On the 29th July 2011 we set off on the 3 Peaks challenge with some friends. We are 9, 11 and 12 years old. The journey took over 50 hours in total – 18 hours of walking….and the rest driving to each mountain or sleeping in a Youth Hostel. We covered more than 22 miles, climbing more than 10,500ft vertically – and this is our story:
We set off at Snowdon on a cloudy but warm morning and whilst it seemed tough at the time, this walk to the summit (where the cheats that get the train arrive!!) was quick and easy compared to the other climbs. On the way down, we stopped at the coldest lake in Britain for a swim and to cool down. After the journey to Keswick and a night in the YHA we set off for Scafell.
James at Snowdon
Scafell was hard for a few reasons. Firstly, it took 8 hours and was a long and gradual climb for a long time. The weather was hot, which made the climb feel longer. But, the final 40 minutes was a scramble up a steep scree slope which made reaching the summit an even greater achievement. The views from the top made it all worthwhile.
The Powell Family at Scafell
Next we had a long journey to Fort William. We arrived just in time to get into the YHA and we went straight to bed. Up at 6am for the greatest challenge – Ben Nevis!! This was steep from the very start and was over 3 hours of non stop steep climbing. As we entered the clouds we thought that we must be nearly there but it went on and on and on!! We stopped briefly to play in the snow but it was so cold, wet and windy that we were grateful that we had our waterproofs.
Finally, we reached the top and celebrated loudly for a few minutes, thinking of more than 60 million people below us across Britain!! The walk back down was long but we knew that we would all make it, even with wobbly legs!!
Last but by no means least Ben Nevis
Now that we have finished (and slept) we shall continue to get all the sponsorship money in and we cannot wait to see the orphanage in October when we visit Kevin and Mary.
Lots of Love – Lauren, James, Alexander. xxx