Buitelaar Group Complete the National 3 Peaks Challenge
What is the National 3 Peaks Challenge?
The National Three Peaks Challenge is the challenge to climb the three largest mountains in Scotland (Ben Nevis), England (Scafell Pike) and Wales (Snowdon) all within 24 hours. During the challenge, our ambitious team will cover:
- 23 miles of hiking
- 462 miles of driving
- 3400m (10,052ft) of ascent
Meet the Team: Buitelaar Warriors
The 30-strong Buitelaar Warriors, a group of team members from across our Dutch, Irish, English and Welsh offices had trained hard. Our pre-challenge inter-office training competition, where teams from different offices competed to log the most distance covered, had prepared the team well, ensuring everyone was fighting fit!
The Challenge Begins
After months of training the Buitelaar Warriors arrived in Fort William at 5pm on Friday 30th August. With team members travelling from across Europe, racking up some travel distance that day before the challenge had even started.
Although the aim of the National 3 Peaks Challenge is to conquer Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours or less, it is important to to note we took on the challenge in aid of ‘The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation’, the ‘Farm Safety Foundation’ and the ‘DPJ Foundation’, all supporting a range of causes from preventing motor neurones disease to supporting on-farm safety and mental health in rural communities.
With over 1,300 meters to climb, Ben Nevis is undoubtedly the longest and hardest mountain in the challenge. So it was important that we got off to a strong start and set the tone for the challenge.
Peak 1 - Ben Nevis
As the highest peak in the UK, Ben Nevis presented a formidable challenge to the team. The ascent was fast and relentless, with steep, rocky paths that tested stamina and determination from the very start. The final stretch, known as the boulder field, was particularly gruelling, requiring careful navigation over loose rocks. The light conditions added another layer of difficulty, with sunset and low visibility setting in before we reached the summit. However, despite the physical and mental demands, reaching the summit of Ben Nevis was an exhilarating accomplishment, setting the tone for the gruelling challenge ahead.
A quick photo flying the Buitelaar flag on the summit and it was a military march back down to the bottom with head torches on, finishing up around 11pm!
Peak 2: Scafell Pike
Whilst being driven through the night, the team tried to get some much needed rest on the bus, in preparation for their 5am Scafell start.
As the blisters appeared, sore legs and stiffness set in, we set off up the Wasdale Path. Proving to be a tough test of endurance, it was probably a good thing we were doing this in the dark and unable to see the extent of the steep, monotonous and rugged climb of steps up to the summit. The relentless rocky path seemed endless and the scree near the summit with loose stones, especially challenging as the tiredness set in! We were incredible lucky to see the most beautiful sunrise as we neared the summit, although there was no time for faffing and taking photos, we were on the clock!
As the highest peak in England, Scafell Pike demanded both physical strength and mental resilience, but reaching the top was a rewarding milestone for everyone! Another photo flying the Buitelaar flag, this time on the top of England and we were charging off back down the path!
Step 3: Snowdon
Energy levels drained, the team fuelled up again, consuming an unbelievable amount of food over the 24 hours to keep everyone going! A long drive down to Snowdon allowed the team to try and rest again; a driver change in the services proved eventful, when alarmingly, the bus wouldn’t start! When it eventually sprang into life, we continued and made it to our final mountain, Snowdon, Wales’ highest peak.
A thrilling conclusion to our adventure, we took on the Pyg Track at a considerable pace, demanding the last of the energy reserves with the team really giving it their all! With breathtaking views, the trail was steep and rocky, with sections that required careful scrambling, making it a tough climb after two already gruelling ascents.
Reaching the summit felt like a major victory, taking that final photo with our Buitelaar flag, knowing that we were on the home stretch. The descent via the Miners Track was equally as brutal, with sore legs and tired bodies, the steep path required serious concentration and a lot of polite passing in order keep the pace up! The stunning scenery led us down to the lake and back to reality in a time of 23 hours and 29 minutes. We capped off the challenge with a well-deserved drink at the pub, celebrating the successful completion of an unforgettable 24 hours!
Celebrations and Reflections
After what felt like a week on holiday with the team (but actually just 24 hours!), we reflected on what has been a fantastic but gruelling adventure!
Our National 3 Peaks Challenge was an incredible achievement that showcased the sheer grit and determination from every one of our team; each mountain presented its own set of challenges! From the steep ascent of Ben Nevis to the rocky climb of Scafell Pike and the final push up Snowdon, every team member displayed unwavering determination and a “can do” attitude that truly embodied Buitelaar’s core values.
The gruelling 24-hour challenge was not just about reaching the summits; it was about doing it together and supporting one another! We are incredibly proud of what we accomplished as a team, knowing that this challenge has demonstrated our collective resilience and drive.
And Finally..
Our National 3 Peaks Challenge wasn’t just a test of endurance—it was also a mission to support three charities that hold a special place in our hearts: The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, the Farm Safety Foundation, and the DPJ Foundation. Each of these organizations does incredible work, from fighting motor neurone disease to promoting safety in agriculture and supporting mental health in rural communities.
Although we’ve completed the physical challenge, our fundraising efforts are still ongoing, and we encourage you to donate and help us make a meaningful difference. Every contribution brings us closer to our goal and supports the vital work these charities do.
To all of the Buitelaar Warriors, congratulations – you absolutely smashed it!
To all our readers, if you would like to donate, see below fundraising links:
