JCI Barnsley has set some ambitious targets for 2014, and perhaps one of the most ambitious is to mount an assault on the National 3 Peaks this summer. As part of the preparation, the Yorkshire 3 Peaks will also be tamed in the name of a very audacious training programme to make sure that everyone knows that they will be in shape for the challenge of Ben Nevis, Snowden and Sca Fell. However, its always necessary to start somewhere so, after several members had been individually for walks in the spectacular South Yorkshire and Derbyshire countryside in 2014, JCI Barnsley had their first group training walk on Sunday 24 March.


Peter and Ben looking over Stanage Edge 

We set out bright and early, heading along Stanage Edge with fabulous clear views across Hathersage and the Hope Valley, before turning towards Redmires Reservoirs. After crossing the causeway, we circled back around the reservoir and back towards Stanage, for a brisk 6 miles in total, before repairing to the Scotsman's Pack for a little early afternoon liquid refreshment.

While the National 3 Peaks is a little longer at 24 miles spread across the 3 highest peaks in Britain, the issue becomes not the distance but the gradient, along with the travel across the 3 home nations within 24 hours. The biggest challenges will include the need for stamina, good pace, nutrition (both before and during the event) and plenty of preparation. Half way up a mountain with the sun setting is no place to find that you've got no petrol left in the tank, but with the preparation JCI Barnsley are putting in place, the foundations are being laid for a successful assault on one of the biggest challenges in British sport.

Peter Wright
JCI Barnsley Business Director