3 Peaks Challenge: June 2010

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 :)