National Three Peaks Challenge

On a cold and blustery day in June, a team of five ThinCats staff took on the ultimate UK trekking challenge, the National Three Peaks – climbing 3000m and walking 26 miles across the three highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales!

They set off from Great Glen up Ben Nevis at 6am, and by halfway up the mountain, were being hit with driving rain and the temperature was plunging towards freezing.  By 1200m above sea level, they were battling blizzard conditions and growing snow drifts, with real feel temperatures of -14°c.  After assessing the increasingly dangerous conditions, the guide made the call to turn around.  The team were disappointed, but when, a short while later, the first of three Mountain Rescue helicopters was seen heading for the summit, they knew the right decision had been made.

After refueling at the bottom, they set off for Wasdale Head and England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike.  It was chilly and damp, and the going is steep and relentless, but the team made it to the top in under three hours, and headed back down as the light levels were diminishing.

Next stop, Snowdon, with an overnight drive to get there.  Arriving at 6.30am, legs were tired and stiff and various aches and pains had kicked in, but the team set off up the Pyg track with some stunning views to start the climb.  Pretty soon they hit cloud level, and the rest of the ascent was shrouded in fog and drizzle.  The winds picked up as the team neared the summit, but everyone made it to the top, and whilst it was too early for the café to be open, there was a stop halfway down the Llanberis path for much needed tea and sausage rolls!

The waterproofs got nearly as much of a workout as the legs, but the team thoroughly deserved their celebration at the bottom, and raised an incredible £5923 for Dementia UK.  It took a few days to recover, but there is now a discussion around what the next challenge will be…