A community journey: Autodesk UK takes on the National Three Peaks Challenge

4 min read

At Autodesk in the United Kingdom, our core mission is to “champion our UK regions by building communities that align to our people intent.” We rally the support of site-lead volunteers and social volunteers across the UK to pitch ideas that build community and belonging locally. When a colleague presented the idea to participate in the National Three Peaks Challenge, the UK’s most challenging hiking trail, we set to work on exploring the appetite for people to get involved.

It quickly became clear how many employees were eager to take on this challenge, and preparations were soon underway for training, fundraising, and equipment. Almost 30 Autodeskers signed up for the challenge, which would take place during the summer for a better chance of good weather conditions (at least for UK summer standards!).

We selected MIND, a charity close to many of our hearts, as our fundraising cause for an extra layer of motivation. Mental health is an issue that affects many, and knowing our efforts would help provide support and resources to those in need was important.

Reaching new heights

The National Three Peaks Challenge involves summiting the three tallest peaks in the region, all within 24 hours (including the transit between them). It usually starts at the tallest of the three: Ben Nevis in Scotland, followed by Scafell Pike in England, and finishing with Snowdon in Wales.

Our journey started early on a crisp Saturday morning. Spirits were high as we gathered at the base of Ben Nevis, and the anticipation was palpable. The sky was grey, but spots of blue were starting to appear, and before long, we were treated to the great views that the Ben Nevis hike has to offer.

Due to our larger group size, the hikers split into two different groups, one of which took the lead and the other opting for a steadier pace. Every now and then, the groups would merge and blend, with hikers taking turns to speed ahead after a boost of energy from some hiking snacks, or slow down to take in the views and get to better know their colleagues.

Once we reached the peak of the summit, we gathered for a group photo and quick celebration of the first peak, before the freezing temperatures kicked in and we were on the move again. While the uphill climb can be strenuous, the descent requires extra care to gently tread down steep stairs and reduce the impact it can have on your knees.

The next challenge was Scafell Pike. Our group’s determination was unwavering, and we continued to encourage each other and share stories about why we signed up for the challenge, how we trained together for it, and why supporting the MIND charity was important. Each team member contributed to our collective strength, whether through words of encouragement, sharing snacks, or simply offering a hand when the terrain got tough.

Snowdon, the final peak, was both a physical and emotional test. Reaching the summit was a moment of triumph – not just because we had completed the challenge, but because we had done it together. The sense of accomplishment was overwhelming, and as we stood at the top, looking out over the beautiful Welsh landscapes, we knew this experience had bonded us in a way few other activities could.

On completing the final descent, the team celebrated what we had accomplished, and a wave of relief was evident. With some final food for fuel and warm drinks to set us back on our journeys home, we reflected on the incredible achievement we had just completed together. Our group chat was inundated with photos and messages of thanks to one another for sharing the experience and providing encouragement along the way.

Together we rise

We raised more than £33,000 for the MIND charity, which included a donation match from the Autodesk Foundation. In addition to matching funds for causes employees care about, Autodesk also gives employees $100 for every 10 hours volunteered that they can gift to a nonprofit of their choice. In total, 437 volunteer hours were logged, raising an additional £3,360 for charity (a lot of which was gifted to MIND as well). Our total donations for all charities through this community volunteering activity was £36,360.

Participating in the National Three Peaks Challenge was more than just an opportunity to test our physical limits; it was a chance to build stronger connections with our colleagues, foster a sense of community, and support a cause that matters. The experience reminded us of the importance of coming together – not just in our work, but in all aspects of life.

While we have since returned to our daily routines, the memories of the National Three Peaks Challenge will stay with us. The experience not only made us stronger as individuals, but also as a team. I encourage everyone at Autodesk to get involved in similar activities – whether it’s a charity run, community service project, or other adventure, these experiences enrich our lives and strengthen our communities.

Thank you to all the Autodeskers who participated, supported, and donated. Together, we made a difference, and together, we’ll continue to scale new heights. Here’s to more adventures, more unity, and a stronger Autodesk community.


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