For those registered on a multi-day trekking event, we remind you that there is no mountaineering or mountain climbing experience required for any of our challenges. Each event involves trekking only. The terrain you can expect to encounter will naturally vary from one destination to another. Our trekking routes take you along established mountain trails, which ascend and descend, steeply in parts, and typically comprise gravel, dirt, stone or grass. As well as zigzagging up and down the mountainside, you can expect to trek along gorge valleys, across river bridges and mountain passes. Ground conditions tend not to vary anywhere nearly as much as the weather!
If you are attending one of our UK Three Peaks challenges, which are typically hosted in the June/July period, you would be forgiven for thinking the weather will be consistently warm and sunny. While this is often the case for a significant proportion of the itinerary, you must respect any mountain you attempt to climb, and part of that respect lies in the understanding that weather conditions can be fickle and unpredictable irrespective of the time of year.
Ben Nevis, in particular, can readily combine the four seasons over the duration of a single, 7-hour hike. You may be basking in glorious sunshine while staring up at its base, but half way up you’ll be penetrating the cloud over, above which you are more prone to the elements. It is not uncommon to encounter wind and precipitation in the last 60-90 minutes of your ascent, so you must pack your rucksack accordingly. Of course, we all hope for a nice clear day, where you’re met at the summit by that picture-postcard view over the highlands. The beauty of trekking is that you just never really know! Our advice is to hope for the best but pack for the worst: This way you’ll always be prepared no matter what form the weather conditions manifest.
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If you have signed up to one of our international trekking challenges, then the above advice is even more pertinent. Each trek will take you to an altitude in excess of 4,000 metres above sea level, and in the case of Mt Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp, you’ll ascend to more than 5,500 metres. Mountains of this size create their own weather systems and patterns. For more information on trekking at altitude, click here.
Daily temperatures can fluctuate anywhere from hot to bitter cold. The Sun can be quite intense for several hours during the day, with the heat being more tangible in the lower sections of the trek. While it will become noticeably cooler the higher you ascend, the Suns’ effects will continue throughout, so be sure to maintain regular latherings of sun cream and keep wearing your protective equipment (i.e. sun hats and sunglasses). As you approach the highest point of your route, the mercury can drop to less than minus 10 degrees, so cover up! Rain is more likely to fall whilst trekking below 3,000 metres, while some open sections of the upper trails can be exposed to sharp gusts of wind.
The timing of our international events will coincide with the main trekking season, meaning the weather should be milder and more temperate. In theory, this means conditions are more favourable to mountain hiking. However, in practice, high altitude conditions are fickle, and can change quickly and dramatically, so you must be prepared for the natural elements to play a part in your trek.
Luckily, we have some of the best guides in the world leading our expeditions. These locally-sourced men and women have intimate knowledge of their destinations. Fully trained in air and mountain rescue, they have each led dozens of groups up the same route you will be taking, and their experience and expertise is pivotal. Your head guide will keep an eye on the weather and dispense any advisable suggestions to the group.
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A quick note in respect of our running event(s): The majority of our European marathon challenges take place during Autumn, when conditions are typically mild. You'll start running mid-morning with a fresh temperature of around 8-10 degrees, increasing slightly as the race goes on. In October, we would not expect it to reach more than 15 degrees during the day. Wind and rain could always play a factor, so it’s best to check the weather report prior to travel, or at least the night before your race! Be sure to pack some warm clothes, too, as the city nights can often be quite cool.
We hope the above information is helpful. If you have any questions or concerns about your particular destination, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to help.