Made it !!!

More to follow......

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Nearly there

Should be at snowden by 12, that gives us 4.5 hours to do a 3.5 hour
climb

We are all buzzing although we were physically and mentally broken
after scarfell

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Down the ben

4h 45 as a team so a bit ahead of schedule
Now burning down the a82

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Ready for the off.. Morrisons in fort william has been emptied

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Fort William!

Just arrived at FW and buying water not long until we start!!!

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Travelling

Lots of wiggly roads to Glencoe.. Sun is shining, sense of anticipation

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Morning

Just going for a morning wander round loch lomomd, very unpopular
after my poor navigation yesterday :)

The off is approaching!

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Result

We cross the border.. I hate caravans

Perhaps a1 a68 was not the best route

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Trundling along the a66

Lack of public toilets is a problem for some

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Well the day has finally arrived and we are off to bonney Scotland to
start our mission!!!

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En route

Heading up the a1 lots of anticipation and inspirational tracks on the cd player

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Update

Only a few days to go... since the Snowdon trip we are down to a Merry band of 10 (HR Team massively over represented!). We have 2 people carriers a 9 seater and a 7 seater. So we are splitting into 2 groups one led by Sir Edmund Pierce (Piercey, Rich, Caroline, Nikki, Andrew and Becks) and the other by Sir Ranulph Challis (David, Skippy, Smithy and Kirsty). We will be ably escorted by our three drivers (George, Bling and Peter).

Over the Whitsun weekend myself, Piercey, Caroline and Nikki went to Wasdale to do some prep work for Scarfell Pike, the only mountain that none of our group had been up before.

We planned to start climbing Scarfell at 3,30 to replicate 3 Peaks timings, unfortunately it proved tricky getting Caroline up so eventually we left at 5am. We were up and down in 3.5 hours, back to the tents, a little bit of rest, some lunch and then off we went to do it again. This time despite Nikki struggling with Bird Flu and my boots disintegrating we did it in 3 1/4 hours. Back to campsite for a quick shower and then the pub for dinner. The campsite run by the National Trust at Wasdale is fantastic, lovely setting and great facilities.

Scarfell Pike was not an overly tough climb, short and step but with the exception of some loose scree at the top, not technically challenging.

Next day we got up early and had a crack at Great Gable, which was a really enjoyable climb, with apparently great views (unfortunately, low cloud meant we missed them).

Over the course of 30 hours we had climbed over 9000 feet and had gained some real confidence as to our likelihood of success in the 3 Peaks.

However we also gained a healthy respect for the Challenge, Great Gable felt much tougher than it should have the efforts of the previous day had really sapped our reserves.

Last weekend Rich and I went to the Peak District just to get a feel for the particular challenges of it being a warm weekend.... HYDRATION - I drank over 4 litres during a four hour walk that was not overly challenging.

Still cannot wait until departure from Milton Park at 9am on Friday.

I will blog throughout the event.

Many thanks to everyone has sponsored us thus far!!!!!! To everyone else don't be shy :)

Pics from Scarfell trial run over Whitsun Weekend

Some pics from the weekend

Some pics from the weeekend... well done all on some really tough training and some real displays of character.
For the full gallery go to click here

Day one

12 tired people chilling out after a really tough day ... Pyg Track tomorrow


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Group Training Weekend Coming Up

A few pictures from previous weekends, for those Snowden virgins! The challenge steps up!


The plan is to split into 2 mixed ability groups. so everyone can be pushed (and pulled) along as quickly as possible

As always I'm bringing up the rear!

Pics from the weekend in Snowdon

A few selected pics ... the lot can be found at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/100331667055371171075/SnowdonMay10SmallGroup?feat=email

Summary of Weekend

Rich, Caroline, Nikki and I went away this weekend with a view to building confidence and speed as well as to determine walks for the group Training Weekend in 2 weeks time.

We spent Saturday, doing some scrambling to get up Tryfan (3002ft) and then spent the afternoon exploring the old slate quarries that loom high over Llanberis. The day was tough mentally rather than physically as it really challenged us "rookies" emotionally, pushing what we thought we were capable of.

On Sunday we woke late, personally feeling a bit tender, the plan was to do a test run of a walk that Rich thought would be good to get the whole group to do in a few weeks time.

The first part of the route we had all done it with Andrew a month earlier and so we knew it was tough, so with a sense of apprehension we set off.

The first part of the climb up Y Garn is really steep and technically quite challenging but whilst it took over 100 minutes a month ago we were clear of it in an hour this time. It then took a further hour to get to the peak of Y Garn (3107ft) which was a mix of grassland and scree after a short rest we followed the gentle path down towards Elidir Fawr this a nice stretch with great views, before the gradient changed sharply before the peak of Elidir Fawr (3031ft).

Getting to the peak was tough because it was very windy but we were rewarded by a nice bit of shelter at the peak.

From there it was a slog down the hill path back to Nant Peris.

We did the walk in about 4 hours, which was great as Rich's guidebook suggested it would take about 7 (although it is very cautious).

Today we got up early to have a go at ascending Snowdon (3560ft) again before heading home. This time the weather was great and we made good progress up the Pyg Track, clearly more confident from what we had achieved over the last few days. Quickly we were at the top of the track and joined the Llanberis Path to make it to the summit (at exactly the same time as the train arrived, god I hate tourists!).

A quick coffee in the impressive new cafe and we decided to head down again on the Pyg Track. Despite it being quite slippery, we all decided to see how fast we could get down (running as many sections as possible). In the end we had got up and down in 3h 15 minutes and felt very pleased with the progress with have made.

Special thanks to the guys I shared this weekend with, it was really special and rewarding

Rich S

All the pics are being posted tomorrow, it was a pretty tough weekend so there are a lot fewer action shots!

Hard days climbing

Richard, Caroline, Nikki & I are spending the weekend camping in Snowdon. Today we did some challenging technical ascents tomorrow a long hard slog, preparing by eating curry

Adam's mountain guide

Info on the 2 main walks of the weekend

Helvellyn
Skiddaw

Pics from Lake District Training Weekend

Particuarly like the pics of Laura and Kirsty jousting
Click here

Driving home

Isn't the lake district twee?
Very wet Helvywn, up and down in the 3 hours
MASSIVE RESPECT TO LAURA AND KIRSTY
Back to WGC for 6?



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High quality preparation for a days mountaineering

Skiddaw climb

First time for kirsty, Nat, Laura and Matt climbing a mountain. Despite a tough start (mainly hangover related) the peak was reached in about 1h45 where the view and weather was astounding. It became that a few were not keen to go down :) but everyone got through it all. On a personal note found the walk a bit of a slog but the views more than made up for this.

Just had some wicked fish and chips and we will go for a more technically challenging climb in an hour or so

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Chilling out

Big lunch in Ambleside ... Still one more climb to do today... Everyone was great

Top of skiddaw

All made it... 3 more have lost their mountain virginity
Now time to go down

Lake District trip this weekend!!!!!

First formal training weekend coming up.... Saturday = Skiddaw, Sunday = Helvelyn
Gonna be tough :)


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Kirsty's medium night fundraiser

Post work training at Pegsdon Hills

Think we may be seeing a lot of Becky's bum in the coming weeks

Small Training Walk near Barton Le Clay

Ace reporter and camera man extraordinaire back again to take more clips of another walk. Yes that's right, more fields and landscapes that look exactly the same! Laura S, Kirsty H and Richard S (and of course Adam S), on a short training walk. Happy viewing!

If you're having problems with the embedded youtube, click here for the direct link.

More Pics from Wales!!

Rich P feeling the pain!!!!

And the girls enjoying the view..

Team Brookdale on Snowdon

Five members of the 3 peaks team headed to Snowdonia over the Easter bank holiday.

Camping in cold wet conditions, the team enjoyed challenging conditions on the Llanberis path on Snowdon dealing with deep wet snow on the way to the highest peak in England & Wales. Positive team building followed later in the Vaynol Arms in Nant Peris!!!!

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Link to more Snowdon pics

www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=198348&id=526544771&l=0888deec4e

Challenging conditions on the top of Snowdon

Morning

Tricky, rich and andrew are very stiff

BreAkfast before a climb

Almost the whole team on a training walk in the Chilterns

So, on the Sunday (28th March 2010) nearly the whole team made it to the training walk near Tring. We plodded from there to Ivan Hoe Beacon, and back again, whilst having a jolly good time. Rather than explain what happened, ace reporter Bling (me) recorded some bits.

If you're having problems with the embedded youtube, click here for the direct link.

Dan and Blings First Training Walk

On saturday 20 March 2010, at around 14:00 we arrived at a lay-by just outside Hexton to do our first traing walk.  We ended walking for around 5 miles or so, with some rather steep slopes. Rather than explain it all though, I took some clips of it all. Enjoy.

If you're having problems with the embedded youtube, click here for the direct link:

Brilliant Sunday walk!!

Met up with Rich S & Caroline for a great walk up to Ivinghoe Beacon.

lots of sunshine but very windy...all of us wearing new boots so a good chance to bed them in!!

Covered 6 miles with 350 metres of ascent

Rich and I ended up with a well deserved pint in a fine local pub!!!!

Collection at St Neots FC

The supporters of St Neots and St Ives generiously donated a total of £122.87. Special thanks to John and Andrea at the club

Chilterns Walk Sunday 14th March

Slightly later meeting than planned, at Tring station at 11:30.

Most of the walk isn’t that bad but one section is very muddy..you have been warned.

The weather is looking pretty good as well with bright sunshine.

St Neots FC

St Neots FC have kindly allowed us to collect money at their games against St Ives on Saturday. Karen and I will be braving the cold with one of her residents. Will post pictures on the blog.

Many Thanks to John & Andrea at the club

Sponsors....

Hey, im having trouble trying to set up an email to send out to friends and family for sponsors.
I have tried to forward the ''just giving'' emails with the link on it but the link is not forwarding as a link if that makes sense? Any help? Thanks Laura

Me

I am now a member!!!

More from the Barton Hills walk

No, Natalie did not fall in!

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Pictures from a very muddy walk in Barton Hills

Walking Boots

Following on from Rich S.

If you want properly fitting walking boots that will last many years and fit like a glove, won't cause any problems and keep your feet dry and comfortable then get in touch with David at Breaking Away in St Albans (the shops on Hollywell Hill) These will be at the more expensive end of things but will be custom fitted to your feet. Also I had better warn you he is a tad mad!!!!

If you just want a pair of cheap boots to get you through the challenge, wait till we visit Go Outdoors in Harlow and try as many boots on as you like, prices range from £20 - £200.

We have our first online donation and congrats to Nat for getting her first sponsor.

Sunday 28th February

Hi Fellow Nutters!!

Am looking forward to the walk on Sunday . . . who else is coming??
How do I get to Barton Hills? I know where Barton is but not where the walk is.

Rich P is prepared to come to Go Outdoors with us to get any equipment/clothing/boots etc and we can get a good discount if we all go together and get a load of stuff . . . does anyone else need to go??

I'm so excited . . . even though I haven't actually started training properly yet . . .

p.s. Just got my first sponsor :-)

Traning Walk

Details of next weekend’s training walk are below.
The walk is approximately 4 miles and is not too tough but there are a couple of fairly steep climbs at the beginning

Meeting point Outside St Nicholas’ Church, Barton-le-cley (South-East of the Village)
Date Sunday 28th February 2010
Meeting time 3.00pm (time for a Pint afterwards J)
Equipment Robust trainers are ok but boots are recommended, water and waterproofs

Snowdonia trip

I had a great time in Snowdonia last weekend. Arriving on the Friday afternoon, I got the tent up pretty quickly and a brew on and settled in. It always feels good to go back to Bryn’s campsite underneath Tryfan, been visiting on and off for almost 30 years now.

Up and away from the tent pretty early on the Saturday, popped into Pete’s eats for a quick breakfast then decided to have a slow wander up the tourist path on Snowdon. I had been getting out running over the last few weeks so was interested to see how I would get on. The tourist path in summer is a miserable slog and the first section to Cloggy Station isn't the best mountain walk in Wales!!! However from this point onwards things got entertaining!!!! The section from Cloggy Station to the summit is a well-known accident black spot and as the path was covered in sheet ice I decided it was time to get crampons and ice axe out. A quick blast up to the top of the Pyg track and I was past everybody else and on the summit 2 hours after leaving Berris, not bad going!!! The new cafe on top is interesting and a definite improvement on the slum that was there before. Spent about 30 mins on the top before heading back down to Llanberis, passing the masses on the way up, most looking like an accident waiting to happen!!!

A great evening relaxing in front of a roaring log fire inn the Bryn Tyrch and then back to a very chilly tent. Woke early in the morning to clear skies and decided to head out for a quick trip up the south ridge on Tryfan. Made it to the summit just before thick cloud rolled in and the snow showers started. Back at the tent for 11am, packed the gear away and headed for home.

More running for the next 2 weeks and then back up to North Wales for more training, longer walks and maybe some scrambling mixed in.

Cheers Rich P