Much Better Adventures

Adventures / Adventure Tapas

The Snowdon Challenge

A 17km cycle, 14km trek, 5km paddle and 10-hour sweat to the finish line

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Trip Ref #8801

Adventures / Adventure Tapas

The Snowdon Challenge

A 17km cycle, 14km trek, 5km paddle and 10-hour sweat to the finish line

DURATION

1 night

LOCATION

United Kingdom

ANNUAL LEAVE

0 days off work

SEASON

Apr—Oct

GROUP SIZE

Up to 10 people

MEETING POINT

Llanberis, Wales

ACCOMMODATION

Hotel

DIFFICULTY

Moderate

You should have a good level of hiking and cycling fitness. If in doubt your host can provide a training program to help you prepare.

COVID-19 Information

Our local host has provided some important information about any changes to the trip, and additional safety measures in place, as a result of COVID-19.

Our COVID-19 Policy

Take on one of the UK’s most rewarding mountain challenges in just one day

Bike across Snowdonia National Park, nail the 14km trek up Mount Snowdon and kayak 5km round the stunning Llyn Padarn

10-hours of unrivalled action in one of the UK’s wildest adventure playgrounds

Included

Guides

Local, qualified and experienced kayaking instructors alongside cycling and mountain leaders.

Accommodation

1 night's stay in a local 3-star hotel

Meals

Breakfast at the hotel and a packed-lunch up the mountain

Transfers

Transfers from Bangor train station and back

Equipment

Everything you need for cycling and kayaking will be sorted

Not Included

Some meals as described

Personal expenses

Travel insurance

The Area

Logistics

Starts

Bangor Train Station or Llanberis Hotel

18:00 / 18:30

Ends

Llanberis Hotel or Bangor Train Station

17:30 / 18:00

Transfers

For those travelling by train - you'll be picked up at Bangor Train Station at 18:00 on Day 1. Or if you're driving, aim to arrive at the hotel in Llanberis by no later than 18:30.

At the end of your adventure, you will be dropped back at the hotel at 17:30 or Bangor Train Station at 18:00, the choice is up to you.

Travel options

Trains run frequently to Bangor from destinations all across the UK. There is car parking at the hotel for those driving.

What about all the carbon?

We mitigate 4x the carbon generated by all our customer flights annually through our partnership with Cool Earth.

Day 1

Hotel · Twin or triple share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2

Departure day

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

A full English or continental breakfast is included at the hotel and a packed lunch is provided for the hiking portion of the challenge, including a sandwich, cereal bar, drink, chocolate bar and piece of fruit. Llanberis also has plenty of restaurants and pubs to choose from and any dietary needs can be accommodated (incuding vegetarian and vegan), just let your host know when booking.

What is the accommodation like?

Llanberis

You’ll stay at either the Celtic Royal Hotel or the Royal Victorian Hotel in Llanberis. Both hotels feature comfortable and modern ensuite rooms. Exactly the kind of comfort you need before the challenge starts.

Upgrades

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).

Day 1

Arrive and get briefed for the big day

Arrive at your hotel in Llanberis in the evening. At 19:00 you'll have a detailed pre-challenge meeting, after which you are free to explore the town or chill in your hotel in preparation for the challenge ahead.

Day 2

It's on - The Snowdon Challenge

Cycling

17km · 220m up · 180m down

Hiking

14km · 945m up · 1060m down

Kayaking

4.5km

Wake up early for breakfast and then hit the road. You’ll bike through the Welsh countryside, follow the shores of Llyn Padarn and skirt along the edge of Snowdonia National Park with the peak of Snowdon looming in the distance. You'll stomp it up the Snowdon Ranger Trail on the west side of the mountain and zigzag through lush green turf and flat boggy bits before ascending to the ridgeline.

Follow the ridgeline all the way to the summit for a victory photo and a quick breather before descending to the northwest via the more gradual Llanberis Path, finishing in Llanberis itself. You'll then go for a brisk paddle around Llyn Padarn, completing a large circuit of the lake, smash through the finish line and celebrate with a glass of champers.

Challenge completed.

Please Note

All our adventures take place in wild places. Things can go wrong in wild places. Your perfectly planned itinerary may change a bit (or a lot) if the weather turns, someone gets hurt, or a volcano erupts. Usually though, changes make it all the better.

15% Off Outdoor Gear

In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 15% discount on us to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock, Runner's Need, and Cycle Surgery.

What's included

  • Cycling equipment (bike and helmet)
  • Kayaking equipment (kayak, paddle and buoyancy aid)
  • Safety equipment (first aid kit and radio)

What do I need to bring?

  • Rucksack (15-25 litre)
  • Warm jacket
  • Waterproof jacket with hood
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Worn in hiking boots or shoes
  • Warm hat
  • Thin gloves
  • Padded cycling shorts (optional)
  • Cycling shoes or trainers
  • Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
  • Water bottles or water bladder (2 litres)
  • Snacks and energy food and drink for the day

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.

Sure can! Over 50% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

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.

Sure. You can leave anything you don't need on the Challenge at the hotel.

All of our group adventures are especially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded.

"I cannot recommend this highly enough! The people on the trip were amazing. Easily the best trip I've ever been on!" Charlotte, 2019, Trustpilot.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

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Transferrable Deposits

Cancel up to 31 days before departure and we'll transfer your deposit into credit for a future booking.

Free Date Changes

Free date changes up to 31 days before departure.

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