The Edison Project Item #11 – Climb A Mountain

I will start my latest blog post with a definition. This is something I have not done before, but there is good reason. According to Google, a mountain is defined as ‘a large natural elevation of the earth’s surface rising abruptly from the surrounding level’. The U.K. Government classifies  that ‘large natural elevation’ should be over 600-metres to be deemed a mountain. So why have I started with a definition?

The answer to that can be traced back to my very first Edison Project list. It was all jotted down in a notepad with one page dedicated to each experience on my list. At the top of the page was the experience number, and the experience itself. Below that was space for  important dates, information and ideas on how I could complete the experiences. Under Item #11 – Climb A Mountain, I had listed a host of challenging mountain climbs ranging from Mount Everest at 8,850-metres to something more local with Ben Nevis at 1,344-metres and Mount Snowden at 1,085-metres. In the end I tackled a 1,585-metres ascent.

Pretty impressive, right? Okay, okay. I am just trying to make myself feel better having had my grand visions brought down to earth. On Saturday, the 2nd July, a group of 22 work colleagues took part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge for our lovely clients Marie Curie. The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing to the peaks of Pen-y-ghent (694-metres), Whernside (736-metres) and Ingleborough (723-metres), all within 12-hours. Whilst each of these mountains may not be the tallest or most challenging to climb, collectively it is a completely different story, one that many of the group totally underestimated, including myself.

Having checked in at base camp with a positive and jovial attitude, our Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge got underway. Unfortunately this attitude did not last long. In fact, it was pretty much ripped to tatters once we crossed the road and began our first climb of the day. The heavens opened and we were hammered by wind and rain that got progressively worse the higher up Pen-y-ghent we got. The worst part for me on the first peak was a scramble up a steep incline whilst battling severe climate conditions. This did no favours for my fear of heights, but I just focused on one step at a time until we reached the peak.

The descent was less eventful with the weather calming, however it had already taken its tool on some participants who were pulled from the event due to concerns over their health and safety. It was at this checkpoint that it really sank home how dangerous and under-prepared we were for this challenge, especially the weather conditions which was forecast to get a lot worse.

The climb over Whernside, the highest peak on The Yokrkshire Three Peaks Challenge, was pretty uneventful besides high winds at the peak and another bit of scrambling, but this time going down rather than up the mountainside.

The next stop was the last checkpoint before our final peak, Ingleborough. Although not the highest peak of the day, we had been informed it would be the most challenging with a steep incline scramble climb. My fear of heights was playing on my mind at this point, but it was not the scramble climb that ended up being the worst part. It was once we had reached the summit. The severe weather conditions that were forecast to arrive picked this point to hit us. It was so bad that visibility was limited to only a couple of metres in all directions as heavy rainfall and high winds whipped against us.

The return to base was a lot less strenuous with the positive and jovial attitude returning as we completed the 24-mile challenge in around 10-hours. Although tough, it was a very rewarding experience and one where we raised over £5,000 for a great cause in Marie Curie. Our JustGiving page can be found here.

Within this post I have stated the fact that we under-estimated and were under-prepared for The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. The mental demand of the challenge was amplified by the severe weather conditions. My advise to anyone planning to do this challenge should take it seriously and ensure they prepare to succeed. Buy and wear in suitable walking boots, pack for all weather conditions and make sure you have suitable water-proofs.

My biggest regret is my failure to take more photographs and videos throughout the challenge. The weather conditions had hampered my spirits, so my focus was simply on completing the task. The few photographs I have taken can be found at the foot of this post. 

This is definitely the toughest physical and mental challenge I have signed myself up to, but it has been a great experience, one that I would like to pursue further. Keep an eye out for a mountain based item on the Edison Project list for 2017.

Item: #11 – Climb A Mountain

Useful Links:Marie Curie, The Yorkshire Three Peaks, our JustGiving Page

Costs: There was a sponsorship target of £200 per person to qualify for the event