Memories from the Royal Ordnance GB 3 Peaks challenge in 1991
Back in 1991 I took part in the Royal Ordnance GB 3 Peaks charity
challenge.
Many teams took part in the challenge which, as you probably all know,
requires its competitors to scale Ben Nevis (4406 ft), Scafell Pike (3206
ft) and Snowdon (3565 ft) in less than 24 hours.
The RO Comms team: Brian Thompson, Sean Bond, Richard Hilton and driver
John Hardman.
Many weeks of training in the pubs of Preston helped to ensure that we
reached the peak of physical perfection.
One for the ladies. Nearly time to start - approx 6pm at Achintee below
Ben Nevis. Note the gold watch - every mountaineer should have one.
Just under 2 hours later and the summit of Ben Nevis.
Pictured from left to right are Brian Thompson, Sean Bond, Richard Hilton,
Andy Duggan and Andy Love. It took us 3 and a half hours to ascend and
descend the Ben which took its toll on Richard who decided that that was
enough.
Brian and me on the summit of Scafell Pike at approx 3:30am the
following morning.
I had broken my head torch earlier in the week so had to use a normal torch
for the ascent and descent. The ascent and descent of Scafell Pike took
approx 3 hours and 20 minutes.
The ascent of the Pike was made from the Wasdale Head campsite after some
pretty horrendous driving from Mr Hardman - I still have bad dreams to this
day.
Another one for the ladies but with a sneaky 'up the shorts' view.
The summit of Snowdon and a job nearly done. The ascent and descent taking
just over 3 hours from Pen-y-Pass. The bloke in the background stared at my
arse for a good few minutes before I kicked him down the north face. John
was still in 'race mode' after Scafell Pike and drove over Corney Fell like
a man possessed.
This meant that none of the car's occupants could get any sleep as
roundabouts, corners and school crossings were negotiated at 80mph. John now
drives Montego estates for NASA as a cheaper alternative to zero gravity
training in orbit.
Job done and a break at Pen-y-Pass car park.
The physical effort had made Brian's tongue turn brown. Brian did in fact go
mad shortly after this walk.
The certificate. The actual certificate can be seen in the National
Museum of Mountaineering Achievements based in the home of UK mountaineering
- Lowestoft.
The certificate awarded to John Hardman.
