Rainford High take on the Three Peaks

Staff and students from Rainford High in Rainford recently set out to summit the three highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales – the ‘Three Peaks’ – in just one weekend, as part of a fundraising campaign by the school.

Rainford High are hoping to raise £15,000 for improvements in key areas of the school which will further enhance its offering to students and the community. 

The first of the three peaks was Ben Nevis, located in the Highlands of Scotland, and is the highest mountain in all of the British Isles.  

11 students were split into three groups and were led by teachers Mr Brown, Mr Rothwell and Mr Blackwell. The teams embarked on the gruelling 312-mile hike, battered by wind and rain, and reached the top over four hours later.  

There was no respite for the weary hikers as after their victory, the team set off for Scafell Pike at around 11:30pm, and arrived almost six hours later.   

Scafell Pike is in Cumbria, England, and forms part of the inactive Scafells volcano. The determined students and staff powered their way up England’s most prominent mountain and reached the top at around 9am – less than four hours from when they started.  

Staff and students then raced down, eager to get to their next destination; Snowdon, which is found in Snowdonia National Park in Gwynedd, Wales. They began at Pen Y Pas and took the Miners’ Track, which has the least amount of ascent.  

Everyone was overjoyed when they finally reached the summit. They set off after their four-hour climb and reached Rainford High at 8:15pm on Sunday evening with parents and carers to greet them. 

Mr Matthew Blackwell, one of the teachers leading the way, gave everyone much needed encouragement along the way.  

Mr Blackwell said: “I am full of pride for our amazing group of students and staff who took part in the Three Peaks Challenge. Climbing one mountain is difficult enough but to climb three in one weekend is no mean feat!  

“During every trek we were faced with difficulties, but we soldiered on and managed to complete all three mountains in good time. A huge thank you to everyone who supported us.”  

Principal, Ian Young, said: “I couldn’t be prouder of this dedicated group of students and staff – I am completely in awe of them! Not only have they successfully achieved the Three Peaks Challenge, but they are also helping us meet our ambitious fundraising target. Well done to all involved.” 

If you would like to support Rainford High’s fundraising efforts. Please donate here:  www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rainfordhigh