Snowdon Challenge
Cycle, trek, paddle and sweat your way to the summit of Snowdon and beyond. 1.5 days. 0 days off work.
Tackle the highest summit in Wales with a full day of cycling, trekking and kayaking in the UK’s adventure playground. You’ll bike 17km to the foot of Snowdon, hike 7km to the summit, drop back down the other side, and finish with a 4km kayak across Llyn Padarn in less than 12 hours. It’s a mentally and physically challenging day with awesome views and a fantastic sense of achievement as your reward. Your Snowdon Challenge includes:
- 1 night of accommodation in a 3-star hotel
- Fully organised and supported challenge
- Qualified and experienced cycling and mountain leaders
- Support crew
- Cycling and kayaking equipment
- Radio backup support
- Breakfast and lunch
- Train station transfers
Perfect for:
This is the perfect challenge for goal-oriented adventurers who want to accomplish something awesome—and have fun doing it! No previous experience needed.
Need To Know
The following are not included in the trip price:
- Travel to/from Llanberis (train or car)
- Snacks and drinks during the challenge
- Dinner
This challenge will run with a maximum of 10 per team. The group-to-leader ratio will not exceed 10:1.
Sure can! A lot of people do, and it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our Epic Weekends are very social in nature and we’ve seen lots of new friendships born out of them. Expect a mix of solo travelers and very small groups, all with a shared appreciation of escaping the city for the great outdoors to try something new and meet new people.
This trip is suitable whether you’ve done challenges before or it’s your first one. No particular level of skill is needed, but you do need a good level of walking and cycling fitness. Your host will provide you with a training program to help you prepare.
A full English or continental breakfast is included at the hotel.
A packed lunch is provided for the hiking portion of the challenge, including a sandwich, cereal bar, drink, chocolate bar and piece of fruit.
Other meals are on your own. Llanberis has plenty of restaurants to choose from.
Absolutely, just let us know at booking.
Summers in Llanberis are perfect for athletics because they’re not excessively hot or sunny. Daytime temperatures average a pleasant 19 °C, and nighttime temperatures cool off to 12 °C.
Because of its elevation, weather on Snowdon is considerably cooler and more fickle. Temperatures range from 10 – 12 °C during the day, but the skies are clear roughly half the days each month.
Your host will provide:
- Cycling equipment (bike and helmet)
- Kayaking equipment (kayak, paddle, pfd)
- Safety equipment with the leader (first aid kit, radio)
Pack for a range of activities and temperatures. Your host recommends you to pack:
- 15 – 25L rucksack
- Warm jacket
- Waterproof trousers and jacket with hood
- Warm hat and thin gloves
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunblock)
- Sturdy, broken-in walking shoes or boots
- Water bottle(s) or bladder with 2L capacity
- Cycling shoes or trainers
- Padded cycling shorts (optional but recommended)
- Snacks and energy food/drinks for the day
There is 2km less kayaking involved in the family version. The rest is the same.
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Got a question not covered here? Contact the host.
Location
Llanberis is a small town (pop. 2000) in northwestern Wales nestled between the foot of Snowdon and the shores of Llyn Padarn. Its location makes it a popular destination for outdoor and athletics enthusiasts, but it also offers a variety of cultural attractions like the ruins of Dolbadarn Castle, museums, and scenic railways.
Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales (1085m). Surrounded by Snowdonia National Park and listed as a National Nature Reserve, Snowdon is home to a variety of rare flora and fauna, including the beautiful Snowdon Lily. On a clear day from the summit you can see Ireland, Scotland, England and the Isle of Man, and even on cloudy days you get excellent views of lakes Glaslyn and Llyn Llydaw.
Llyn Padarn is a large glacial lake more than 3km long. It’s naturally dammed by a glacial moraine, giving it a perched look. The water is exceptionally clean, and there’s no motorised traffic on the lake, making it perfect for kayaking.
Start point
Bangor Train Station - 18:00
Your adventure begins at Bangor Train Station with your transfer at 18:00. Your host will be waiting for you in front of the station. If you’re not able to join the transfer, you can also make your own way to the Royal Victorian Hotel before 18:30. Your host asks you to join a mandatory pre-challenge meeting at 19:00.
Finish point
Bangor Train Station - 18:00
At the end of your adventure, you will be dropped back at the Royal Victorian Hotel at 17:30 or Bangor Train Station at 18:00.
What to Expect
Day 1: Arrival and briefing
Arrive in Llanberis in the evening, a small town nestled between the foot of Snowdon and the shores of Llyn Padarn.
Attend a detailed briefing of the next day’s adventure, then explore town on your own or rest up in your comfortable hotel room. Tomorrow’s challenge awaits you.
Day 2: Snowdon Challenge
Wake up early for breakfast, then hit the road for your first activity.
You’ll cycle along rolling country roads through the beautiful Welsh countryside.
Follow the shores of Llyn Padarn and skirt along the edge of Snowdonia National Park while the peak of Snowdon beckons in the distance.
Arrive at the base of the peak and change into trekking clothes.
You’ll hike up the Snowdon Ranger Trail on the west side of the mountain, thought to be the oldest path to the summit.
Zigzag through lush green turf, pass through a flat boggy area, then ascend to the ridgeline.
Follow the snaking ridge the rest of the way to the summit for a victory photo and incredible views of nearby lakes and distant lands.
Descend to the northwest via the more gradual Llanberis Path, finishing in Llanberis itself.
Swap gear once more for a 4km paddle around Llyn Padarn. You’ll complete a large circle on the lake, enjoying views in every direction on the way.
Finally, cross the finish line and celebrate with a glass of champagne. What an achievement!
17km of cycling, 15km of walking, 4km of kayaking, total of 10 – 12 hours
Note: This itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to weather conditions or unexpected events
Accommodation
You’ll stay at either the Celtic Royal Hotel or the Royal Victorian Hotel in Llanberis. Both hotels feature comfortable and modern ensuite rooms. This is exactly the kind of comfort your need before the challenge starts. All rooms are based on twin sharing.
Due to a sports event alternative accommodation will be provided on the 19th May weekend. Please do email if you have any questions.
If you want a private room, upgrades are available for £55, depending on availability. Please request this when booking.
Dates & Prices
Prices include
Accommodation · Equipment · Guide · Local Transport · Meals As Described · Happiness Guaranteed · 100% Financial Protection
Please note: Flights are NOT included and must be purchased separately.
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