Walkers triumph in 3 Peaks Challenge!

Over 800 walkers braved a mixture of high temperatures and heavy downpours on Sunday 10 September 2023 for our annual Chilterns 3 Peaks challenge.

Walkers began to assemble at the start point at Princes Risborough School as early as 7.30am to beat the heat and begin their walk before the temperatures started to rise. Groups of relatives, friends and work colleagues, as well as solo walkers, were in high spirits as they registered for the event and started the course.  

The first of the peaks, Whiteleaf Cross, was reached just outside of Princess Risborough before the walkers continued to Coombe Hill. Many chose to take a pause by the monument at Coombe Hill for a rest and some refreshments while taking in the panoramic views of stunning countryside and the Chequers estate. 

The walkers continued on to Wendover where those walking 6.5 miles finished their route and 10-mile walkers took a bus, kindly provided by Arriva, to avoid the short road section before rejoining the route at Tring Station. The walkers then continued on foot to the end point of Ivinghoe Beacon.

Walkers began to reach the end point at Ivinghoe Beacon from around 1pm. There they were greeted with stunning views and presented with their finishers’ medals.

Groups of walkers who had taken the route at different paces could regroup at the top of the beacon to celebrate their achievements together. Elliott Rose was taking part with a group of family and friends to give back to the charity after it supported two of his close relatives. Elliott was the first of his group to finish, and was joined by the rest of the party to take in the views and relax before catching a bus back to the start point at Princes Risborough school.  

 Laura Elliott, Head of Supporter Fundraising at Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care, says: 

 “This year’s Chilterns 3 Peaks challenge was a fantastic event and it wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing walkers who took part, and the volunteers who gave up their time to marshal the route, hand out medals and transport walkers back to the start of the route. I’d like to thank everybody who took part in the event as well as our event sponsors Origin Doors and Windows and R. Benson – we couldn’t do what we do without all of you. 

 “The money raised by this year’s event will be used to fund care and support for patients and families across Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire. The entry fee paid by each walker largely covers the cost of putting the event on and the majority of the fundraised income comes from sponsorship. I would encourage all walkers to keep up their efforts with things like JustGiving sponsorship, now they have completed the walk, to help us make it a real fundraising success.” 

 To sponsor a walker, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/renniegrovechilterns3peaks23