Walking the Derbyshire Three Peaks in one day is a great challenge and a must-do on many people’s tick list The generally accepted definition of a mountain in England and Wales is over 2000ft (610m) with over 50ft (15m) prominence, as first proposed by John and Anne Nuttall in their two volume series ‘The Mountains of England and Wales’. By this classification there are three mountains in the Peak District National Park, namely Kinder Scout, Bleaklow Head and Higher Shelf Stones. Furthermore, it is possible to combine a visit to all three of these within a single 20 mile walk. Hence, the Derbyshire Three Peaks Challenge was born. Our winning formula for getting challengers through the day is to guide a small group and make it a friendly occasion with plenty of encouragement on tap, whether it’s in the form of handing out jelly babies or simply a timely: ‘you can do it’! Therefore if you’re after a toughie, either as a fundraising charity event or for your own personal goal- setting reasons, then read on! Three great peaks and 20 miles walking in 10 hours…. Right, let’s get things straight from the start – this is no ‘walk in the park’ (well actually it is as we’re in the Peak District National Park) but it’s a toughie and demands a reasonably early start. However, the reward for that early start is the chance to hike through stunning scenery and enjoy a full day in the company of a small bunch of fellow challengers, while achieving something that many people will frankly think you’re a bit bonkers for doing. Don’t be too daunted though – as long as you have a reasonable level of fitness and can dig deep for a bit of extra grit and determination it’s perfectly achievable. To ensure you not only achieve, but also enjoy the challenge, we take the logistics hassle - including route-finding - away so all you need to do is put one foot in front of the other. Our guides are also very adept at providing the necessary morale- boost when it’s needed! In a nutshell: • Bask in the knowledge you’ve completed a glorious hiking challenge • Enjoy a great walk in some of the more remote Derbyshire countryside • Feel safe knowing you’re being guided by fully qualified mountain leaders who also happen to be first aid trained (in the rare event something happens) Group Packages: We can organise a private Derbyshire Three Peaks Challenge on any day of the year. The main season is April to September, which makes the most of the available day light hours but with a private group we can arrange it to suit your needs. Groups and Corporates challengers – if there are more than six of you please contact us for your own bespoke group challenge with your own private guide. © High Peak Adventure 2020 The Route The Derbyshire Three Peaks route is a 20-mile circular including 1000m of ascent and descent and the aim is to complete it within 10 hours. We start from The Sportsman Inn, just outside Hayfield, on the appropriately named Kinder Road. Then we head up moderate gradients for 3 miles through farmland and, latterly, grouse moors up to Mill Hill. Here we join the Pennine Way for about 4 miles, heading across the Snake Pass summit, along the Devil’s Dyke and up Hern Clough to the first of our summits at Bleaklow Head (633m). A short detour from the summit takes us to the more sheltered Wainstones – when viewed from the right angle these are said to resemble two Neanderthals kissing! From here we head cross-country. It is a little over a mile to the summit of Higher Shelf Stones but with no reliable paths over the peat hags and groughs (pronounced gruffs) it may seem longer. It’s worth reflecting at this point how you would feel in this location without your guide. © High Peak Adventure 2020 Just when you think the summit of Higher Shelf Stones (621m) will never arrive, it does. Close by is the wreckage of a wartime air crash. Once buried in the peak for the dignity of those lost, erosion of the peat beds has now exposed what remains of the aircraft with some bits remarkably well preserved. Another thought-provoking opportunity. After another mile challenge participants will welcome the return of the Pennine Way with its metalled and flag-stoned path on the 4 mile return to Mill Hill. From there a short steep section takes us up onto the Kinder Plateau. Another magnificent wilderness that we just skirt the edge of as we pass the Downfall – where the prevailing winds often make the waterfall flow back upwards! 2 miles later and we’re at Kinder Low (633m). The true summit of Kinder Scout is approximately 700m ENE further but is made practically inaccessible by the peat bogs in all but the driest or frozen of conditions. If it’s on – we’ll do it, but please don’t be too disappointed if we can’t on the day. Having visited our final summit we head off the Kinder Plateau past some ancient burial sites. Another couple of miles back downhill through farmland and we’re done. Time for a rest and some welcome rehydration at The Sportsman Inn. © High Peak Adventure 2020 What’s Included – Derbyshire Three Peaks Challenge: Pre-event: • Support and back-up from the High Peak Adventure team, from booking through to challenge. • A selection of open and guided Derbyshire Three Peaks Challenges, allowing you to choose a date that suits you. On the day: • A qualified Mountain Leader to guide you every step of the way. • Our leaders are all first-aid trained • They are there to ensure you get the most of the day, from pointing out flora and fauna to offering you moral support when you need it most. • Sociable walking group, make friends whilst helping each other through the challenge, our guided Derbyshire Three Peaks are perfect for solo challengers, groups, friends and couples. Post Event: • Completion certificate. © High Peak Adventure 2020 Meeting Location: On the morning of the challenge please arrive no later than 8:00am – with it in mind that we’ll need to check kit and registrations before starting the challenge at 9:00am We meet beside the red phone-box (now housing a defibrillator!) 150m past the Sportsman Inn on Kinder Road. Our guides will be there to greet you and complete our registration process. Address of meeting point: 151 Kinder Road, Hayfield, Derbyshire. SK22 2LE Parking: There is ample street parking on Kinder Road. The postcode for the Pub is SK22 2LE - please do not park directly outside the pub or other local residences. © High Peak Adventure 2020 Derbyshire Three Peaks – FAQ’s • The basics: Age Limit: You must be over 18 to attend this trip (or be accompanied by a parent), there is no upper age limit. Dogs: I am afraid dogs are not allowed on this trip, unless they are registered assistance dogs. Arrival Time: On the morning of the challenge please arrive no later than 8:00am. Solo Travellers: This trip is perfect for solo travellers and although couples and small groups of friends are always welcome the majority of people do attend on their own. • Cut-off points: Although the aim of the challenge is to complete it in 10 hours we have built in a small amount of leeway. However, if you are just not going fast enough there are a number of cut off times and points which your guides will inform you of in the morning. If you miss these times then you will be unable to continue with the challenge as there are simply not enough daylight hours for you to safely complete the walk. • Are there toilets on the way? There are public toilets in Hayfield, a short distance from starting point for the challenge. Our top tip is to visit the facilities before going to registration as the group will move out straight after the briefing and registration. En route, there are no toilets – although for the most part there is always somewhere private close by. • Are there water fills or cafés on the way? No, there are no guaranteed water stops or cafés en route, so you will need to bring sufficient water (a minimum of 2 litres per person) and plenty of food. In hot weather we often have a vehicle with extra supplies of water parked at the Snake Pass summit. (Passed by twice at 6 & 13 miles) © High Peak Adventure 2020 • Can we take longer than 10 hours? Sorry, no, this is a 10-hour challenge. Our guides will advise you of the pace required to complete the Three Peaks within this time. There are a number of cut-off times and points that your guide will share with you on the day. If you miss these times then you will be unable to continue with the challenge as there are simply not enough daylight hours for you to safely complete the walk. In this situation it is vital you have some money with you as the only way back to the start point is to take a taxi. • What if I can't finish? Once underway, if you feel as though you are unable to complete the full circuit, it is essential to inform your guide as soon as possible so they can advise you of the options for leaving the challenge. • What pace do we walk at? In general the group determines the pace on the day.