18 Oct 2013
On 1st June, a team of fourteeen members of International SOS attempted the Three Peaks Challenge, climbing non-stop to the summit of the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales, to raise money for London’s Air Ambulance. They successfully completed the entire challenge in just twenty seven hours.
Here is their account of their adventure. The 3 Peaks Challenge is a serious undertaking and there were injuries. Several members had painful knees, many had sore feet, everybody lacked sleep and one person, Antonio, broke his wrist and lacerated his chin during the night descent of Scafell. Our challenge to ‘Climb the 3 highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales consecutively and without respite’ began on Friday evening. After finishing work we loaded all the kit into a rented 17 seater van. Then, we drove for 11 hours through the night to Scotland and the start of the 3 Peaks. First peak: Ben Nevis, Scotland. Height = 1,344m. We ascended Ben Nevis through the snowfields. "I was cold, tired and hungry…I’d never been happier!"
Team member, Karyn Paskett on the summit of Ben Nevis Second peak: Scafell Pike, England. Height = 978m For many of us Scafell was our favourite ascent: the evening light was beautiful, the weather was perfect and it was exciting to think that we were beginning our climb late in the evening. We completed the ascent and descent in a marvellous 3 hours and 15 minutes, way ahead of our schedule. "It’s getting dark, I’m tired, my feet hurt and I’m wearing sunglasses…let’s get going."
Team member Carlos Rodrigues at the foot of Scafell Pike Third peak: Snowdon, Wales. Height = 1,085m The Miners Track begins with a wide path running up a deceptively gentle incline which takes you close to the summit; however, the final section is steep, steep steep! Giles Hall, who organised the event, is planning to up the ante next year by doing the Five Peaks Challenge, including the highest peaks in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
