A growing number of people are taking up the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge to hike up Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in just 24 hours. This can cause traffic congestion, intrusion, litter and noise pollution during the summer months.
The National Trust, the John Muir Trust, Snowdonia and Lake District National Park Authorities and the Highland Council ask all participants to follow the 'Code of Practice for Outdoor Fundraising Events' developed by the Institute of Fundraising when embarking on the Challenge.
The Code of Practice lists important dos and don’ts when planning any challenge, and was written in consultation with a range of groups including the National Park Authorities and the National Trust.
The National Trust owns 978-metre high Scafell Pike and part of Snowdon. In June 2000, 30,000 trips were recorded on one of the most popular routes up Scafell Pike whereas in August that year only 7,000 were recorded.
An estimated 4,000 vehicles, many arriving in the early hours, use the single track road through Wasdale on the way to Scafell Pike in order to participate in challenge events every year. This shows just how much more congested it can get during the main Challenge months.
Snowdon is usually the last peak to be climbed, often at night, and there are considerable problems with rubbish being emptied from buses and left for disposal. Erosion is also a significant problem on Snowdon.
Most people taking part in the Challenge do so for charity and participation is both challenging, and rewarding. There are also positive influences on the local economy, but the real challenge for us all is to achieve the best balance between tourism and conservation.
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