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 in Fort William*, climb Ben Nevis; cycle to Fort William

(Climb Ben Nevis + cycle 4 miles)

The trip begins in Fort William in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. After introductions and a trip briefing from your leaders, you will tackle your first mountain, Ben Nevis (1345m). Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK and we’ll be taking the footpath to the summit and back from Glen Nevis. When you get back down off the mountain, you will then cycle to your accommodation in Fort William for an evening meal and prepare for the following day.
*We will be offering door-to-door bicycle and luggage transfer services for this trip, so here you will be reunited with your bicycle and luggage for the trip.

Day 2: Cycle Fort William to Paisley

(160km & 1300m⇧ / 100 miles & 4300 feet⇧)

The first big cycling day is finally here, hopefully you are well rested and raring to go! After breakfast we’ll load your luggage onto the support van and follow our route through the Scottish Highlands. Our route follows the banks of Loch Linnhe before rising up into the magnificent Glencoe National Nature Reserve. This wild, rugged glen is a real treat, with dramatic cliffs either side of the road as it weaves up alongside the thunderous River Coe. From here we continue south through the vast landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, along the glorious banks of Loch Lomond to our hotel in Paisley, situated to the southwest of Glasgow.

Day 3: Cycle Paisley to Gretna

(155km & 1300m⇧ / 97 miles & 4300 feet⇧)

After breakfast, we’ll be negotiating some busier roads south of Glasgow and East Kilbride before heading out on quieter roads south. There are a few climbs today but the scenery will definitely take your mind off them as we pedal through Dumfries and Galloway, passing the remote towns of Moffat and Lockerbie. Once we arrive at our 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

(95km & 900m⇧ / 60 miles & 3000 feet⇧)

Today is definitely one of the most challenging days as 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 in Seathwaite and get changed into our mountain walking gear before tackling our second mountain, Scafell Pike. 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

(170km & 1400m⇧ / 106 miles & 4600 feet⇧)

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! We head south from Keswick along Thirlmere Reservoir and through Grasmere to Ambleside on the banks of Lake Windermere. From here we ride southeast towards Kendal before heading south onto flatter roads at Carnforth. We’ll continue through some more built-up areas around Wigan before arriving at our hotel for the evening near Warrington.

Day 6: Cycle Warrington to Betws‐y‐Coed

(131km & 750m⇧ / 82 miles & 2500 feet⇧)

Our route today heads southwest 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! Once in Wales we follow the coast west through Flintshire and Conwy past stunning coastal scenery, with views of Anglesey in the distance. Keep your eyes peeled for Conwy Castle where we turn left, heading south to follow the River Conwy to our overnight stop in the popular holiday town of Betws‐y‐Coed. 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/Yr Wyddfa

(Cycle: 12 miles + climb Snowdon)

The last day of effort! We head out and tackle a gradual climb from Betws-y-Coed through the beautiful scenery of Snowdonia National Park. Passing through Capel Curig, we ride up to the iconic Pen‐y‐Pass where we start our final climb of the trip to the highest peak in Wales – Snowdon (1085m), or as it’s locally known, Yr Wyddfa. The climb up to the summit is legendary, following ancient footpaths that miners once used to access vast quarries of slate and copper. Soon you’ll be standing on the highest point in Wales – Snowdon! Once we’re back down safely, you and your bicycles will be transferred by minibus to Betws‐y‐Coed to our hotel. 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.

Map

Includes

• Cycle guide(s)
• Mountain Leader(s) on each mountain
• Support driver/bicycle mechanic
• Support vehicle
• Snacks and water whilst riding
• 7 x night’s hotel accommodation (twin sharing)
• 7 x breakfasts
• 7 x lunches
• Transfers from Pen-y-Pass to Betws-y-Coed after Snowdon
• Transfers from Betws-y-Coed to Chester at the end of the trip
• All luggage transported during your trip
• GPX files of the route
• Friendly advice before the trip
• Comprehensive kit list and joining instructions

Not Included

• Bicycle and Helmet
• Transport to and from pick-up and drop-off points
• Evening meals, drinks and snacks
• Personal travel insurance

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.

How do I secure my place on this trip?

Scroll to the bottom of the page where you'll see dates for our open trips and the places available. Click Book Now, fill in your details and secure your place on the trip with a 40% deposit.

Do I need to raise sponsorship to take part in this trip?

Sponsorship is not required for this trip, no. To secure your place simply pay a 40% deposit then the balance is due no later than five weeks before the trip begins. If you wish to fundraise, please get in touch to see if we can help.