Complete Guide About Welsh 3000s Challenge & Its 15 Peaks For Mountainers
Are you an expert hiker? You must have learned about the Welsh 3000s challenge. It is considered the toughest mountain challenge in the UK. It tests your navigation skills, endurance level, and mental ability. Mountaineers take it as a challenge and want to improve their fitness level by hiking the Welsh 3000. It is so famous in the first place because over 15 of its summits are above 3,000 feet, nearly 914 meters.
To climb 4,000 meters and trek 35 km in 24 hours, the Welsh 3000 path lies within Snowdonia National Park, where treks lead through some of Britain’s most picturesque scenery. Let’s find out what the Welsh 3000s are, what hikers say about them, and all their peak names.
What is the Welsh 300s?
It is a challenge in Wales that involves climbing all the mountains. This adventure is famous in Great Britain, and hikers complete it in almost 24 hours or sometimes even quicker. There is a shocking record of completing the summit of Wales. Its completion time recorded in its fastest ever was four hours, ten minutes, and forty-eight seconds.
The Welsh 3000s Challenge
Mountain walkers tackle ascents of all 15 peaks in the United Kingdom, including those in Wales, which rise above 3000 feet. There is no use of a transport system between them. It depends on hikers whether they complete the challenge within 24 hours or take an approach of 2-3 days. Completing this challenge in a single day is undoubtedly a complex but worthy experience.
Peaks Of The Welsh 3000s
All these peaks are located in Snowdonia, and the Welsh 3000 list is here in this guide. Each has its range and elevation of difficulty.
| Peak Name | Height (meters) | Height (feet) |
|---|---|---|
|
Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)
|
1,085
|
3,560
|
|
Garnedd Ugain
|
1,065
|
3,494
|
|
Crib Goch
|
923
|
3,028
|
|
Elidir Fawr
|
924
|
3,031
|
|
Y Garn
|
947 |
3,107
|
|
Glyder Fawr
|
1001
|
3,284
|
|
Glyder Fach
|
994
|
3,261
|
|
Tryfan
|
915
|
3,002 |
|
Pen yr Ole Wen
|
978
|
3,209
|
|
Carnedd Dafydd
|
1,044
|
3,425
|
|
Carnedd Llewelyn
|
1,064
|
3,494
|
|
Yr Elen
|
962
|
3,156
|
|
Foel Grach
|
976
|
3,202
|
|
Foel-Fras
|
942
|
3,091
|
Welsh 3000s Routes
The 3000 Challenge involves climbing the Snowdon Massif, Glyderau Range, and Carneddau Range, three Welsh peaks.
1. The Snowdon Massif
- The first section has to be the Snowdonia mountain range with its towers of Crib Goch, Garnedd Ugain, and Yr Wyddfa.
It begins in Pen-y-Pass and travels roughly six miles in total. - The knife-edge ridge of Crib Goch is the most dangerous part of the summit and needs some scrambling skills.
- However, walking up Garnedd Ugain is steep and tough enough to tire out any walker.
- Among the highlights of the Glyderau Range there are Elidir Fawr and Y Garn and Glyder Fawr, and Tryfan, and Glyder Fach.
- Some of the main obstacles on the approximately 10 mile walk are the relentless, steep ascent of Elidir Fawr.
- From Glyder Fach the descent is difficult and has rocky terrain.
At the point of Tryfan scramble, you’ll need both hands and feet to climb.
2. The Carneddau Range
- Other prominent landmarks of the range are Pen yr Ole Wen, Carnedd Dafydd, Carnedd Llewelyn, Yr Elen, Foel Grach and Foel-Fras, which generally have the highest elevations.
- The ascent to each of the Welsh 3000s summits is characterized by either an uphill steep trail or an ’on the level’ road up to 7 miles, followed by a long uphill; the famous crags are the spines of the old killing fields.
- As this is the final stretch, you’ll feel extreme fatigue and exposure to the strong wind.
Lighthouses In Wales
Read NowPreparing for the Welsh 3000 challenge
Proper preparation is needed to complete this Welsh challenge, which will require a great deal of muscle, endurance, and expertise in climbing steep inclines.
1. Fitness & Training Plan
- Cardiovascular exercises, such as swimming, cycling, or running, are exactly what are needed. Be prepared and ensure cardio training at least four to five times weekly.
- Strength training is genuinely exciting. Lunges, squats, and stair climbs should help them gain strength in their legs. Before heading off on the Welsh 3000s, you’ll have to have a little scrambling practice as you shall be doing quite a bit of scrambling up steep peaks such as Tryfan and Crib Goch.
- Hike back-to-back so that this challenge may become an easier achievement for you.
2. Essential Gear Checklist
- Hiking footwear that is waterproof and of good quality is advised.
- It is preferable to dress in layers, with a waterproof outside layer, a mid-layer, and a base layer.
- The Welsh 300s route map, compass, and GPS device will be beneficial to reach the accurate point.
- Ensure to take a hydration system and first-aid kit that will help in an emergency.
- A headlight torch is mandatory and is helpful for night climbing.
3. Accommodation Options
- Hotels and hostels are available. You can stay in Llanberis or Betws-y-Coed.
- They provide a wild camping site for those who are looking for alternative camping options.
- There is also a support team for the challengers that provides them food and transport.
Safety & Weather Considerations
- The most important prerequisite for finishing the Welsh 3000s challenge is a weather and safety assessment.
- Check the forecast before starting since Snowdonia is well known for its erratic weather.
- It is advised to carry emergency shelter and enough food that helps in an emergency.
- Water sources are limited; therefore, it is advised to take enough water or have purification tablets.
Alternative Approaches
Hikers who are not able to complete the Welsh 300s challenge within 24 hours can also adopt the alternative approach. There is an option of two day challenge and also a guided expedition.
Two-Day Welsh 3000s
- Start your day 1 with Snowdon Massif & Glyderau, which has a distance of about 20 miles.
- Day 2 includes the peak of Carneddau, with a distance of about 15 miles.
- The climb of the two-day challenge is safer at night and has less exhaustion.
- The only thing about the two-day climb is that it requires a night stay.
- There still are guided walks for the adventure visitors who are newcomers to this type of trek.
Be Ready To Take On The Welsh 3000s!
Ready for this intense yet rewarding challenge in the UK? This test, making its way through Snowdonia, calls for the utmost skill. To complete all 15 peaks of the Welsh 3000 challenge, you need strong stamina and experience. Its three main trails include:
- Snowdon Massif
- Glyderau Range
- Carneddau Range
You need to prepare properly for it, whether you are following a one-day challenge or two. The walking out began: ‘Check the weather and prepare for what comes. The best moment is the summit, and then there are beautiful panoramas around.
FAQ'S
It includes completing the summit of all 15 peaks in a single day.
It was completed in 4 hours, 10 minutes, and 38 seconds.
The challenge only needs one day of walking or running.
Ella Harrison
Hi, I am a traveling enthusiast. I have explored more than 18 countries. I have been curious about exploring the world since I was a kid. My search for hidden gems helped me immerse myself in the new cultures. Now, my current motive is to share stories about places that can inspire people to experience an adventurous journey. Throughout my exploration, the thing I enjoyed most was hiking in the UK’s places like Chepstow, Wales. I have experienced the vibrant cities and local flavors of different places. Join me and experience unforgettable adventures.
