Hiking three peaks (Ben Nevis, Scaffel Pike, Snowdon), UK next weekend - any last tips?
Hello! So as it's says in the title. I'm in my last week before hiking three peaks. We start Ben Nevis at 6am and aim to finish Snowdon at 6am.
I'm feeling physically strong. Plenty of miles in my legs and generally well kitted out.
However, yesterday I tried (and failed) to summit Pen Y Fan, a smaller peak in Wales that I'm very familiar with. The weather closed in, wind picked up and the ascent turned treacherous, so being cautious (hiking alone, really early morning, no-one around) I turned back.
Ultimately I realized that I may not be as prepared as I imagined. Does anyone have any tips/kit/suggestions for how I could better cope with this kind of situation or final prep for three peaks?
Posted Jul 29, 2018, 12:36 PM UTC
32
Here's a few tips from the top of my head:
With regard to poor conditions:
first and foremost; will I be safe enough heading into whatever conditions might lie ahead? Evaluate what skills you could need - e.g. night navigation, winter walking skills etc.
bring lots of easily layerable, insulating clothing
don't let yourself get soaked; put your waterproofs on before then!
if it's going to be torrential rain/hail/wind/snow, take goggles
take spare gloves
take a Thermos of tea!
a storm shelter can be a god-send
take extra food; poor conditions are slower to move in
take a head torch
not entirely useful for now, but simply gain experience; if you only hike/scramble/climb in good conditions you'll find it hard to judge whether going up X hill in 70mph winds is a terrible/dangerous idea for you, or if you can likely handle it safely.
Enjoy!