Written by: Andrew Forrest
Updated: July 2025
Should you join an organised Three Peaks event or go it alone?
Each approach has its pros and cons. Here's a comparison to help decide:
| Organised Challenge (with a company or charity) | Independent Hike (self-organised) |
|---|---|
| Structure & support: Guided by experienced leaders who know the route. Often includes a briefing, checkpoints, and a sweep team, ensuring no one is left behind. Medical support or marshals may be available on the route. Less worry about navigation or emergency response. | Freedom & flexibility: You choose your date, start time, and pace. It can be a solo adventure or just with your own friends. You're not tied to a big group's schedule or speed. You can start early, take detours, or split over two days as you wish. If the weather is bad, or your fitness isn't quite there, you can defer for a few weeks and rearrange at a time that suits you. |
| Camaraderie: Typically done in a larger group, often for charitable purposes. There's a shared spirit and motivation when doing it with 10, 20 or even 50 others. You'll meet new people and help each other along the way. Organisers may arrange group accommodation or a celebratory meal. | Privacy & personal challenge: Some prefer the tranquillity of walking without crowds. You can find moments of solitude on the trail allowing you to truly connect with nature. Any victory (and suffering!) is yours alone, which can be very fulfilling. |
| Logistics handled: The organisers often handle most of the logistics - they'll tell you when/where to meet, sometimes provide transport to the start, and might even shuttle your bag or have water stations (depending on the event). They typically have the route planned, with backup options if the weather is bad. You still need to arrange your own travel to the start. | DIY logistics: You have to arrange transport, navigate the route, and ensure your own safety. This means more planning - maps, compass, GPS, and knowing escape routes. However, it also means you can adapt: postpone for weather, choose a quieter day, or add a side-trip (e.g. detour to see Gaping Gill if time allows). |
| Cost: Joining an event usually involves a fee starting around £70/person, or a fundraising target if it's a charity. You might get a guide, certificate, t-shirt, medal, etc., but it's an expense. Example: charity challenges may ask each participant to raise a few hundred pounds. In addition to that are your travel costs to get there, any accommodation costs and any gear. | Cost: Doing it independently is basically free, aside from your travel, accommodation, and gear, which you would also have with an organised outing. A very budget-conscious team can camp and bring all their own food, spending little. You won't get a medal handed to you, but you can always buy a souvenir patch or make your own certificate! |
| Pacing: Organised groups often sort people by pace or have back markers to accommodate different speeds. But you may feel pressured to keep up with a group, or conversely, held back if you're faster. There's usually a cut-off time (around 12 hours) - if you fall behind, they might ask you to retire for safety. | Pacing: You set the pace that suits you. Want to take an extra 15 minutes on Whernside to soak in the views? You can. If you need to slow down, you're not 'letting anyone down'. On the other hand, self-motivation is key. There is no external structure to push you, so discipline is needed to keep breaks short and progress steady. |
If you prefer to be independent, consider the time of year: a sunny weekend in June will be very busy on
the hills with numerous groups and individuals (hundreds of people attempt it on a fine summer Saturday). If you seek more solitude, a weekday
in spring or autumn may be more suitable, although you'll have fewer daylight hours.
Environmental note: Large group events can place a strain on the paths and the environment. Reputable organisers limit group sizes and
adhere to the
Countryside Code.
If you venture out independently, you should as well - regardless of how you choose to experience it, leave no trace (carry out litter,
stay on paths to avoid erosion, and be considerate of locals and wildlife). There's a National Park initiative called Friends of the Three
Peaks, which encourages all challengers to support path maintenance. If you complete the Yorkshire Three Peaks, please consider making a
donation.
Whether you are part of an organised group or walking independently, be considerate to locals and the area. Do not block roads or entrances. Please keep noise to an absolute minimum before 8:00 a.m. Take home all your rubbish.
In summary, choose the style that matches your personality and experience. Organised events offer support and sociability; independent hikes are free, offer freedom and a deeper personal test. Both can lead you to the same sense of accomplishment at the finish line.