A group of pensioners from Ross-on-Wye, Colin Leggate, Daphne Head and Peter Reynolds, took on the Three Peaks Challenge at the weekend.

The Three Peaks Challenge is an attempt to climb the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales within a 24 hour period. These peaks are Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England, and Snowdon in Wales.

Undoubtedly a sense of achievement comes in different ways, although the group’s weekend did not quite turn out as they had planned.

They set off early on Friday, July 1st. They were waved off by supporters and wellwishers. They were joined by several drivers, who had the job of transporting the group safely to and from the three mountains.

Stewart Ross, one of the drivers told the Ross Gazette: “We had to put up with a few gentle remarks, asking us to go a little faster.”

The first challenge was Ben Nevis, the highest mountain of the three at 1,344 metres. Colin awoke with a ‘bug’ and legs like jelly, but he decided he would give the challenge his best shot. The team arrived out of the snow, rain, mist and wind, and completed the climb in five and a half hours, finishing at 10.30pm.

They were then off to Scarfell Pike, which stands at 978 metres. They set off up the mountain at 4.30am. Unfortunately Colin’s illness got the better of him and he returned to the base after reaching the halfway point.

And then there were two. After several hours the team were on tenterhooks waiting for Peter and Daphne.

When they arrived at last out of the mist, Daphne could hardly walk with a knee that would not bend. It had swollen to twice normal size, but she had made it up and down the mountain. And so they were down to one, or so the group thought.

They then made their way to Snowdon where there was a change of plan. Pauline Leggate, Colin’s wife, joined Peter on the climb for the walking team.

Setting off at 4pm, Pauline made Peter go at his own pace.

Peter was so quick he completed the climb up and down the 1,085 metre peak in 3 hours and 38 minutes. He arrived back before the welcome team arrived to greet him, having completed the Ross Pensioners Challenge in 27 hours. Pauline, who transferred from driver to walker, arrived back down later in her record time of five hours.

Stewart told the Ross Gazette: “We achieved putting at least two Ross Pensioners on the three highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales over the weekend.

“Our thanks go to all those who have supported us in this team effort either by sponsorship or wishes of goodwill.”

The group have taken on this challenge to raise funds for The Little Princess Trust, The Motor Neurone Disease Association and The Friends of St Mary’s.

Please visit the group’s online donation page, www.justgiving.com/teams/Ross-Pensioners if you would like to sponsor them for their challenge.