Our previous walking experience

As you can see from what we have accomplished below, we are far from being experienced walkers. Out of the three of us, Dave was both the fittest, oldest, and hence the most experienced on the trip. It is recommended that at least one or two members of a larger group have the basic skills of compass reading, first aid, and a knowledge of mountain weather conditions. If all of the people on the trip have these skills, then this is all the better. Also people should know what equipment to take out onto the mountain, on an all day walking trip of this kind, both for in the car and out on the trail.

An event such as the Three Peaks Challenge is probably one of the better known challenges to non-walkers, and many attempt the challenge unprepared. It gives the whole group great confidence if they know that one of the group is competent in what he or she is doing, and has planned the trip weeks in advance to cover all eventualities. The hills are not the place to try out new, unusual equipment for the first time, especially when fatigue sets in later on in the 24 hours. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!!!

For a trip of this nature I greatly recommended that some sort of training is undertaken. I visited the gym at least twice a week in the 5-6 weeks leading up to the trip, and as I am an avid mountain biker and a member of my local running club (Fairlands Valley Spartans-Stevenage), I have built up a fair amount of natural stamina and fitness over the years. Dave had no problems on the trip as he has run marathons for years now, which ideally suits a challenge of this type. Nick has been cycling on his custom road bike and of late his new mountain bike, and so didn't really have to step up his training over and above what he normally does. Each of these disciplines, both long-distance running and cycling, are therefore very good for preparing for the event. Like anything though it's always best to look in fitness books and get advice from friends and relatives to help you prepare for this type of adventure.

The fitter you are, the less pain you are going to endure, and the more you are going to enjoy the trip!!!!


The Participants.

Finish Photo. 26K JPG

Here we are at the Pen-y-Pass car park 5 minutes after we had finished the challenge.


How we all compared in April 1996

Steve Biggs. (Left) 20 years old. University student at Exeter. Sprinter and mountain biker. Beer severely hampered pre-challenge training.

Walked the Snowdon Horseshoe and Conival in NW Scotland. Scrambled Glydar Fawr, Glydar Fach, and Tryfan. Cycled up Mount Snowdon. Nicknamed the mountain goat on previous trips, but much more suited to mountain biking. I made Dave eat my dust on the 5 mile long, 925 metre vertical descent of Snowdon last summer.

Nick Bauer. (Centre) 24 years old. Roadie and mountain biker.

Walked up Ben McDui, Derry Cairngorm, Glas Moal and Mt. Blair. The most sensible member of the bunch, being properly prepared. He took great pride in his military planning of both the driving and walking routes. Lives to ride and loves anything with the element of danger.

Dave Allaway. (Right) 31 years old. Long Distance club runner, triathlete and mountain biker.

Has walked extensively in the Lakes and Snowdonia. Some walking in Scotland (when weather permitting)! Trip to Himalayas. Trek to Kalapatta near Everest Basecamp, followed by Everest marathon. Always up for a challenge whether it be circumnavigating huge youth hostel rooms without touching the floor, or climbing a rock face without ropes.


Further Challenges.

Since the Three Peaks Challenge we have completed the "Coast to Coast" bike ride (Summer 1997) with our mates Daniel, John and Roger. The "Coast 2 Coast" is a 210 mile off-road bike ride that starts out from St. Bees Head on the Irish Sea and finishes at Robin's Hood Bay on the North Sea coast. The route takes in The Lake District, The Pennines, The Yorkshire Moors and The Yorkshire Dales and took us about a week to complete.

INn 1998 Dave and I returned from completing the "Tour du Mont Blanc", a 6 day journey which takes in three different countries - France, Switzerland and Italy. Our circumnavigation of the highest mountain in Europe was absolutely awe-inspiring.

Back to the main page.