The Welsh 3000s Challenge

In order to complete the Welsh 3000s Challenge you are required to have been at the top of all 15 of the mountains over 3000 ft in Wales within the space of 24 hours, without using any form of transport.

The length is about 25 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, or possibly 16).

Welsh 3000s first three peaks photo from www.walkingbritain.co.uk

How difficult is it?

You don’t need to be a fell runner. Many people walk this.

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 died on it.

You need to be very fit to walk this in 24 hours, but times below 12 hours (first peak to final peak) are possible if you are an exceptionally fit walker. If you’re a fell runner, all you need to know is that 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!