Welsh 3000s Challenge

Overview

Covering 15 of Snowdonia’s highest mountains, this journey will take you through stunning scenery on an exciting week-long adventure. Whether you’re on a personal mission or are part of a group looking to make a team effort, this exciting challenge is a real achievement. You’ll cover a total ascent of 14,000ft as you admire the view from the tops of some of the National Park’s finest mountains, including Snowdon, Tryfan, the Glyders, Y Garn and all the Carneddau peaks.

Definitely one to tick off the bucket list.

The Objectives

• To ascend all of the fifteen peaks in 3 or 5 days of fun and challenging hiking.
• You’ll learn loads about the area in what promises to be a great team bonding experience.

What to Expect

We will attempt

1. Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa = 3559 ft (1,085 m)

2. Garnedd Ugain/Crib y Ddysgl = 3494 ft (1,065 m)

3. Crib Goch = 3028 ft (923 m)

4. Elidir Fawr = 3031 ft (924 m)

5. Y Garn = 3106 ft (947 m)

6. Glyder Fawr = 3284 ft (1,001 m)

7. Glyder Fach = 3261 ft (994 m)

8. Tryfan = 3011 ft (918 m)

9. Pen yr Ole Wen = 3208 ft (978 m)

10. Carnedd Dafydd = 3425 ft (1,044 m)

11. Carnedd Llewelyn = 3490 ft (1,064 m)

12. Yr Elen = 3156 ft (962 m)

13. Foel Grach = 3202 ft (976 m)

14. Carnedd Gwenllian = 3038 ft (926 m)

15. Foel-fras = 3090 ft (942 m)

Experience Required : 3 Days vs 5 Days

This experience is physically challenging and requires a good base level of fitness. These are full mountain days, and they are consecutive. You’ll need previous summer hillwalking experience, the ability to cover grade 1 scrambling ground and the will to take on the challenge! It’s a phenomenally rewarding challenge and showcases all that the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) have to offer.  

3-Day Option 

Completing the three day challenge requires a high level of mountain fitness, the days are BIG! 

• The Carneddau.19km and 1350m of ascent. 

• The Glyderau. 15km and 1400m of ascent 

• Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).12km and 900m of ascent, including Crib Goch. 

5-Day Option 

The 5-day version covers the same ground but at a more manageable pace. We can split the Carneddau and Glyderau up into two sections each which makes for shorter days. It also gives more flexibility if we have any poor weather. That said this is still not an easy challenge (!) and you should expect some long days as part of the week.  

Below is an example itinerary 

• Day 1 – Elidir Fawr to Y Garn. 9.5km, 780m of ascent 

• Day 2 – Pen Yr Ole Wen, Carnedd Dafydd, Yr Elen, Carnedd Llewelyn. 16km, 1150m of ascent 

• Day 3 – Foel Fras, Carnedd Gwenllian, Foel Grach. 13.5km and 750m of ascent 

• Day 4 – Glyder Fawr, Glyder Fach, Tryfan. 9km, 1000m of ascent 

• Day 5 – Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Approx 12km and 900m of Ascent and includes Crib Goch 

Whilst we always try our best to complete the peaks during the course we may not complete them all if the weather doesn’t allow us to ensure everyone’s safety. 

How Should I Prepare?

The Fifteen Peaks challenge is a great goal to test your fitness. We suggest getting out on the hill for some full days to prepare. It would also be great to do some days back-to-back to build endurance.