Welsh 15 Peak Challenge

Need To Know

Location

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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.

You’ll be hiking in three different mountain ranges in Snowdonia:

• Carneddau: The furthest north of the ranges with 7 of the 15 peaks in the Welsh 3000s. The Carneddau boast a wild landscape of lakes, waterfalls and rounded mountains topped with grass, heather and fractured rocks. It’s also the last remaining home of wild horses in the U.K.
• Glyders: The middle range features 5 of the 15 peaks, including Tryfan, a striking mountain with a jagged, rocky summit. This area features some of the country’s best scrambling.
• Snowdon Massif: Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales (1085m). 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.

Start point?
You’ll meet your guide at 08:00 on Friday morning at the hostel in Caernarfon. Your host will be in touch before the trip to finalise details.

Finish point?
You’ll be dropped off at Bangor Station on Sunday evening. Please schedule your train to depart no earlier than 19:00. Your host will be in touch before the trip to finalise details.

Getting there and away?
Bangor Station is just north of Llanberis. From London travel north to Crewe Station and transfer to Arriva Trains Wales. The journey to Bangor Station takes about 3 ½ to 4 hours from London, and the return trip on Sunday evening takes about 5 hours.

We recommend you arrive on Thursday night since the hiking starts bright and early on Friday morning. Train station transfers, meeting arrivals around 20.30, can be arranged at no additional cost.

We will contact you before you leave to check your arrival and departure plans.

For extra financial protection against unforeseen circumstances such as erupting Icelandic volcanoes, we recommend you book your flights using a credit card.

What to Expect

Day 1: The Carneddau

There’s no such thing as a gentle introduction to the Welsh 3000s Challenge. On your first day of hiking you’ll summit 7 of the weekend’s 15 peaks.

Meet your guides at 08:00 in Llanberis for a quick briefing, then you’re on the trail.

Follow an old Roman road into the heart of the Carneddau mountains.

Hike through a pass framed by twin Bronze Age monoliths, then climb onto the ridgeline. From here you can see the day’s goals lined up in front of you.

First stop is Foel Fras (942m), the northernmost of the Welsh 3000s and the first one to tick off the list.

Follow the ridge to climb 3 more peaks in quick succession.

You’ve now summited 4 mountains before lunch. Wonder what your mates are doing back at the office?

Double back to catch Carnedd Llewelyn, the highest summit in the Carneddau at 1064m. On the way your knowledgeable guides can teach you to read a map and navigate with a compass.

Look around from Carnedd Dafydd, then begin your descent, snagging Pen Yr Ole Wen on the way.

A steep hike takes you down into the beautiful Ogwen Valley where your support vehicle is waiting to take you to your hostel.

Check in, shower off, and treat yourself to a big ol’ dinner and a round of drinks. You’ve earned it.

Seven down, eight to go.

8 – 10 hours of walking

Day 2: The Glyders

Today you’ll tackle the 5 peaks in the Glyders. Even from a distance you can see this range is rockier and more rugged than the Carneddau were.

Fuel up with a big breakfast, then hit the trail.

Your first goal is Tyfan (917m), the lowest of the Welsh 3000s and yet also one of the most challenging with a fun scramble at the top.

Descend via the picture-perfect Adam and Eve rocks, then it’s a short, steep climb up Glyder Fach.

Cross a formation known as the “Castle of the Wind” to attain Glyder Fawr (999m), the highest peak in the range and the perfect place for lunch. Look south for views of tomorrow’s challenge.

Traverse a natural hanging garden of alpine flowers, including the rare Snowdon Lily if you’re lucky.

Make your way up the last two peaks of the day, then descend to Llanberis Pass to meet your ride.

Clean up at the hostel then meet your group for a cold drink and a hearty meal.

Twelve down, just three to go.

8 – 10 hours of walking

Day 3: Snowdon Massif

Time to finish this thing off. Your guides have saved the best for last: Mount Snowdon itself, the jewel of Snowdonia.

Stretch your tired muscles on one of the best ridge walks in the UK. You’ll need a head for heights on this one.

Follow the snaking, rocky ridge right to the summit of Crib Coch, the first peak of the day.

Just a short distance away you start the climb to Crib Ddysgl. The end is in sight.

One last ascent and you’re on top of Mount Snowdon (1085m), the highest of them all. Time to celebrate! Break out any special treats you packed, take victory pics, and enjoy your final mountaintop lunch.

It’s all downhill from here. Depending on weather and time you’ll either complete the Snowdon Horseshoe or descend via the Pyg Track. Either way the scenery is spectacular.

Back in Llanberis your guides will drop you off at the train station.

The challenge may be over but the bragging rights last forever.

6 – 8 hours of walking

Note: The actual itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather conditions and forecasts, trail conditions, etc.

Accommodation

You’ll stay in a local hostel. Which one will depend on availability. As an example, the YHA Snowdon Pen y Pass features excellent mountain views, an onsite bar and restaurant, and the opportunity to enjoy a digital detox—there’s no wifi or mobile service.

Optional Extras

Make your life easy. Once you have reserved your space, your host can help you arrange the extras you’ll need. Here are some guide prices which can be confirmed with you during booking.