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 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).

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 extremely tough, and is a big step up from something like the “Three Peaks Challenge”. It’s only suitable for very fit and experienced mountain walkers.

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.

This challenge is often 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!

It is also very common for people to take on the Welsh 3000s as a multiple day challenge, three days being ideal. However, this website focuses on the 24 hour challenge.