Welsh 15 Peak Challenge
Tackle the 15 highest peaks in Wales in a single weekend of spectacular hiking. 3 days. 1 day off work.
15 mountains. 4000m of gain. 1 incredible weekend. That’s what awaits you in Snowdonia, home of the highest mountains in Wales. Hike and scramble through the Carneddau, Glyders and Snowdon ranges, ascending ridges and linking peaks in rapid succession. Add to that the stellar views and natural beauty of Snowdonia and you’re in for a strenuous but memorable weekend. Your challenge includes:
- 3 days guided hike of the Welsh 3000s
- 2 nights of accommodation in a local hostel
- Professional, experienced mountain guides
- Support vehicle and driver
- All breakfasts and lunches
- Return train station transfers
Perfect for:
Adventurous and ambitious hikers who enjoy the hard work and immense rewards of climbing mountains. If you think you might be that kind of person but you’ve never tried, then give it a shot – no previous experience is needed.
Need To Know
The following are not included in the trip price:
- Snacks and drinks
- Dinners
- Accommodation before or after the trip
- Personal insurance (recommended)
- Tips for your guides (optional)
This trip will run with a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 10.
Please note, if there are not 4 people booked the trip may be rearranged or cancelled.
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.
Most of the approaches and descents will be on good trails, but once you’re on the ridges there terrain gets rocky and there’s not always a trail. Footing is often loose and unsteady, and there are some sections of scrambling, but everything should be doable for the average hiker.
The biggest challenge will be the elevation gain and long days.
This trip is suitable whether you’ve done challenges before or it’s your first one. You will need a good level of fitness for this trip. You need to be able to hike up to 9 hours per day. Your host can provide you with a training program if requested.
This challenge is run with with experienced and friendly mountain leaders. While en-route you can learn about map reading and navigating with a compass, as well as local history, flora and fauna. They’ll also keep you safe with their first aid training and VHF radio backup.
Breakfasts at the hostel are basic and filling, typically cereal, eggs, tea and coffee.
Packed lunches include sandwiches, crisps, cake and chocolate. You’ll need to bring your own snacks and drinks for the trail.
Absolutely, just make a request when booking.
Daytime temperatures in Snowdonia average 11 – 14 °C in the spring and 16 – 18 °C in the summer. It’s sunny and clear about half the days each month.
No kit is provided. You must provide all your own hiking gear.
Your host recommends you pack the following. A detailed list will be sent to you after booking.
- Rucksack (20 - 35L)
- Fleece jacket
- Water bottles or bladder (2L capacity)
- Waterproof top and bottoms
- Warm hat and thin gloves
- Whistle
- Phone or camera in waterproof bag
- Snacks/energy food
- Head torch
- Walking poles (optional but recommended)
- Hiking socks (2 pair)
- Thermal top and bottoms (wool or synthetic, not cotton)
- Lightweight, breathable hiking trousers (synthetic, not denim or cotton)
- Sturdy, broken in hiking boots or shoes
- Personal toiletries and sanitary supplies
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses and sunblock)
We’ve teamed up with the guys at World Nomads to offer insurance designed for adventurous travellers across 140 countries that includes overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities. To get yours sorted, click here.
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.
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
Hostel in Caernarfon - 08:00
Your adventure begins at the host in Caernarfon at 08:00. Due to the early start, your host suggests arriving the day before and spend the night at a Hostel in Caernarfon. The exact hostel address will be shared with you prior to the trip. If you’re travelling by train, the closest station is Bangor Train Station. From here it’s 20 minutes by taxi.
Finish point
Bangor Train Station - 18:45
At the end of your adventure, you will be dropped off at Bangor Train Station at 18:45.
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.
Dates & Prices
Prices include
Accommodation · Equipment · Guide · Local Transport · Meals As Described · Happiness Guaranteed · 100% Financial Protection · No Single Supplements
Please note: Flights are NOT included and must be purchased separately.
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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.
| Pre/Post Trip Accommodation | Payable Before Departure |
|---|---|
| Additional Night Hostel | · · · |
