“Height has nothing to do with it, it is your strength that counts”
Lynn Hill
In order to complete the Welsh 3000s Challenge you are required to have been at the top of all 15 of the mountains over 3000ft in Wales within the space of 24 hours, without using any other form of transport other than leg power.
The length is around 24 miles, but the walks to the start point and down from the finish point can take it to over 30 miles in total.
The walk is also known as "The 14 Peaks" (although there are officially 15 peaks, or possibly 16).
“My father considered a walk among the mountains as the equivalent of churchgoing”
Aldous Huxley
How difficult is it?
You don't need to be a fell runner. Many people enjoy walking this challenge annually.
However, it's not easy - it's a big step up from something like the "Three Peaks Challenge".
It's very rocky, and both uphill and downhill sections are demanding. Navigation can also be problematic without previous knowledge of this area of Snowdonia. For some, the walk involves camping/bivvying at the top of Snowdon the night before, adding to the weight of kit for the initial section. Additionally, one mountain, Crib Goch, is very exposed - several people have paid the highest price.
This challenge is commonly underestimated - you need to be very fit to walk it in 24 hours. Times below 12 hours (first peak to final peak) are sometimes achieved by exceptionally fit walkers. For fellrunners, the record stands at an unbelievable 4 hours 20 minutes, or three times in 22 hours 49 minutes!
This isn't something that everybody can handle. But if you're an experienced mountain walker with good equipment and navigation skills, the Welsh 3000s could be exactly the challenge you're looking for!
Challenge Information
This event is a demanding challenge and it should not be underestimated. It requires a high level of fitness and thorough preparation training especially for those individuals without prior experience of high level mountain walks.
Qualified outdoor Instructor ratio: 1:8
Transport: All in course transport included
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
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