Local Impact
It is obvious that with an event as popular and challenging as the National 3 Peaks, there will be an impact on the local communities. The question is how much of this impact is detrimental and are there more positive aspects for the local communities.
Undoubtedly the popularity of the challenge has resulted in an increase in the number of walkers on these three mountains; however when the popularity of mountain walking is taken into account the percentage of three peak challengers is relatively insignificant. The issue for the local community arises when large groups travelling by coach arrive late at night or early in the morning. This is a particular problem at Scafell which has very narrow access roads and small communities based at the foot of the mountain.
In order to limit our effect on these local communities, Mobile Adventure takes great pride in only running small self contained groups of a maximum of eight walkers, and ensuring they arrive at Scafell at reasonable hours of the morning or evening.
The positive aspect of the 3 Peaks challenge can be measured by the amount of people who come to appreciate our National Parks through the challenge and book return visits to one or all of these areas over the following years. This brings money into the local economy through the booking of accommodation, eating out and visiting local attractions.
As always there needs to be a sensible balance between the important needs of the local communities and the promotion of the beauty and challenge of our wild places. Indeed as members of one of these local communities, (Mobile Adventure is based in Keswick) we regard this balance as a highly important part of our 3 Peak Challenge Package.
Other Mountain Challenges
Due to these inherent problems with the 3 Peaks, we have developed several other comparable Mountain Challenges which have less local and environmental impact:-
- Lake District 3000 Footers
- Lake District 6 Peaks Challenge
- Lake District 10 Peaks Challenge
- Lake District 24 Peaks Challenge
