The UK “Three Peaks Challenge” involves climbing the three highest mountain peaks in Scotland, England and Wales: The mighty Ben Nevis in Scotland is the highest of the three at 1345m above sea level, Scafell Pike in England is the lowest at 978m and Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) in Wales is in the middle at 1085m. Most attempt this challenge as part of a hiking or mountaineering adventure. While you can’t drive to the summits themselves in a camper van, you can use your camper van to travel between the three peaks and use it as a base for your adventure.
Here’s a general plan of how you can put together an itinerary for the Three Peaks Challenge in a camper van:
1) Plan your route: Start by carefully planning your route, taking into consideration the driving distance between each of the peaks. You can start at the peak of your choice depending on your location in the UK and preferences. You might want to take your campervan down the motorway to get to your starting point as quickly as possible, or you may want to take the scenic route as each of the peaks is situated in a beautifully scenic part of the UK!
2) Campervan Equipment & Walking Gear: Make sure your camper van is fully equipped for overnight stays and has all the necessary supplies, including bedding, cooking equipment, food and water. Ensure that your van is serviced and in good working order for the long drives and the occasionally difficult terrain. You’ll also need to make sure you have all the walking gear that you will need on board your campervan. Even in the middle of the summer, the weather can change in a heartbeat on any one of these mountains, so be sure that you’re prepared for blazing sun and torrential rain!
3) Campsites/Accommodation: You’ll need to do your research on campsites, parking areas where you can park your camper van for the night, or accommodation, if you’re not camping and you intend to stay in nearby towns or villages, using your campervan as a comfortable base. Each of the areas around the mountains are tourist hotspots and will get very busy during peak walking season. Be sure to book well in advance so that you are staying in a place that has all the facilities that you will need.
4) Plan your hiking schedule and routes for the three peaks in a campervan challenge. Ensure that friends or family know your intentions and route before you begin, especially if you are hiking alone. It’s also a good idea to check for any permits or restrictions in place for hiking and camping in these areas. As mentioned previously, be prepared with appropriate clothing, hiking gear, navigation tools, food and water. Each mountain has a number of routes to the summit, so choose one that suits your level of experience and fitness. Make sure you warm up your calf muscles before beginning an ascent!
Ben Nevis (Scotland) – The simplest route up this mountain is the “Pony Track”. No need for serious climbing gear, but you will of course need good footwear and walking poles will come in very handy. The route is about 10 miles (16km) from the visitor centre car park, to the summit and back down.
Scafell Pike (England) – Routes up Scafell Pike are anywhere from 5.5 to 10.5 miles (9 – 17km) depending on your starting point. It’s the next most challenging climb after Ben Nevis.
Yr Wyddfa (Wales) – This is probably the easiest climb, although all require a good level of fitness and endurance. The longest, but easiest, path is the Llanberis path. The shortest path is the “Pyg track” but it’s a steep one! There are other routes up, but you’ll need ropes, caribiners and a serious head for heights!
5) Rest & Recovery – After completing each peak, make sure you stretch out those calf muscles once more! Then, you’ll want return to your camper van to rest your tired feet, recover and prepare for the next hike. Make sure to stay hydrated and refuel with nutritious meals.
6) Completion and Celebration: Once you’ve conquered each peak, take a moment to celebrate your amazing achievement. You can return to your starting point or continue your journey exploring these beautiful areas of the UK.
Remember to respect the natural environment, follow safety guidelines and be mindful of the impact of your “three peaks in a campervan” adventure on the local communities and landscapes.