Transport for your Three Peaks Challenge
If you are taking part in one of our Guided Three Peaks events, then your transport will be provided during the challenge. If taking part in one of our Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, then transport is not required (unless you retire during the challenge - in which case we will transfer you back to Horton).
But what about the National Three Peaks Challenges?
Teams taking part in the Spring Stroller, Corporate Team Challenge, and Die Hard Trilogy, will need to supply their own suitable transport, along with two drivers that will not be taking any part in the actual walking.
Teams entering large scale charity events, such as the NDCS, Fire Service, Care, Mind, etc., will also require their own transport and drivers, as will small and private groups wishing to organise their own Three Peaks Challenge event.
What size vehicle?
During the challenge itself, you will be in the vehicle for some 450 miles which means about 11 hours for most teams. You will have your walking equipment, rucksac, and you kit bag - as well as plenty of bottles of water and a weekends worth of food.
If it's a wet weekend, then you will also have a selection of wet boots, waterproofs and leggings scattered around the minibus in an attempt to dry them before the next mountain.
You may also have a cooker, gas bottle, and pots, pans and flasks which your support team have used to keep you happy, fed and watered.
Taking all of this extra kit into consideration, along with the fact you have just climbed a mountain or two, and will be in the bus for long, uncomfortable periods - we highly recommend that you leave plenty of empty seats for your own comfort.
As a general rule of thumb, we suggest you leave at least 20% of seats unoccupied, unless your vehicle has suitable space available for luggage. Most rental minibuses have no such luggage space.
Suggested Maximum Passenger Guidelines
Standard Car (5): 2 drivers + 2 walkers
MPV (7): 2 drivers + 3 walkers
Small Minibus (9): 2 drivers + 6 walkers
Large Minibus (12): 2 drivers + 8 walkers
Large Minibus (15): 2 drivers + 10 walkers
Large Minibus (17): 2 drivers + 12 walkers
Vehicle Size and The Law
There have been a number of recent changes to the law in regard to vehicle use and driver qualifications. The two most important changes are in regard to drivers and suppliers of vehicles with over 9 seats.
Self-Drive Hire
9 seats or less: Most people with a full UK license should be able to hire and drive such vehicles. Rental companies may impose a minimum age, or a minumum time of full license held as part of their insurance restrictions.
10-17 seats: You will need at least D1 catagory entitlement on your driving license (with or without code 101 endorsement) and most rental companies have a minimum driver age of 25-30 for insurance purposes.
What to watch out for...
Excess mileage charges: some companies limit distance to 250 miles per day. The Three Peaks Challenge round trip is some 1000 miles, plus the return distance from your home.
Huge insurance excesses: some companies have an insurance damage excess of over £1000 which can be automatically deducted from your credit card. Damage Waiver Insurance is available via many sites on the internet, search Google..!
Returning to another branch: previously some rental companies were happy for you to collect a minibus at Glasgow, and return it in London. However, this is quite rare now, and those companies that allow such returns may charge a large amount for the privilage. The last quote we had included an extra £440 for returning the minibus in London.
Estimated Costs: Unless you are lucky enough to be offered free use of a works or social club minibus, you can expect to pay around £400 for the minibus rental for a weekend, £200 fuel for the round trip (excluding return fuel to your home), and most groups offer to pay food and accommodation for their drivers as part of the incentive..!
Rental Links
Sixt
Kendall Hire
Thrifty
Alamo
K2 Rentals
Europcar
Vehicle & Driver Hire Service
For some groups, it may be simpler and easier to book our Transport Only service. This service includes either a VOSA or Local Authority licensed vehicle and driver, and is fully insured. Many Three Peaks Challenge tour operators provide transport services which are actually not insured...
Our vehicles include 9 seater (8 passenger) Ford Tourneo and Fiat Ducato small minibuses, as well as LDV Convoy and Ford Transit 17 seat (16 passenger) minibuses. The oldest vehicle is currently 2003, with the newest 2008 registration.
During periods of large demand, or if our vehicles are being serviced, we may also use modern rental vehicles from a third party.
All of our drivers are qualified to the required standard (ie, PSV, taxi tested, CRB checked, etc) and will have completed many previous Three Peaks Challenges. Many of our drivers will have actually completed (yes - actually walked) the Three Peaks - so they fully understand and appreciate your groups needs.
If you are interested in this popular transport service, please send an email with your requirements and proposed itinerary to [email protected] for a very competitive quote..
Other Support Vehicles & Services.
We can also supply motorhomes (3 or 6 berth) and support vehicles equipped with toilets and catering facilities, with or without a driver, and any required mountain guides or general support staff (ie, marshals, first aiders, paramedics, etc).
We are also able to supply VHF radios (Motorola handheld and vehicle mounted) on our own licenced channels, Sport Ident electronic timing equipment, emergency group shelters, compact cookers and fuel, race bibs, start and finish tents, first aid posts, remote safety checkpoints, refreshment areas, etc. The list goes on.
If you require any of the above support for your event - please just get in touch.