If you're looking for an event that will test you both physically and mentally the 24 hour Three Peak Challenge of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon should do it. Did I mention it also burns around 8,000 calories?

A nice walk in the country followed by a long pub lunch takes some beating, but anyone can do that. If you want to test your metal, the three highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales are a good place to start, but unless you are a very experienced walker/hiker make sure you cough up for a guide and a driver. It's always going to be hard work, but they will ensure it isn't a miserable experience.

Our group of 8 set off for the peak of Ben Nevis at 6am on a drizzly June morning. The Adventure Cafe guide Ian had warned us the day before that it wasn't unusual for at least one or two members of a group to throw in the towel on the first mountain. As my legs began to seize up 30 minutes into the climb I began to worry I'd be that person. The first rest stop wasn't for another half an hour and I was really struggling. However it's amazing what sheer-bloody-mindedness and a handful of Jelly Beans can do. We made the snowy summit surprisingly quickly in 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Back in the mini bus we were faced with a five hour drive from Fort William to Scafell Pike in the Lake District (pictured above). Ian encouraged us to eat as much as possible in this time saying we'd burn as much as 8,000 calories during the 24 hours. We had prepared not to disappoint. The previous evening had seen our group play supermarket sweep; chocolate bars, sweets, nuts, cakes, crisps, sandwiches, pasta pots, flapjacks, cereal bars, pies, sausage rolls, our shopping lists read like a calorie orgy.

Fuelled and ready to go we took the Corridor Route from Seathwaite. Blue skies and sunshine made a nice change from the snow and rain on Ben Nevis and meant we could fully appreciate the views. The summit is 3,209 ft and on really clear days you're supposed to be able to see the Isle of Man. I couldn't, by the time I'd reached the top all I had the energy for was another chocolate bar and a lie down on the floor. However it was impossible to ignore the beauty of the Lake District and I made a mental note to visit again under less time pressured circumstances.

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Trekking the Three Peaks