services Join M56 after J20 M53 south into A55 A55 toward Bangor A5 south for 100metres B4366 to roundabout B4547 to T junction Left into A4086 to Llanberis. Continue for Pen-y-Pass.

These route details are subject to change as roads are improved etc. Check the route on an up-to-date road map before starting. Checking Teletext for any travel info will help you decide on the best route for you to use.