The Welsh 3000s: A hiking challenge above the clouds in and around Snowdonia
Fifteen mountains; twenty-four hours; one epic challenge! The Welsh 3000s is a hiking adventure of mammoth proportions. A day-long trek encompassing all of Wales' loftiest peaks, taking in breathtaking panoramic vistas along the way!
What does the Welsh 3000s involve?
Have you got what it takes to complete this iconic hiking challenge, summiting all of Wales' 3000+ ft mountains in a day?
That's fifteen mountains in total, covering an ascent of around 4000m, not to mention some challenging terrain and steep inclines! No easy feat to say the least...
Thankfully, due to the time constraints, all fifteen peaks are conveniently located within a relatively small area, Snowdonia National Park in northwest Wales, renowned for its extraordinary natural beauty.
They span three different mountain ranges, The Snowdon Massif; The Glyderau and The Carneddau.
The Snowdon Massif
- Snowdon, 3559ft
- Garnedd Ugain, 3494ft
- Crib Goch, 3028ft
The Glyderau
- Glyder Fach, 3261ft
- Glyder Fawr, 3284ft
- Y Garn, 3106ft
- Elidir Fawr, 3031ft
- Tryfan, 3011ft
The Carneddau
- Carnedd Llewelyn, 3490ft
- Carnedd Dafydd, 3425ft
- Pen yr Ole Wen, 3208ft
- Foel Grach, 3202ft
- Yr Elen, 3156ft
- Foel-fras, 3090ft
- Garnedd Uchaf, 3038ft
There is no specific order in which the mountains must be climbed, the only stipulation is they must all be completed within a 24 hour period.
How difficult is the Welsh 3000s?
It might sound nigh-on-impossible, a challenge reserved only for highly skilled and experienced mountaineers, but that's certainly not the case.
Thousands of people complete the Welsh 3000s every year, and with the right planning and preparation (plus an all-important positive attitude!), anyone with a good level of fitness who is comfortable hiking mountains at a steady pace (and is comfortable with heights) can complete it.
What is the best way to do the Welsh 3000s?
Of course, you can attempt to complete the challenge on your own, but this isn't advisable.
Attempting to tackle so many mountains in such a short period of time can be dangerous. It requires meticulous preparation and planning, with a myriad of factors that must be taken into consideration.
Booking a Welsh 3000s tour through a reputable tour operator will take all the stress off your shoulders. They will take care of every small detail, from the transport and accommodation to the conditions and safety measures, (and in some cases, even providing a fitness plan to help ensure you have the necessary base fitness level), allowing you to concentrate solely on the task at hand.
Plus, sharing the experience with a group of like-minded adventurers will help make it extra special. Who knows, you might just make some new lifelong mates?
Challenge yourself...make memories!
If you want to challenge yourself and make some everlasting memories, there are a few better adventures on these shores. It won't be easy, but the wealth of awe-inspiring views, the unique camaraderie, and that incredible moment of euphoria when you reach the summit of the final peak, will make it all worthwhile!
