We’re tackling 4 of the highest mountains in Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland in 48 hours! The challenge will see us summit Ben Nevis (1,345m), Helvellyn (950m), Snowdon (1,085m) and Carrauntoohil (1,038m) within a 48-hour window between starting at 12:00 on the 12th May and completing by 12:00 on 14th May 2022.
MESSAGE BOARD
Message sent to all challengers on5th May 2022 Dear Peaky Climbers... Can't wait to welcome you all to Chester Race Course on Wednesday 11th May (apart from those meeting at Ben Nevis) .. they will be missing out on some serious carbo loading! Please arrive between 18:30 and 20:30 if you want food.. we will be departing at 22:30 Couple of other little reminders...
Please take a lateral flow test before arriving to start the challenge.. we are going to be in close quarters for the coach trip.
Don't forget your passport or a photo ID. It's not strictly necessary for travel to and from Ireland but best to have it just in case.
Don't forget a head torch.. it will be dark when we climb Helvellyn on Friday morning.
Don't forget a towel and your swimwear. After completing Carrauntoohil at the end of the Challenge we have the leisure pool at Killarney for 2 hours to relax and scrub up before dinner at the 5* Aghadoe Heights ! BTW The gala dinner is very informal no need to glam up too much. Smart casual or jeans and T shirt will be OK
Let me know ASAP if you need a car park pass for Chester Race Course.. I have booked 20 spaces in secure parking.
TOP TIP.. cut your toe nails.. feet take a hammering coming down hill.
Any questions please text back.. all the Best Bill Hill CEO Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity 07776177298
event overview
Each challenger needs to pledge to raise a minimum of £1,250 for the charity
Muster in Chester on 11th May 2022 for overnight drive by luxury coach to Ben Nevis
Challenge starts at Ben Nevis at 12:00 on 12th May 2022
Coach travel between Ben Nevis, Helvellyn and Snowdon
Overnight passenger ferry crossing to Dublin and then on to Killarney
Challenge ends at Carrauntoohil at 12:00 on 14th May 2022
Wash/shower and then on to Gala Dinner at the Killarney Heights Hotel
Coach pickup at 01:30 on the morning of 15th to travel back to Dublin with onward ferry crossing back to UK and Chester
Arriving back at Chester late afternoon on the 15th May 2022
All teams and individuals will need to make their own way to Chester meeting point by 21:00 on the evening of 11th May 2022. We will make sure that there is secure parking and for those travelling by public transport we will arrange pick-ups from Chester Station.
the mountains
Ben Nevis - 1345m (expected time 6 - 7 hours) We are taking the Tourist Route.. sometimes called the "Flip Flop" Route but don't be deceived its a long haul and its not unusual to get snow at the top in May - July! This family did it in 10 hours ... we have allocated 7 !! so get training.
Helvellyn - 950m (expected time 3 - 4 hours) We will be leaving from Swirls Car Park.. this one should be a bit easier than Nevis but it can be very misty with several false summits. The summit is the trig point. We will need to start at around 04:00 so we will need head torches but we will see the dawn on the mountain. If you get a clear day the views are stunning.
Snowdon - 1085m (expected time 4.5 - 5.5 hours) We are still having a bit of a debate whether to go up the Pyg Track and Come down the Miners. We will drop everyone off at Pen y Pass and hopefully get climbing by 12:30. We have allowed 5.5 hours for this and it will be tight. We must be at Holyhead t0 catch the ferry to Dublin Port by 19:30 and we need to allow 1 hour to get from the mountain to the port. So we need to depart Snowdon at 18:30 at the absolute latest.
Carrauntoohil - 1040m (expected time 4-6hours) The first 11 minutes of this video will be the route we are taking. (Cronin's Yard to summit via the Devils Ladder.) This team made a steady climb and descent and completed in just under 4 hours. Mind you they had a blue sky warm day !! We will be starting early and hope to get going around 05:00 on the morning of the 14th May 2022.. we need to complete by 12:00 to make the 48hour challenge!
kit list
Make no mistake this is a big challenge, but it is achievable. A good level of fitness and comfortable walking boots / running shoes are essential.
MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT - ESSENTIALS The following is a recommended list. If you are an experienced mountaineer and you know what works for you then please read the following but feel free to use the setup you’re happy with. Common sense is always the best way. We recommend Cotswold Outdoor for outdoor equipment.
Rucksack - Rucksack for the mountains needs to be around 30 litres in capacity so that you can get all your spare kit, flask, food, hats, gloves etc in. This is the rucksack that you will wear when on the mountain, so it must be comfy. Rucksacks aren't waterproof so make sure you have a rucksack liner or multiple waterproof bags inside to put things in.
Boots - Walking boots or trail running shoes are best. If you want more support in rough ground then walking boots are better. Either way they need to be comfy and have been worn before in the mountains. Ideally your boots will need to be waterproof. Consider bringing some newspaper with you to dry your boots on the bus in between the mountains.
Waterproof Jacket - Hard shell type waterproof jacket, anything that’s purpose made for harsh conditions. There are plenty of brands available.
Waterproof Trousers - Waterproof over trousers will be needed.
Head Torch – A good quality head torch and spare batteries are essential - you will be in the dark on some sections of the mountains and a good head torch is vital.
Sunglasses - Sun glasses should be packed - fingers crossed it will be sunny.
Hat – Try to get a warm and comfortable hat.
Gloves - One thin pair and one thick pair should be fine.
Thick Socks - Thick Walking socks, try Thorlo or Smart wool winter walking socks. Wearing two thin pairs works for some people. Try out your boots and socks before turning up on the trip. Having a few spare pairs of socks is a good idea in case it’s wet, then having dry feet at the start of each mountain is sensible.
Base Layer - Wicking base layer (This is worn next to the skin and should not be cotton) smartwool, Helly Hansen, Ice Breaker, Paramo etc
Fleece - A mid weight long sleeved fleece is a must for extra warmth.
Trousers - Generic walking trousers, no jeans or tracksuit bottoms!!!
Personal Medicine - Personal Medicines and a personal small 1st aid kit. The instructor will carry a group first aid kit.
Down Jacket - A down jacket, whilst not essential, may be a great item to just shove over the top of your shell jacket when you’re feeling a bit cold. Down however, doesn’t like the damp conditions so a synthetic lightweight jacket is a much better option. If you haven't got a down jacket, another thick fleece will do.
Sleeping Kit – A small pillow and a thin sleeping bag is a great idea to aid sleep on the journey between mountains.
Sun Cream – Get good quality sun cream that has a high UV protection rating.
Flip Flops – Flip Flops or Crocs are a good idea for wearing around the accommodation and for letting your feet breath on the journey between the mountains.
A Small Flask - A flask is another item that is well worth having.
Ear plugs – Unfortunately people do snore….
Phone / Camera – Having your phone in a waterproof case is a must. Consider having an external battery pack that can be used for charging your phone on the drive between the mountains. The guide on the trip will carry a camera and all photos of the trip will be shared at the end.
Waterproof Bags – Waterproof bags or stuff sacks are very useful for keeping things in, that you need to keep dry.
PERSONAL KIT Extra clothes for wearing around the accommodation and travelling in.
Walking Poles – Some people like to use walking poles and they can make walking on rough terrain easier and save your knees.
Food – It’s important to bring plenty of food. You will be out in the hills and keeping your energy up is important. This can be bought at the start of your trip.
ANYTHING ELSE If you have any further questions or want to check what kit to take then get in touch with a local outdoor shop or drop us a line on [email protected]
Below is a tick list for you to use when packing.
Personal Spending Money
Ear plugs
Rucksack
Boots
Phone/Camera
Waterproof Bags
Walking Poles
Waterproof Jacket
Extra Food
Waterproof Trousers
Head Torch
Small Flask
Sunglasses
Flip Flops
Hat
Sun Cream
Gloves
Thick Socks
Down Jacket
Base Layer
Personal Medicine
Fleece
Trousers
Batteries
Sleeping Kit
Charging Battery Pack
MEDICAL FORM *MUST BE COMPLETED*
CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
PROVISION OF SERVICES The charity will not be liable for any loss, damage or expense resulting from force majeure or any unforeseen circumstance not within our control. The Charity is entitled at any time for whatever reason to deny me access and/or engagement in any activity. The Charity or any of its representatives cannot be held responsible for any illness, loss, injury or death sustained before, during or after participation in an activity provided by The Charity.
We cannot guarantee that events will be completed within a set time. Circumstances not within our control may cause delays during events, which may result in the event exceeding any desired time limit.
FUNDRAISING PAYMENTS All The Charity events and services require a pledge to raise the minimum contribution to participate. The 4 Peaks challenge requires the minimum pledge of £1250 per person. This pledge is based on trust and all funds raising needs to be lodged with The Charity within 90 days after completion.
CANCELLATIONS/ALTERATIONS INITIATED BY THE CHARITY We reserve the right to cancel any challenge. In such circumstances, we will offer a transfer to an alternative challenge or refund all monies paid. If the alternative is cheaper than the adventure booked, we will refund the difference. Any travel arrangements which you have made independently will not be refunded, as our liability is restricted topayments made to us.
INSURANCE Our events include public liability and professional indemnity insurance. We strongly recommend that all participants take out travel insurance, with adequate cover for the events that they will be undertaking.
SAFETY The events we offer take place in a mountainous environment. Such activities carry with them an inherent risk. A proportion of this risk must be accepted by you. All our staff are trained for these activities and have first aid training suited to these remote areas. In the interests of safety you are expected to abide by the decisions and judgments of our staff. We reserve the right to alter or cancel events, or select alternative walking routes, where the prevailing weather conditions we judge that the weather conditions may interfere with participants’ safety. In addition, we may alter or cancel an event if you or a member of your party becomes injured, unwell or is unable to complete the route due to lack of fitness.
We will provide detailed advice, on request, on the most suitable clothing and equipment for your adventure. We reserve the right to refuse your participation in any activity for which you have unsuitable equipment, if we believe that it may compromise the safety of yourself or other participants. If you are asked to make alternative arrangements any costs incurred will be borne by you.
HEALTH & FITNESS If your fitness is not commensurate with the requirement for your challenge, we reserve the right to end the activity early and you will be required to make alternative arrangements at your own expense.
You must inform us of any medical condition, injury or illness which you are suffering from, of any medication you are taking, or of any allergy which you have. We will provide a medical form which should be completed in full. Your disclosures will be handled in accordance with the Data Protection Act and only those event staff with a requirement to be aware of your responses will have access to the information.
For their own safety and that of those around them, persons apparently under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed to participate in activities. Additionally, if your behaviour becomes unacceptable at any point, you will be asked to make alternative arrangements at your own expense.