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NATIONAL 3 PEAKS - TRAINING WHAT ACTUALLY WORKS (2026 GUIDE)

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 01:54:31 GMT

MOST PEOPLE DON'T FAIL THE NATIONAL 3 PEAKS BECAUSE THEY'RE UNFIT...

They fail because they train the wrong way.

They hit the gym.
They do a few runs.
They think that’s enough.

Then they get onto the mountains and realise very quickly…

�� This is a completely different game.

WHAT THE CHALLENGE ACTUALLY DEMANDS

The National 3 Peaks is not just a hike — it’s a 24-hour endurance event, testing how you cope with very little sleep, 10/11 hours travelling and eating enough calories to sink a ship.

You’re taking on:

Ben Nevis
Scafell Pike
Snowdon

All within 24 hours.

That means:

Around 25 miles of hiking
Over 3,000m of ascent
Roughly 12–13 hours on your feet
Burning between 5/6000 calories
Plus 10+ hours of driving in between

And the biggest factor?

�� Fatigue.

Not just physical — mental and emotionally.

WHY BEING "FIT" ISN'T ENOUGH

You are more than able to run 10k and still struggle on the challenge.

Because this challenge isn’t about speed.

It’s about:

Long days on your feet
Uneven terrain
Climbing when your legs are already tired
Moving when you’d rather stop
Most importantly not giving up when every part of you is saying you cannot do, because you can!

�� It’s about durability, stubbornness not just the fitness.

WHAT ACTUALLY WORKS (THE RIGHT WAY TO TRAIN)

1. TIME ON YOUR FEET (NON NEGOTIABLE)

This is the biggest one.

You need to get used to:

Walking for hours
Being on your feet when tired
Managing pace over long periods

Start with:

2–3 hour hikes
Build up to 5–7 hour days

2. BACK TO BACK TRAINING DAYS

The challenge doesn’t give you recovery time — so neither should your training.

Example:

Saturday: long hike
Sunday: another hike (even when tired)

�� This is where real progress happens.

3. STRENGTH TRAINING (THIS IS YOUR SECRET WEAPON)

Focus on:

Legs (quads, glutes, calves)
Core (for stability)

Simple works:

Squats
Lunges
Step-ups (gold standard for mountains)
Loaded carries

�� Strong legs = less fatigue = higher chance of success

4. TRAIN ON UNEVEN TERRAIN

Treadmills won’t prepare you for this.

You need:

Hills
Trails
Rocky paths

Because that’s what breaks people.

5. PRACTICE FUELING AND HYDRATION

This is where a lot of people fall apart.

You should be testing:

Snacks - a lot of people think that protein bars will help, on a challenge they won't
Hydration - electrolytes, test them plenty of times before, a lot of people they go straight through! Not pleasant and the last thing you want to happen an hour in on Ben Nevis haha. Your not going to find a toilet that's for sure
What your body tolerates under fatigue

�� Don’t figure this out on the mountain.

WHAT MOST PEOPLE GET WRONG

Not enough time on feet
No back-to-back training
Overestimating gym fitness
Ignoring nutrition
Leaving it too late

And the big one…

�� Thinking they’ll “push through it on the day”

That’s where people come unstuck.

HOW LONG DO YOU NEED TO TRAIN?

Ideally:
�� 12–16 weeks

That gives you time to:

Build gradually
Avoid injury
Actually feel ready (not just hopeful and wishful thinking)

THE HONEST TRUTH

This is a tough challenge.

But it’s absolutely achievable…

�� If you prepare properly.

Do that — and it becomes one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do.

Skip it — and it can be a long, miserable, hard 24 hours.

WANT HELP GETTING READY?

If you’re thinking about taking on the National 3 Peaks this year:

�� We run fully guided challenges with expert support every step of the way

�� We have over 50 years collaborated experience running this challenge
�� We also offer structured training plans to get you ready

CHECK OUT UPCOMING EVENTS

��https://www.chasingsummits.co.uk/ntional-3-peaks-24-hourstps://www.chasingsummits.co.uk/national-3-peaks-24-hours

DO YOU WANT A TRAINING PLAN?

�� https://www.chasingsummits.co.uk/training-hike-preparation

Or if you want a proper plan tailored to you:
�� Drop us a message — we’ll get you set up

FINAL NOTE

You don’t need to be the fittest person there.

You just need to be the one who prepared properly.

WHY BEING "FIT" ISN'T THE SAME AS BEING TREK READY

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 14:25:45 GMT

AND WHY WE'VE BUILT DEDICATED TRAINING PLANS FOR HIKERS

If you’ve ever finished a long hike thinking “I didn’t enjoy that anywhere near as much as I wanted to”, you’re not alone.

One of the most common things we hear from hikers and trekkers is:

“I’m fit… but that absolutely ruined me."

And that’s exactly why we’ve built dedicated hiking and trek training plans.

Fitness vs Trek Fitness: There’s a Big Difference

General fitness is great. Running, gym sessions, classes, cycling — all of it helps.

But hiking and trekking place very specific demands on the body that standard fitness routines don’t prepare you for, including:

Long, continuous time on your feet
Steep ascents and punishing descents
Repeated effort over consecutive days
Carrying a rucksack for hours at a time
Fatigue management, not just speed or strength

You don’t fail on the mountain because you’re “unfit”.
You struggle because your body hasn’t been trained specifically for what hiking demands.

The Biggest Issues We See on the Hill

After years of guiding UK challenges and overseas treks, the same patterns come up again and again:

Strong runners struggling with long descents
Gym-fit clients finding pack carry unbearable
Active people wiped out by day three of a multi-day trek
Knee, hip or lower back pain appearing after hours of walking

These aren’t motivation issues.
They’re preparation issues .

Why We Introduced Trek-Specific Training Plans

We didn’t introduce training plans to turn Chasing Summits Adventures into a fitness brand.

We introduced them because:

Too many capable people weren’t enjoying their challenges
We were answering the same preparation questions repeatedly
And because good preparation makes adventures safer, more enjoyable and more successful

Training properly shouldn’t feel intimidating or extreme — it should feel relevant .

What Makes Our Training Different

Our training plans are built specifically for hikers and trekkers — not gym-goers chasing PBs.

We focus on:

Hiking-specific strength (legs, hips, core, stability)
Endurance for long days , not short efforts
Progressive pack carry (this is huge)
Repeatable days , not one big push
Real-life schedules , not perfect training weeks

This is about preparing your body to move well for hours, day after day — because that’s what hiking actually asks of you.

Training to Enjoy the Journey (Not Just Survive It)

Most people don’t sign up for mountain challenges to suffer.

They want to:

Enjoy the views
Feel confident and capable
Finish strong, not broken
Come home proud — not disappointed

Good preparation changes how you experience the entire challenge.

Instead of counting every step, you start noticing the mountains again.

How We Support Different Types of Hikers

Not everyone needs the same level of support — and that’s intentional.

Fit to Trek Ready (Self-Guided)

For active people who want clear structure and guidance, but are happy to train independently.

A 12-week, self-guided plan focused on:

Strength
Endurance
Pack carry
Long-day readiness

Bespoke Training Plans

For those training for specific challenges, longer treks, or who want their plan built around their lifestyle, history and goals.

Expedition & Long-Term Preparation

For bigger objectives — multi-month hikes, overseas expeditions, or major endurance challenges — where durability and injury prevention are critical.

This is structured, phased preparation with defined support and check-ins.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need to be an elite athlete to hike well.

But you do need to prepare specifically .

If you want hiking and trekking to feel stronger, more comfortable and more enjoyable — training matters.

And when it’s done properly, it doesn’t take over your life.
It simply makes the mountains feel like they should: challenging, rewarding… and worth it.

�� Ready to prepare properly?

Explore our Fit to Trek Ready digital training plan or find out more about our bespoke trek preparation services .

Head to the Training & Hike Preparation page above for further details and plans.

MOUNT TOUBKAL - A JOURNEY TO THE ROOF OF NORTH AFRICA

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 21:27:26 GMT

OCTOBER 2025 - CHASING SUMMITS ADVENTURES

MOUNT TOUBKAL

A Journey to the Roof of North Africa

On 3 October our team touched down in Marrakesh, ready to take on Mount Toubkal (4,167 m) — North Africa’s highest peak and one of our favourite overseas challenges.

Two luxury mini-coaches were waiting to transfer us to Imlil, the gateway to the High Atlas. The two-hour drive was a comfortable one: cold water in hand, air-conditioning blasting against the 30-degree heat, and everyone buzzing with that pre-expedition mix of nerves and excitement.

ARRIVAL IN IMLIL

We checked into our mountain lodge and took in the views from the rooftop terrace. Some of the group basked in the afternoon sun while others wandered through the village below to pick up souvenirs and soak up local life.

Dinner that evening was a perfect introduction to Moroccan hospitality — fresh soup, a traditional tagine, fruit, and sweet mint tea. By 9 p.m. everyone had retreated to pack, repack, and get some much-needed rest before the climb.

THE ASSCENT BEGINS

Breakfast was served early: pancakes, eggs, bread, cheese, olives, and (thankfully) plenty of coffee. At 9 a.m. we set off with our local guide, Abdul — friendly, fluent in English, and an endless source of stories about the mountains, the wildlife, and the Berber culture.

Lunch en route around 1:30 p.m. offered welcome shade from the midday sun, and by 4:30 p.m. we reached the Toubkal Refuge, our home for the night. Group dorms with bunkbeds lined side by side — cosy, basic, and full of climbers sharing the same goal: sunrise from the summit.

Dinner was hearty and well-earned: three courses and laughter shared with trekkers from around the world before alarms were set for 3:30 a.m.

SUMMIT DAY

By 4:15 a.m. we were out the door, headtorches glowing in the dark. Ten clients — nine men, one woman — and me, moving together, encouraging each other step by step.

At 7 a.m. we stood on the summit.
The first light of day poured across the Atlas Mountains and spilled over North Africa — a breathtaking moment that made every early start and steep step worthwhile.

After photos and quiet reflection, we began our descent, reaching the refuge by 9:45 a.m., adrenaline high and spirits even higher. By 11 a.m. we were heading back to Imlil, stopping for lunch at 1:30 p.m., and arriving at the lodge by 5:30 p.m. — tired, dusty, but absolutely elated.

CELEBRATION & FAREWELL

That night we shared stories over dinner, medals were handed out, and a well-earned sleep followed, but only after a game or two of Uno flip. The next morning, some of the group headed back to Marrakesh for a few days of souks and sunshine, while others caught flights home to the UK.

Every single person left with a medal, a smile, and a memory they’ll never forget.

WHY MOUNT TOUBKAL STAYS WITH YOU

Toubkal is more than a mountain — it’s a mindset. The climb is short but intense; the reward, unmatched. You stand above the clouds knowing you’ve pushed yourself far from comfort and closer to who you are.

Challenge. Connect. Conquer.
Join us on our next Mount Toubkal Adventure and see what the mountains can do for you.
→ Climb Toubkal with Chasing Summits Adventures

TREKKING THROUGH THE HEART OF PERU - THE INCA TRAIL

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 11:27:20 GMT

OUR JOURNEY BEGINS - THE INCA TRAIL - MACHU PICCHU - SEPTEMBER 2025

THE JOUNEY BEGINS – FROM THE UK TO CUSCO

There’s something about arriving in Cusco that hits you right in the chest — maybe it’s the altitude, or maybe it’s the energy of a city that still hums with ancient Inca spirit. After leaving the UK on the 11th of September 2025 , our group touched down in Cusco on the 26th, ready to begin our acclimatisation and our long-awaited Peru adventure .

We spent our first few days exploring the cobbled streets, taking an open-top bus around the city, and soaking up its vibrant atmosphere. Llamas on street corners, panpipes echoing through the plazas, and colours so vivid they make your camera work overtime — Cusco is the perfect warm-up for what lies ahead.

EXPLORING CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY

Our journey through the Sacred Valley began in Pisac , an archaeological wonder that feels almost suspended in time. The terraced ruins climb the mountainsides like giant steps to the sky — a living example of Inca engineering at its finest. After exploring the site, we wandered through the colourful artisan market below, stalls overflowing with hand-woven textiles, jewellery, and ceramics.

Next came Chinchero , a traditional Andean village famous for its textiles and deep Quechua roots. We visited local weaving families who still use centuries-old techniques, dyeing wool with natural plants and creating intricate patterns that tell their stories. Feeding llamas and alpacas was a highlight for everyone — equal parts hilarious and heart-warming.

Our final stop was the Maras Salt Mines (Salineras de Maras) — thousands of salt pools carved into the mountainside, glimmering in the afternoon sun. These pre-Incan terraces are still operated by local families, and the view across the valley is simply unforgettable.

That evening, we returned to Cusco for a good night’s rest before the challenge we’d all been waiting for.

THE INCA TRAIL – A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY

The traditional four-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu is more than just a hike — it’s a spiritual pilgrimage. Each step takes you deeper into Peru’s past, through cloud forests, high mountain passes, and ancient ruins hidden in the mist.

From the tough climb over Dead Woman’s Pass (the highest point of the trail at 4,215 m) to quiet moments shared among our group, every day brought something new — laughter, challenge, and awe.

Reaching the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at dawn on the final day is pure magic. The clouds part, and suddenly there it is — Machu Picchu , the Lost City of the Incas, glowing in the morning light. That moment never fails to take my breath away, no matter how many times I’ve guided it.

MACHU PCCHU – THE LOST CITY REVEALED

Our guided tour of Machu Picchu brought the ruins to life — temples perfectly aligned with the sun, terraces clinging to the mountainside, and stories of how this extraordinary civilisation thrived.

When it was time to leave, we boarded the glass-roofed train through the Sacred Valley, watching snow-tipped peaks and lush green hills roll by. It’s the most relaxing way to end such an intense journey.

That evening, we returned to Cusco for well-earned rest, good food, and one last night of laughter with the group.

RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – PERU'S HIDDEN GEM

As if the Inca Trail wasn’t enough, the next morning we set out for Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) — one of the most spectacular day hikes in South America. At over 5,000 m, it’s a serious climb, but every step is rewarded with surreal, striped mountain scenery that looks painted by hand.

Standing at the summit, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and those unbelievable colours, it’s impossible not to feel humbled. After descending, we stopped for a buffet lunch before heading back to Cusco — tired, exhilarated, and full of gratitude.

REFLECTIONS FROM THE ANDES

Some clients chose to stay on in Cusco a few extra days to unwind and soak it all in. Others headed home, tackling the 20-hour flight back to the UK — but every one of them left changed.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain isn’t just an adventure. It’s a reminder of what humans can do when we push beyond our comfort zones.

For me, guiding this trek is pure joy — watching people discover their strength, form lifelong friendships, and stand on top of the world with tears in their eyes and pride in their hearts.

READY FOR YOUR OWN PERUVIAN ADENTURE?

Join me and the team at Chasing Summits for our next expedition to Peru. Whether it’s your first big trek or another mountain to add to your list, this journey will stay with you forever.

Dates so far in 2026 - 17th April and the 18th September.

✨ Challenge. Connect. Conquer.
�� Start your adventure: www.chasingsummits.co.uk /inca-trail

Climbing Within - How Physical Challenges Forge Emotional Intelligence

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 16:37:03 GMT

There’s something transformative about standing on a summit, breathless and sweat-soaked, gasing out over ridgelines and valleys below. It’s not just the view that takes your breath away—it’s the emotional clarity that comes from the climb itself. At Chasing Summits , we know first-hand how mountains do more than just challenge the body; they awaken the mind and strengthen the soul. Physical challenges—particularly those faced in the great outdoors—have a powerful way of building emotional intelligence.

The Mountain as a Mirror

When you're on a tough ascent—say up Scafell Pike , England’s highest peak, or navigating the awe-inspiring route to Snowdon via Crib Goch —your true self shows up. Fatigue strips away the layers. Every step forces you to face your limits, your thoughts, your inner dialogue. There’s no signal, no distraction—just you, your team, and the trail.

This intensity encourages emotional awareness . You learn to notice how fear, frustration, and doubt creep in. More importantly, you learn to manage them. You become familiar with your internal landscape just as much as the physical one surrounding you. This is emotional intelligence in action - recognising what you feel, understanding why, and managing your response to keep moving forward.

Resilience and Regulation

Climbing isn’t easy. Neither is life. But mountains teach us resilience like nothing else. A day trek in the Lake District , for instance, can be unpredictable—weather can turn, paths can vanish, and plans can shift. It’s in these moments that emotional regulation becomes crucial. You learn to breathe through the panic, to make calm decisions, and to re-centre yourself under pressure. These are the very same skills that help us handle stress in everyday life—at work, in relationships, and in our own mental health battles.

Empathy and Team Spirit

One of the most beautiful aspects of expedition life is the people you meet along the way. Whether you're on a private guided hike with us or joining one of our open group adventures , you’re not climbing alone. Mountains create a shared struggle, a collective experience that binds strangers together.

Encouraging someone who's ready to give up, or accepting support when you're the one struggling, naturally fosters empathy. You develop patience, compassion, and the ability to read the emotional needs of others. These are key pillars of emotional intelligence, and they flourish in the raw, honest environment of the trail.

Mindfulness in Motion

For many of us, including our founder Nic, the mountains offer peace. The mind goes quiet. The noise of modern life fades away and all that remains is the rhythmic crunch of boots on rock and the steady beat of your heart. It’s a form of mindfulness—present, grounded, and connected.

Take our Ben Nevis Challenge , for instance. As the UK’s highest mountain, it requires focus, grit, and respect. But it also gives you a chance to reconnect with yourself in a way few experiences can. You leave the peak changed—stronger, calmer, more self-aware.

More Than a Climb

At Chasing Summits, we don’t just guide you up a mountain—we guide you into a deeper connection with yourself. Whether it’s a short day hike or a more demanding expedition like the Welsh 3000s Challenge , every route is an opportunity to build confidence, self-awareness, and emotional strength.

The next time you find yourself craving clarity or feeling overwhelmed by life’s chaos, consider heading to the hills. Your body will feel the burn, yes—but your mind and heart will thank you for it.

Ready to start your journey within? Explore our guided hikes and challenges at www.chasingsummits.co.uk and discover how the outdoors can reshape your inner world—one summit at a time.

CORPORATE TEAM BUILDING THROUGH OUTDOOR CHALLENGES: UNLOCKING TEAM POTENTIAL

Fri, 02 May 2025 14:42:08 GMT

Corporate team building in the growing technological work environment nowadays has changed from more traditional office activities to something more engaging and meaningful that is more about creating bonds among employees. Among aspects that can be witnessed in boosting a team, trust and communication lie outdoor challenges – in which participants take their activities outside the office and into nature. For example, outdoor hiking activities can offer a team something that indoor exercises simply cannot provide if they wish to bring every small piece together.

The Power of Outdoor Challenges for Corporate Teams

Outdoor team challenges hold strong promises of exciting and new experiences for teams. Hiking is perhaps the most popular such outdoor activity. It is more than just attending the meetings in their meeting rooms: much happens outside as employees interact in an informal atmosphere where teamwork is natural. Whether climbing a rough trail or trying to figure out the solution to a problem together, outdoor challenges help to create opportunities for collaboration and communication, two of the most important skills that a team needs in any workplace.

Strengthening Team Bonding

Team bonding is one of the major advantages of outdoor challenges. At the workplace, employees tend to interact with each other within the parameters of assigned roles, tasks, or projects, which limits their opportunity for more genuine personal bonding. Outdoor activities eliminate these constraints. Hiking or some other physical challenge provides team members the opportunity to view each other through a more personal lens during moments of vulnerability, triumph, and support. Such memories forge stronger personal bonds, which translate into a tighter, better-working team in the office.

Improved Communication and Collaboration

Something more important than communication is an internal challenge. Teams will need to work closely as they find their way around whatever it is they have to do. Suggestions may have to be given, directions may have to be given, or encouragement will be offered to others. For example, a team trekking needs to be communicating to be able to summit. This whole scenario really mimics real life, transforming the problem-solving and collaborating in real time into learning skills transferable to the workplace, where clear communication and teamwork are really vital for success.

Enhancing Leadership and Trust

Another fruitful arena to foster leadership characteristics and engender trust in the group is outdoors. Employees are put into situations where they must rely on each other’s strengths and talents to accomplish a common goal. Limited knowledge of the individuals in question and the sometimes unpredictable nature of these conditions give rise to natural leaders: not necessarily those of the highest rank but those who are capable of intentionally and successfully motivating, guiding, and supporting the others in the terrain. It is here that all leaders in the team's eyes have a multitude of meanings, be it putting their hand up to lead through a crisis or carrying valuable insight at a moment when it is most needed. Here too is where the work of instilling trust goes on, for team members learn to rely on one another and carry shared responsibility for success.

Boosting Mental and Physical Wellbeing

It’s no secret that spending time outdoors is good for the mind and body. Fresh air, physical exercise, and exposure to nature have been proven to reduce stress and increase happiness. For a corporate team, these outdoor challenges provide a much-needed break from the daily grind, recharging the group and improving overall wellbeing. Hiking and other outdoor activities also encourage physical activity, which has been linked to improved focus and productivity once back at work. It’s a win-win situation.

Chasing Summits: Your Partner in Corporate Team Building

If you’re looking for an unforgettable team-building experience, look no further than Chasing Summits. Specialising in outdoor adventures designed to bring corporate teams together, they offer bespoke hiking challenges tailored to your team’s specific needs. Whether you're looking to enhance communication, foster leadership, or simply enjoy a day out in nature, Chasing Summits provides an environment that encourages growth and connection.

Their expert guides ensure that every challenge is not only physically rewarding but also mentally stimulating, making for a truly enriching experience that will stay with your team long after the day is over.

Ready to Transform Your Team?

Corporate team building is about more than just fun activities – it’s about creating real connections, fostering trust, and developing skills that benefit both the team and the organisation. Outdoor challenges like hiking offer the perfect opportunity to do just that.

If you’re ready to take your team on a transformative journey, visit Chasing Summits today to learn more about their tailored outdoor challenges for corporate teams. Get outside, get active, and watch your team thrive!