Overview
Over the course of seven days, you will climb the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales. But here’s the twist…instead of driving between these peaks, you will be cycling all the way! The Three Peaks Cycle Challenge is a unique challenge that is set to take the country by storm, so be one of the first to complete it!
You will be cycling 450 miles along some of the finest roads and through some of the best scenery in the UK. In addition to this, the three highest peaks in Britain – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – will have you climbing nearly 3000 metres on foot through the wild landscapes of Scotland, England and Wales.
Highlights
- Reaching the highest point in the UK, Ben Nevis
- Epic climbs and downhills through Glencoe and Rannoch Moor in the Scottish Highlands
- Cycling through the beautiful countryside of the Lake District
- The rugged peaks and valleys of Snowdonia
- Completing the Three Peaks Cycle Challenge!
Our Star Ratings
Here is an explanation of our cycling trip grades. Please bear in mind that total ascent, wind and general riding conditions can play as important factors as the daily distances involved. Whilst we have stated some example distances, the overall difficulty assigned to each trip will encompass a range of these factors. If you are at all unsure of whether you think the trip is suitable, please contact us.
Easy: Suitable for those new to cycling seeking an introductory and very relaxed yet active experience on two wheels. Easy riding on short, flat and/or gently undulating routes. Approx 20 – 40 miles a day
Relaxed: Undulating terrain with occasional minor undulations for semi-regular novices who wish to develop fitness and ability. May include a few short steep climbs. Approx 40 – 50 miles a day
Moderate: Designed for cyclists with a good level of riding experience and fitness, and are comfortable riding for full days in the saddle. Routes will include some steep and/or sustained climbs. Not for those new to cycling. Approx 50 – 80 miles a day
Challenging: Routes with multiple steep and sustained climbs and technical descents and/or long distances. Riders need to be have a high level of fitness and stamina in addition to experience in riding over extended distances and/or tackling long ascents and descents. Approx 70 – 110 miles a day
Advanced: Designed for experienced cyclists with an excellent level of fitness and stamina. Routes are consistently long with multiple serious and steep ascents and descents throughout. High altitude ascents may be undertaken followed by technically demanding descents. Approx 80 – 120 miles a day
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Fort William; Climb Ben Nevis; Cycle to Fort William
(Climb Ben Nevis + Cycle 3 miles)
We meet at Fort William where you will be transferred to Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. After introductions and a quick brief from your More Adventure Leaders, you will tackle your first mountain, Ben Nevis (5‐7 hours). When you get back down off the mountain, you will then cycle into Fort William and to your accommodation for the evening.
Day 2: Cycle Fort William to Paisley
(Cycle 102 miles)
The first big cycling day is finally here, hopefully you are well rested and raring to go! After breakfast you will gather with the rest of the group, load your luggage onto the support van and follow the Cycle Leader south through the Scottish Highlands. Our route today heads south to the magnificent Glencoe, through Rannoch moor, then along the glorious banks of Loch Lomond, to our hotel in Paisley.
Day 3: Cycle Paisley to Gretna
(Cycle 93 miles)
After breakfast, we’ll be negotiating the roads south of Glasgow city centre before heading out on quieter roads south. There are a few climbs today but the scenery after lunch will definitely take your mind off them! Once you arrive at your hotel in Gretna, you’ll receive another brief from the More Adventure team about ensuring a swift changeover to climb Scafell Pike the following day. This evening you will need to pack your ‘grab‐bag’ with your mountain clothing and equipment, ready for the mountain stage of the following day, this will be carried on the support vehicle.
Day 4: Cycle Gretna to Seathwaite; Climb Scafell Pike; Cycle to Keswick
(Cycle 66 miles + Climb Scafell Pike)
Today we leave Scotland behind and cycle south into England. Our route takes us on country lanes through rolling farmland before reaching the stunning scenery of the Lake District. Passing through Keswick, we regroup and get changed into our mountain walking gear in Seathwaite before tackling our second mountain, Scafell Pike (5‐6 hours). Fingers crossed for a clear day as the views from the top are breathtaking. Once the group is back down in Seathwaite, it’s a relatively easy 9 miles back into Keswick and to our accommodation for the evening.
Day 5: Cycle Keswick to Warrington
(Cycle 104 miles)
This is the longest cycling day of the trip, but by this time your legs (and bum!) should be well used to the pedalling motions! We’ll be sad to see the back of the Lake District today, but perhaps happy to see its’ hills come to an end! The first half of the day contains some brilliant downhill sections then it’s undulating from mid‐morning. After a lot of huffing, puffing and sweating, we roll into our hotel for the evening near Warrington.
Day 6: Cycle Warrington to Betws‐y‐Coed
(Cycle: 79 miles)
Our route initially heads west out of England and onto the North Wales coast. You’ll be glad of the relatively short mileage today as your legs will no doubt be feeling the effects of a few hundred miles! We overnight this evening in the popular holiday town of Betws‐y‐Coed, which is the perfect spot to rest‐up for the following day’s cycle and climb to the highest point in Wales – Snowdon! Once again, you will need to pack your grab‐bag tonight to ensure the changeover at the foot of Snowdon the following day is as smooth as possible.
Day 7: Cycle Betws-y-Coed to Pen‐y‐Pas; Climb Snowdon; Cycle to Betws-y-Coed
(Cycle: 22 miles + Climb Snowdon)
The last day of effort! We head out and tackle a gradual climb past Capel Curig then onto Pen‐y‐Pass where we start our final climb of the trip to the highest peak in Wales. The climb up Snowdon should take around 5‐6 hours return to Pen‐y‐Pas. Once we’re back down, we have one last beautiful downhill stretch back into the atmospheric town of Betws‐y‐Coed to our B&B. Congratulations, you have completed the Three Peaks Cycle Challenge! After a well‐deserved drink and celebratory meal in Betws, you will sleep like you have never slept before!!
Day 8: Transfer Betws‐y‐Coed to Chester Railway Station
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we say our goodbyes and the trip ends. A bus will pick you up from the hotel door (so no more cycling!) and transfer you, your bike and luggage to Chester where there are excellent train connections all over the UK.
The single room supplement for this trip is £345.
FAQs
Do I need to be able to climb?
No. We use the term 'climb', but each mountain is trekkable, so no ropes or specialist equipment/experience is needed.
How do I get to Fort William?
Fort William is a reaonsably easy place to get to, with bus and train connections from Glasgow. More details on the easiest way to get there will be issued upon booking.
Will I need any specialist hiking equipment?
You will need certain items for the days climbing the mountains including walking boots, waterproofs, a small rucksack and warm, suitable clothing. A full clothing/equipment list will be issued upon booking.
© 2017