WEEKEND 2 - SCOTLAND
Ben Nevis - Ben Macdui - Braeriach
Three huge mountains. Around 35.5 miles. Approximately 3,320m of ascent. The biggest & extended middle weekend of my 3×3 Peaks Challenge raising money for Alzheimer's Society.
The Journey Continues
The Scotland extended weekend takes the challenge to another level.
Over three days, I’ll climb Ben Nevis, Ben Macdui and Braeriach — the three highest mountains in Scotland and the whole of the UK. With long days, remote terrain and the unpredictable Scottish weather to contend with, this will be the toughest and most demanding stage of the 3×3 Peaks Challenge.
This weekend is dedicated to Alzheimer’s Society. During my dad’s dementia journey, Mum and Dad regularly attended one of the charity’s Dementia Cafés. Those sessions became far more than somewhere to spend a few hours. They gave Mum a much-needed break from the day-to-day demands of caring, an opportunity to meet and talk with other families facing similar challenges, and a welcome change of scenery for them both. Even today, Mum is still friends with several of the wonderful people she met through the café.
I’m taking on this challenge because families living with dementia face challenges every single day, and organisations such as Alzheimer’s Society are there to offer support, understanding and hope when it is needed most. By raising awareness and funds, I hope to help ensure that more families can continue to benefit from the incredible work the charity provides.
Day 1
The challenge begins with Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK at 1,345m. The route is long and relentlessly uphill, with rough, rocky terrain higher up and weather that can change quickly. Reaching the summit will be a demanding start to the Scotland weekend.
Day 2
Day two takes us into the heart of the Cairngorms to climb Ben Macdui, the second-highest mountain in the UK. This is a long mountain day through vast, open terrain, with a real sense of remoteness and exposure once we reach the high plateau.
Day 3
The final Scottish peak is Braeriach, the third-highest mountain in the UK and perhaps the most remote of the three. The route crosses wild Cairngorm terrain and involves a long approach, sustained climbing and a substantial return journey - a fittingly tough finish to the weekend.