The event was a truly life changing experience and bonded a group that will (I'm sure) be friends for ever. Well done everyone and thanks for ALL your hard effort !
Mike
8th Training Day - 31st May 2008
Nearly there now ! Our final training day took us all the way to Wasdale in the Lake District and an ascent up Skafell Pike - the highest peak in England. Nothing complicated here, just a long slog from about 70 to 978 meters ! The week had seen some very strong winds in the area and conditions had been tough on top - not today - a balmy day with clear blue skies - near perfect conditions for hill walking.
We took the route from Brackenclose, up Lingmell Gill to the Col and then on to the top of England right from Britain's greatest view:
6th Training Day - 29th March 2008
Yet another fantatsic walk, taking in Hope village, Lose hill and then the Kinder lateau, coming back to Hope, brushing the outskirts of LadyBower reservoir. Despite the forecast, we went for another early start and managed to return before the rain set in. The walk itself was about 11 miles, stopping only for a quick lunch in Edale.
5th Training Day - 23rd February 2008
This time we ascended Lose Hill from Hope village with a steep 900ft climb. Things are starting to come together now with our first journey done as a group in a minibus - not sure about Mr White van man's driving techniques though ! We tackled the first two miles watching the clock and managed the climb in 40 minutes - looking good, staying together as one group and managing to keep the pace as we then set off along Mam Tor ridge. You can have a look at the route here. 
Short stop for some food and water and then a descent down winnats pass and back along Hope Valley to find the minibus.
4th Training Day - 26th January 2008
The fourth training day took us to Hathersage moor, redmires resevoir and Stanage edge - a good walk, with plenty of ups and downs -Standedge Pole and Higger Tor.
3rd Training Day - 29th December 2007
Just a local walk this day to get rid of the Christmass excesses - we went along the Nottingham Canal, through Baloon woods and up to Cossal, stopping for a well earned drink at the Bramley Apple in Strelley. A good turn out with two dogs this day to keep us on our toes !
2nd Training Day 10th November 2007
The second training day was a great success as we ascended Grinsbrook and navigated our way accross Kinder Scout to Kinder Downfall. The day itself was probably one of the worst days, weather wise and challenged the group in terms of endurance and finding our way accross the barren landscape. The peat bog also provided a new experience and bonded the group when someone (not mentioning any names) got stuck and had 
to be dug out. We thought twice before venturing out into the peaty wildnerness, but everyone united in feeling that we couldn't back out on the day itself - so out we ventured.
1st Training Day - 27th October 2007
The first training day was a great success and, despite being told "no map required", we still managed to get lost and had to descend an almost vertical drop off Bunster Hill in Dovedale! In total we did about 6 ~ 7 miles and managed a couple of steep climbs to get the "burn" into our legs. Shaun woke a few sheep up with cries of “SPARTAN” and Kev used his G PS skills – see photo!
Introduction - or simply - WHY ?
The idea first came from a trip to Snowdonia in 2005 when we made two attempts at climbing the mountain - one successful via the Pyg Track, and the other unsuccessful via the Rangers Track (the weather was dire and we got turned back quite close to the top!) During this trip I was amazed by how many people were attempting the three peaks challenge, deciding that it was a totally crazy and foolhardy thing to do - not something I would ever envisage doing myself. This coincidently, was the year I turned 39, deciding I would like to run a half marathon before I was 40. The run didn't actually take place until the year of my 40th birthday, but nevertheless, I managed it. Now at 41 and just about to tackle my 4th half marathon, I no longer see the three peaks as a crazy thing to do, but something I quite fancy having a go at - midlife crisis I hear you cry! On the off chance, I sent out an email to a few mates - basically lighting the touch paper to see if anything happened and to my surprise I am now surrounded by people, all with various stories to tell of why they too would like to have a go at the challenge. Still not quite believing that people would really want to have a go, I sent out the offer of an invite to a meeting and about twelve people turned up - looks like I'm going to have to put my money where my mouth is !.
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