![Dr Penny Simpson](https://blogs.brighton.ac.uk/bbsblog/files/2018/08/IMG_5480-21kmt62.jpg)
Three Peaks Challenge
On 11 and 12 August this year the MSc/PG Dip HRM programme leader Dr Penny Simpson undertook the Three Peaks Challenge in a team of five for the charity Dreams Come True.
“The Three Peaks Challenge is attempting the three highest peaks of Scotland, Wales, and England in 24 hours including the transportation.
“We started this attempt at 11am on 11 August with Ben Nevis. The conditions were perfect for walking and the views from the top were stunning.
“After a minibus trip, Scarfell Pike was the next peak to be attempted by these Three Peak Challenge walkers. The Scarfell Pike walk was at night with head torches, in driving rain. Towards the top, it was much more windy and the conditions were described by the mountain guide as “almost brutal”. So poor were the conditions that two of the team turned back part way to the top. The other three including myself reached the top and then descended with a few falls despite using walking poles.
“Arriving back to the minibus at the base was a relief for all the team who were, at that stage, soaked through, despite their wet weather walking gear. From there the trip was to Snowdon for the early hours via a much-needed cafe for some hot refreshment. The conditions of the final peak in Wales were much more forgiving although still wet.
All five the team commenced the climb, but two-thirds the way up the peak a fall ended up with a broken wrist for one of the team. This ended the team challenge due to hospital being urgently required. I was pleased that I’d attempted this endurance walk and but it was one of the most challenging experiences I have ever encountered!”