19.09.2012

Mammoet UK conquers the Peaks

At the end of August six team members from heavy lift specialist Mammoet UK, along with three friends set out to attempt the UK’s National 3 Peaks Challenge.

For those of you who do not know, this involves climbing the three highest peaks in the UK – Ben Nevis in Scotland (4,409 ft/1,343m), Scafell Pike in England (3,064 ft/934m) and Mount Snowdon in Wales (3,560 ft/1,085m) in 24 hours.
The challenge which also involves 25 miles of walking and travel road travel between climbs is a tough challenge even for professionals.
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The team at the foot of Ben Nevis prepares to start the challenge

The team: Chris Horan, Matt Gent, Peter Schoenmakers, Paddy O’Neill, Andrew Munroe, Jim Ling, John Greaves, Mark Sadler and Chris Griffiths, agreed to use the attempt to try and raise as much cash as possible for a local charity, the Great North Air Ambulance Service www.greatnorthairambulance.co.uk

In order to support the challenge a large mini-bus was hired for the transport of the team and food and was driven by Alex Scott. A support vehicle driven by Gordon McLeod carried all of the walking and climbing gear and those who couldn’t fit in the mini bus.

The support vehicles proved critical in that there is over 450 miles of road travel between the three peaks.

The team began in High spirits at the base of Ben Nevis with John Greaves saying “Lads, this will be a walk in the park”. The climb began at 15:45 at which time the clock started ticking. All nine team members made the peak at Ben Nevis and completed the climb up and down in little over the five hours that were allotted.
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The team on top of Ben Nevis

With the clock at 21:00 it was off to England’s highest peak Scafell Pike, after trying to grab a little sleep en route, the team arrived in Wasdale at the base of the mountain, it was now 03:00 and dark, with only the light from the head torches to see the way. To make the situation worse the weather had turned and there was a fine mist of rain in the air, coupled with the drop in temperature.

Only seven of the original nine began the climb and after 45 minutes another two turned back. The five remaining soldiered on to the top and then began the decent. This however proved more difficult than expected and the sheer scale of the challenge became clear.

As the team climbed back in the bus they were around and hour behind schedule. It was at this point that the decision was taken not to push so hard and try to get all nine team members up the final peak.
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Only five made it to the top of Scafell Pike in England

Minibus driver Alex Scott joined the group for the final peak – Snowdon as the 24 hour mark was reached none of the team had completed the climb and descent, but they continued on anyway and made it down from Snowdon to complete the three peaks challenge in 26 hours 55 minutes with a final sprint finish from Andrew Munroe.
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It was a full compliment again at the top of Snowdon

While the challenge was not completely successful the team has managed to raise around £2,500 so far for the charity, and any donations are still welcomed on the Just giving webpage www.justgiving.com/Mammoet-UK

The final results were: Chris Horan – 3 Peaks, Matt Gent – 3 Peaks, Peter Schoenmakers – 3 Peaks, Paddy O’Neill – 3 Peaks, Andrew Munroe – 3 Peaks, Jim Ling – 2 Peaks, John Greaves – 2 Peaks, Mark Sadler – 2 Peaks, Chris Griffiths – 2 Peaks, Alex Scott (support driver) – 1 Peak.