The Lakes 4 Peaks Challenge

Q. Thanks for a great site - just found it and it's brill!

I am hoping, with a few friends and colleagues, to complete the above challenge, possibly in June or July. Could you advise as to the most straightforward route (we will be driving, possibly, between one or more of the mountains - if possible), 24 hours - which to do in the dark, and best time to start?

Thanks in advance - happy hills

Caroline Page, Newcastle Under Lyme

A. This used to be a proper event, I have completed it in under 12hrs coming 2nd in 1999 to Peter Bland. Starting in Keswick, up and down Skiddaw, onto Scafell, Scafell Pike & across to Helvelyn, then back to Keswick. Tough but doable event.

Mick Adams, Melton Mowbray

A. We did this a few years ago, starting at Wasdale for Scafell Pike and Scafell via Foxes Tarn. We then drove to Keswick for Skiddaw and to Thirlmere for Helvellyn. I think driving between 4 x 3,000 foot mountains to enable them to be climbed within 12 hours is anything but cheating!

Hugh Martin, Henfield

A. The Lake District Challenge Walk means climbing Scafell Pike, Sca Fell, Helvellyn and Skiddaw with 24 hours and includes walking between the for summits as well as up each mountain - so using a car is cheating.

For more information about self-guided walking routes up Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain, see Walks up Scafell Pike.

For more information about self-guided walking routes up Sca Fell, England's 2nd highest mountain, see Walks up Sca Fell.

For more information about self-guided walking routes up Helvellyn, England's 3rd highest mountain, see Walks up Helvellyn.

For more information about self-guided walking routes up Skiddaw, England's 4th highest mountain, see Walks up Skiddaw.

For some suggestions about the route between each mountain see The Lake District Challenge Walk

Hope this helps

Mike (Editor)

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