The Challenge
The Challenge is to walk up
24 peaks, each one over
2,400 feet, in
24 hours total walking time.
Some of the route follows well-defined ridges, but
the height climbed and descended throughout the challenge is
significant. The route includes many of the more famous peaks such as
Red Pike,
The challenge is usually undertaken over a single weekend, with
accommodation being arranged for a brief sleep during Saturday night.
Teams start very early on
Day One negotiating 10 of the peaks, before they finally descend
late in the evening. Mileage covered in Day One is around 17.5.
Day Two
involves another long day of mountain ridges, with the mileage covered
around 14 miles.
The total height climbed is over 13,000 feet.
We do not provide a detailed route, and indeed have come across three variations so far. There is however a simple map of the peaks on this site. Our view is that anybody attempting this challenge should either go along with an organized event, or have experienced walkers with them who can navigate the route for them.
To find out more about the organized events, look at
the 2008 page, and click on the links for each event, which will take
you to their website for more information.
Having done the event at least once, I have detailed
below some of the recommended points to help you if you are considering
having a go. And my advice is, have a go! It is a wonderful experience
that you will never forget.
·
You will
need teams of at least five walkers and one support driver.
·
The challenge requires good planning,
preparation and sheer determination.
·
If you join one of the larger organized
events you will be given a great deal of support along the way from
expert mountain guides.
·
It will not only test your ability to
work together effectively but also present you with many personal
challenges along the way.
·
Your support team will help transport
you and your equipment around the
·
Fitness plays a major part in the
enjoyment of the event. The better your preparation, the more you will
enjoy and succeed at your challenge.
·
Where possible include hill walking in
your team's preparation.
·
With the assistance of walking poles an
injured person can be assisted off the mountain preventing a full scale
rescue.
·
Head torches are invaluable for
night-time descents or when visibility is poor since they allow you to
keep both hands free.
·
Conditions may well be cold and wet in
the mountains. It is important to make sure that you are properly
equipped. Full waterproofs are essential. Even in the height of summer
conditions can change. Just because it is sunny at the bottom of a
mountain does not mean it will be sunny by the time you reach the top.
For example,
·
You will not have time to sit down and
eat full meals. On the route itself, carry lightweight high-energy foods
such as nuts, muesli bars and chocolate.
·
Good boots are essential. If you plan to
buy new ones, make sure they are well worked before the event as
blisters could be a disaster. Always wear at least two pairs of socks
and remember this when buying. It is always better if boots are slightly
larger; having them slightly too small can have miserable consequences.
·
Hats and gloves are essential equipment
if the weather is cold or wet, and will be needed on the summits in any
event - the head suffers the greatest heat loss in cold weather.
Alternatively, the sun can be strong, so have a sun-hat as well!
·
This event is a demanding challenge and
it should not be underestimated. It requires a high level of fitness and
thorough preparation training especially for those individuals without
prior experience of high level mountain walks.
Typical Day 1
Day 1 time taken
usually ranges between 13 – 17 hours.
Typical Day 2
Day 1 time taken
usually ranges between 7 – 12 hours.
Obviously, your
start and finish times will depend on the fitness of the team members,
and the prevailing weather conditions.
You will need head
torches during parts of the year as it will be likely to be dark when
you start, or finish if late.
Good luck!