Three Peaks Trial

CHALLENGE WALK

The Three Peaks Trial is an organised challenge walk arranged each year in March by the Cardiff Outdoor Group. The Walk was first held in March 1963 and was designed for less experienced walkers who wanted to test their powers of endurance and skill at map reading. It is the third oldest event of its type in the UK.

Over the years the event has been modified so in 2010 there is a choice of four routes:

Platinum Route:This is a linear walk of about 17 miles and 5000' of ascent from Llanthony to Abergavenny over Bal Mawr, Pen Cerrig Calch and Sugar Loaf. Entry to the Platinum Route is limited to 100. Although the Platinum Route is shorter than the Gold, the ascents are steeper and navigation more challenging, hence the higher grading.

Gold Route: This is the original challenge, a circular walk of about 20 miles and 5000' of ascent, which crosses over three prominent peaks around Abergavenny in Monmouthshire: Blorenge, Sugar Loaf and Skirrid. This route is never far from civilisation yet there is no obvious route so that concentration on map reading is essential to keep to the best route.

Silver Route: This is a circular walk of about 15 miles and 4000' of ascent. It follows the Gold Route from Abergavenny over Blorenge and Sugar Loaf, then descends back to Abergavenny.

Bronze Route: This is a circular walk of about 10 miles and 2000' of ascent. The route goes from Abergavenny to the summit of Sugar Loaf, descending by a different path.

In 2009 nearly £3000 was raised from the the 47th Three Peaks Trial. This has been split between the Longtown Mountain Rescue Team and the Elenydd Wilderness Trust to help maintain the remote Ty'n Cornel and Dolgoch Youth Hostels. The proceeds from the 2010 Three Peaks Trial will again be split between Longtown Mountain Rescue and the Elenydd Wilderness Trust. A donation for footpath maintenance will also be made to the National Trust, owners of Sugar Loaf and Skirrid Fawr.