The N3PX Challenge

In May of 2026 I will be taking on my biggest challenge yet in order to raise funds and awareness for mental health charities across the UK.

This is going to be a mammoth challenge which will see me going from Llanberis to Fort William. 500 miles of trails crossing over Wales, England and Scotland hitting the highest summits in each with a total combing elevation gain of 60,000 feet. That is like going from sea level to the top of Everest, twice!

Since childhood my mental health has been something that I have struggled with having been and out of therapy since 13 years old. I’ve had dark spells where I have tried to take my own life on a few occasions. Depression sucks and when paired with anxiety it can be really difficult to cope with life.

I feel very lucky to still be here and hiking is one of the things that has really helped me over the last few years. I have found a peace whilst adventuring through the outdoors which has benefitted both my physical and mental wellbeing.

Now it’s time to give some back. I will be raising funds for a collection of charities with an aim of choosing ones where the funds will directly help those in need.

The N3PX Route

I’m thinking of this 500 mile route as three distinct sections. It just so happens that this splits quite nicely between the three countries I’ll be crossing through.

Wales

Stats

Distance: 80 miles
Combined Elevation Gain: 10,732 ft
TIme: 4 Days

The Summit

Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
Eryri National Park
Height: 3,558.9 ft (1,084.74 m)

I’ll be starting the challenge from Llanberis and the first day will find me taking on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). From here I will cross over the Glyderau and Carnedau ranges of the Eryri National Park to reach to north coast of Wales. With my journey following the Coast Path national trail and continuing to cross over the Clwydian range National Landscape to get me to the English border.

The Ways

  • Llanberis pass
  • Pyg track
  • Cambrian Way
  • North Wales Coastal Path
  • Offas dyke

England

Stats

Distance: 230 miles
Combined Elevation Gain:19,714ft
TIme: 12 Days

The Summit

Scafell Pike
Lake District National Park
Height: 3,209 ft (978 m)

The second section of the challenge will see me heading north through England. Following some sections of the King Charles Coastal Path and some section within the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. Before I continue towards the Lake District National Park where I will take on the second of the National Three Peaks Scafell Pike before joining the Cumbria Way which will take me all the way to Scotland.

The Ways

  • Cheshire Way
  • North England Coastal Path
  • Lancaster Canal Path
  • Brown Tongue
  • Corridor Route
  • Cumbria Way
  • Hadrian’s Wall

Scotland

Stats

Distance: 240 miles
Combined Elevation Gain:27,425ft
TIme: 14 Days

The Summit

Ben Nevis (Beinn Nibheis)
Grampian Mountains
Height: 4,413 ft (1,345 m)

Then the final section will see me heading across the north through Scotland and towards Glasgow. From there I will be doing the final stretch following the West Highland Way which will take me all the way to the base of Ben Nevis. The highest point in the Scotland and the UK and the completion of 500 miles, 60,000 of elevation gain and 28 days of hiking through the United Kingdom.

The Ways

  • Annandale Way
  • Southern Uplands Way 
  • Cross Border Drove Road
  • John Muirs Way
  • Antonines Wall
  • West Highland Way
  • Mountain Path

The Charities

I will be using this event to raise funds and awareness for three mental health charities that have had a direct impact on my own life. I’m not sure if I would be here without the services they provide.

mind North Staffs

Dedicated to supporting people in North Staffordshire who are experiencing mental health challenges as part of the larger mind network. It has been operating for almost 50 years, offering a wide range of services including counselling, support groups, one-to-one help, supported housing, and wellbeing activities for adults, children, young people and their families. The organisation also provides training, outreach and advocacy to help improve understanding and reduce stigma around mental health in the community.

CALM

a UK suicide prevention charity focused on helping individuals who are struggling to see a way forward in life, with the mission that no one should feel like suicide is their only option. It runs a free, confidential helpline, webchat and other support tools that are available every day to offer listening, practical advice and signposting.

Samaritans

a long-established British and Irish charity providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide through its 24/7 telephone helpline, email and other contact services. Founded in 1953, Samaritans relies heavily on a network of trained volunteers to listen without judgement, offering a free, confidential listening ear to people facing difficult times. It also runs face-to-face outreach and other community-based support activities aimed at reducing isolation and supporting mental wellbeing.

Support

This is going to be a tough challenge, and I’ll be taking it on solo. So I am being cheeky if you can spare a little to go into the snack, coffee and yes, beer, fund to help keep me fuelled along this 30 day challenge it would be gratefully appreciated.

Take Part

On my last charity hike I had friends join my on the last day up Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) so if you’re interested in joining on any of the summit days or want to come along on a section of the hike let me know and get ready to bring some biscuits!