Three Peaks Challenge guidelines

We have our own programme of guided walks and other events. However other organised recreational events such as the Three Peaks Challenge have become increasingly popular throughout the National Park to raise funds for charity or as a personal challenge.

Well-managed events reduce the risk of environmental impact or disruption to communities. So if you are planning an event, please contact us for advice and specialist local knowledge and use the ‘Checklist for organisers’.

All charity events, including the Three Peaks Challenge, should observe the Institute of Fundraising’s Outdoor UK Challenge Events, including the Three Peaks code of practice. You can find this at the Institute of Fundraising's Codes Directory (opens in new window).

Checklist for organisers

If you are planning to organise a challenge, charity or training event this checklist will help ensure that it runs smoothly, your participants have a good time, and you will be welcomed back.

Please seek our advice. We want all organised recreational events, including yours, to be a success and sustainable.

Inform us well in advance - call 01539 724555 or e-mail hq@lakedistrict.gov.uk
If you are intending to advertise your event with signs or posters please contact us for details
Plan early and consult widely
Ask for permissions (for example landowner, highways authority, police)
Arrange appropriate insurance and contingency cover
Avoid inappropriate dates and times, and remote locations with poor access
Use public transport or shared vehicles
Keep to appropriate participant numbers and brief entrants thoroughly
Let your participants know this is a National Park with special qualities
Be aware of sensitive landscapes, habitats and archaeological sites
Respect the needs of landowners and the privacy of residents
Take heed of forestry and farming operations
Encourage everyone involved to stay locally and buy goods locally
Remove all signs of the event immediately afterwards
Acknowledge the co-operation you have received

Please take your preparations seriously to avoid situations such as Cumbria mountain rescue warning after five hour rescue (BBC News) (opens new window).

Guidance and Code of Conduct

Parking is available at Wasdale Head and Seathwaite, Borrowdale.
Please do not obstruct passing places, gates, Mountain Rescue points, private tracks and roads.
The National Trust’s Wasdale Lake Head car park closes between 2030hrs and 0730hrs each day.
Keep numbers of vehicles to a minimum. Coaches cannot physically get through to Wasdale Head.
The toilet facilities at Wasdale Head and Seathwaite are very limited. Please try to use alternative toilet facilities before you arrive. This helps avoid environmental health problems in Wasdale, Borrowdale and on the mountains.
Please take all litter away with you.
There is no mains water supply at Wasdale Head and Seathwaite, so bring your own.
Please be considerate of the Wasdale and Borrowdale Communities and other users of the area. Avoid unsocial hours between 11pm and 7am.
To minimise mountain damage please keep to paths, stagger start times and avoid congestion.
Please consider donating to www.fixthefells.co.uk in order to help us continue to maintain these paths for your enjoyment.
Please help us to keep Wasdale and Borrowdale special places for everyone to enjoy.

Three Peaks Challenge - contacting rangers

If you're planning to climb Scafell Pike as part of the Three Peaks Challenge, please contact the following depending on your start point:

For Seathwaite: National Park Ranger Pete Barron on 01768 871404 or
For Wasdale Head: National Trust Business Support Lead Alyson Rawnsley or alyson.rawnsley@nationaltrust.org.uk

to discuss your event and any matters of particular local concern.

Events on Caldbeck and Uldale Commons

Please read our Guidelines for Events Organisers on Caldbeck and Uldale Commons (Word document)

Useful links

Best of Both Worlds has tips about organising events (opens in new window)

Want even more visitor information?

Visit Golakes (opens in new window), the official website of the tourist board for The Lake District and Cumbria. Browse and book accommodation and attractions online and see what's on in the area.