Defeat the Peak: Ben Nevis by Day Challenge
About the event
Make a mountain of difference to people living with cancer. Take on the climb and raise money with Macmillan.
Beginning in the beautiful Glen Nevis, right in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, this spectacular challenge will see you and fellow fundraisers trekking to the top of Ben Nevis to see the beautiful views!
You will be fully supported all the way by our experienced Mountain Leaders and then celebrate at the finish line with a celebratory refreshment.
This challenge will test your physical and mental limits, but your efforts will be rewarded by knowing that all your hard work is going towards raising money to help your chosen cause.
How to enter the Ben Nevis Challenge
There are 2 ways to get signed up:
Minimum sponsorship
Self Funder
The Summit Day
The event venue for this challenge is situated at the Glen Nevis visitors centre, just 5 minutes from Fort William and right in the heart of the spectacular Scottish Highlands.
After registration, and a full safety briefing from your challenge leaders you will begin the trek. During the trek you be supported every step of the way by our fully qualified Mountain Leaders.
Ahead of you is 14km of tough walking as we ascend up the Pony Track, along the famous ‘zig-zags’ before heading out across the plateaux to the summit.
After celebrating at the summit, we will descend back down to Glen Nevis where it will be time to depart.
For more information, read the trip notes.
What’s included
- 15% off Cotswold Outdoor, Cycle Surgery, Snow and Rock, and Runners Need
- Support materials (itinerary, kit list, visa information, travel insurance, health notes, travel tips, responsible travel policy and guidance)
- Fitness and fundraising advice
- Risk assessment and emergency management planning
For more information on what's included and excluded for this trip, please visit our delivery partner Charity Challenge's website.
Why should I join Team Macmillan?
You'll be part of a unique group of like-minded challengers that will be fundraising to support people living with cancer – creating a friendly, supportive atmosphere for an unforgettable experience.
As part of Team Macmillan, you'll receive:
Most importantly
Most importantly we'll provide you with a reason to keep going because you'll know that you're helping improve the lives of people living with cancer. Donations make up 98% of our annual income so we simply couldn't do what we do without you.
Please make sure you have read our Terms and Conditions before signing up.
Accessibility and Challenge Safety
The Ben Nevis by Day challenge is graded as challenge. Despite its location in the UK, the difficulty of this trek should not be underestimated as it requires you to trek up to the highest point in the UK, with tough ascents and descents and changeable weather. The route is predominantly on good paths, but it's the variation of footpaths that makes this challenge a unique and fun experience.
For more information, please check out our FAQs or head to Charity Challenge’s website for more information.
FAQ
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How difficult is this challenge?
The Ben Nevis by Day challenge is graded as challenging. This is the perfect challenge for participants who are of an adventurous spirit and an open mind and who wish to push themselves in one of the UK's most iconic landscapes. During this challenge, you will be expected to:
- Trekking for around 7-8 hours in a single day.
- Covering 15km of mountainous terrain.
- Trekking without support, carrying all your food and water for the entire day.
- Ascend 1,350m in a single day.
- Summiting the UK's highest mountain.
For questions regarding accessibility at this event please contact the event organisers
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Who runs the Defeat the Peak challenges?
For our Defeat the Peak series of events, we work with a challenge company called Charity Challenge. They have been operating challenges in the UK and overseas for 24 years and have an extensive safety management system in place for all their challenges. They prioritise the safety of participants, staff and support teams. Charity Challenge have operated both day and night challenges on Scafell Pike for many years and have a huge wealth of experience.
Our Defeat the Peak challenges are led by their hugely experienced challenge leaders who all hold the summer Mountain Leader qualification or higher. They use a high ratio of leaders to participants, which increases for our night challenges. All events are risk assessed and all leaders are in communication with each other on the challenge via radios, with a full incident management plan in place to deal with any incidents or accidents. Participants are led from start to finish by the qualified leaders.
We are proud to partner with Charity Challenge whose safety record is exceptional and we are working with them to ensure that everything possible is maintained to continue providing this safe and positive experience on all our Defeat the Peak challenges.
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What safety measures are in place?
This is a leader-led challenge, and you will accompanied by our challenge mountain leaders at all times. Charity Challenge keep to a 1 leader for every 10 to 15 participant ratio, so it is crucial to listen to your mountain leader throughout your challenge.
Charity Challenge employ experienced and fully qualified mountain leaders to accompany and lead you. The mountain leaders are first aid qualified and have extensive experience in leading expeditions throughout Britain and overseas. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group. They will be always carrying full safety equipment and mountain first aid kits with them. Your leading team are trained to deal with emergency situations in remote areas and will be carrying mobile phones and radios in case the emergency services need to be contacted.
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Will I reach the summit?In every circumstance we will aim for you to have the opportunity to reach the summit, but this all depends on the weather and group safety. If your group exceeds the time assigned to complete the challenge (8 hours plus), mountain leaders may encourage the group to turn back to ensure your group can return safely.
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What should I wear for this challenge?For this challenge, we highly recommend getting a good pair of walking boots to break in ahead of your event. These events may take place over summer, but there can be a chill in the night so layer up and have a good waterproof to protect you from some inevitable rainfall.
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What age can I be to take on this challenge?You can take on this challenge from age 14 and above, although all participants aged 14 to 17 will have to always have a parent or guardian with them during the challenge.
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How much do I have to fundraise?This depends on whether you select a Self-Funded place or a Minimum Sponsorship place. If you select a Self-Funded place, then you won’t have a fundraising target as you have paid for your own place. If you select a Minimum Sponsorship place, your fundraising target will be £250. This ensures the costs of your event place are covered so the majority of money fundraised is spent on our vital services to help people living with cancer.
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How do I start fundraising?The easiest way to fundraise is to set up a JustGiving page. All funds donated to your page will go directly to Macmillan! Set up your fundraising page today. If you would prefer to fundraise offline, you can pay in your fundraising in a variety of different ways from post to over the phone.
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Can I fundraise as a team?You can fundraise as a team on JustGiving by adding your team members to your page. You can also email us at hiking@macmillan.org.uk to let us know who you’ll be hiking with along with your fundraising page.
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How do I cancel my place?If you can no longer take part in the event, please contact Charity Challenge at booking@charitychallenge.com to cancel your place. Your initial registration fee is non-refundable but depending on when you cancel, you may be eligible to a refund on your place cost (Self-Funded only).
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Can I walk with my dog?Unfortunately, you are unable to walk with your dog. This is due to safety reasons for your fellow hikers and your dog. Please do not bring your dog to the event, as you will not be allowed to take part.
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When can I expect my t-shirt?You should receive your t-shirt within 14 days from signing up. If you are still waiting for your t-shirt, please email hiking@macmillan.org.uk.
Ready to join?
By joining us you'll know that you're helping improve the lives of people living with cancer in the UK today.
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