Welsh 3000s: 14 Peaks Challenge in 24 Hours

This is the ultimate Snowdonia extended ridge adventure. Traverse the three main mountain ranges, the Snowdon Massif, the Glyderau and the Carneddau. Summit all of Snowdonia’s peaks over 3000ft in 24 hours, from Snowdon to Foel Fras.

Course Title: CH1. Welsh 3000s – 14 Peaks Challenge in 24 Hours.
Duration: 24 hour challenge – guided traverse (2 guides) depending on support.
Cost: £700 (depends on the group size, ability match and support required)
Group Size: 1+ clients min to run the event.
Location: Snowdonia, North Wales.

Traditionally known as the 14 Peaks Challenge, with various route options, the total mileage covered from start to finish is in excess of 30 miles. A support team is provided on the day. The traverse of the Welsh 3000’s is a serious undertaking. In adverse weather conditions, variations to the route may be substituted.

To assist your personal success we offer a Challenge Training Day. We will advise on moving over steep and rough ground and give you a taste of what to prepare for. If you train you will be physically and mentally prepared for your challenge.

Northbound Traverse of the Welsh 3000s

We will start this magnificent journey before dawn from Pen y Pass car park.

The Peaks

The Snowdon Range

Yr Wyddfa – Snowdon 1085m (3560ft) the highest point in the British Isles outside Scotland
Garnedd (or Carnedd) Ugain 1065m (3495ft) on the Crib y Ddysgl ridge
Crib Goch 923m (3028ft) the knife-edged and exposed arête with steep drops either side

After completing the first 3 summits of the Snowdon group we will descend to Nant Peris to our first check point and refreshments.

The Glyderau Range

A long, steady ascent to the first summit of the Glyderau range, Elidir Fawr is followed by 4 further summits, rocky ridges and the iconic ‘Adam and Eve’ stones on Tryfan.

Elidar Fawr 923m (3029ft)
Y Garn 947m (3107ft)
Glyder Fawr 999m (3279ft)
Castell y Gwynt 972m (3189ft) If this rocky feature summit is included we have 16 summits
Glyder Fach 994m (3262ft)
Tryfan 915m (3002ft) and the iconic summit stones of Adam and Eve. Joe’s favourite mountain

A steep descent takes us into the Ogwen Valley for our second check-point and refreshments

The Carneddau Range

You need to focus the mind for another steep ascent to the broad summit of Pen Yr Ole Wen, the start of the Carneddau range.

Pen yr Ole Wen 978m (3209ft)
Carnedd Dafydd 1044m (3424ft)
Carnedd Llewelyn 1064m (3491ft)
Yr Elen 962m (3156ft)
Foel Grach 976m (3202ft)
Foel Fras 942m (3091ft) is the official, final and remotest peak of the northbound traverse
Garnedd Uchaf 926m (3038ft) classed as the 15th Peak, excluding Castell y Gwynt on the Glyderau

The final summit on the Welsh 3000’s is Foel Fras. If time permits we will take a detour and summit Garnedd Uchaf before descending to Bwlch Y Ddeufean or the coast at Abergwyngregan, where you will be collected by the support team.

Previous Experience/Fitness

You will need to be a fit mountain walker. A head for heights is necessary. Do not under-estimate this challenge. Ascents and descents are demanding. Some ridges are exposed with steep drops. It is far more strenuous and requires more stamina than the National 3 Peaks Challenge.

Equipment

You will need clothing and footwear that is appropriate for mountain walking conditions. A kit list, estimate timings, route information and training day details will be provided on booking.

Call me for a chat and look at our Listings for the activities and courses.

We are happy to arrange private guiding or instruction to suit requirements.

Let the challenge begin! This is a wonderful route, with spectacular views, weather permitting. If you prefer to complete this over a more leisurely period of time, other than our 24 hour or 3 Day Traverse, then please contact us.