BDH Sterling Welsh 3 Peaks Challenge |

BDH Sterling Welsh 3 Peaks Challenge

  • Overview
  • Map & Itinerary
  • Essential Info
  • Pics & Vids
  • Dates & Prices

Highlights

  • Private group challenge for BDH Sterling in support of The Children’s Trust  
  • 3 peaks! 2334 metres of ascent! 17 miles trekked! 1 day! 
  • Take on a classic trekking challenge in Wales and summit the nation’s three highest peaks
  • Stand on the summit of Snowdon, Cader Idris and Pen-y-Fan
  • Experience the epic landscape of Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons
  • Trek with pride knowing you are helping support the work of the Snowdonia Society and Cool Earth
  • Accompanied by local Adventurous Ewe Mountain Leaders

Overview

Team members of BDH Sterling, are you ready for an epic mountain adventure embracing the rugged mountains of Wales? Conquering the three highest peaks in Wales, this Welsh 3 Peaks Challenge will take you through spectacular landscapes and test your mettle on a tough 1-day adventure.

The Welsh 3 Peaks is made up of three of the highest and most iconic mountains in Wales: Snowdon, Wales’ tallest peak and the highest point in Britain outside the Scottish highlands; Cader Idris, a spectacular peak at the southerly edge of Snowdonia National Park; and Pen y Fan, the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales.

There’s plenty of mythical legends surrounding these mountains and your local leaders will keep you entertained (or pre-occupied) with stories of giants, villians and poets or explain some of the spectacular geology before you’re greeted with 360 views from each mountain summit, weather permitting of course.  The Welsh 3 Peaks includes a total walking distance of 17 miles (27.4 kms) and an ascent of 2,334 metres (7,657 feet). Transferred by private minibus covering approximately 135 miles in between.

Take on the length of our nation via a Welsh road trip you’ll never forget!

Day 1 - Friday 1 July 2022

Private transfer from the finish point hotel to the start point hotel:
For those wishing to leave their cars at the finish point hotel, please ensure you are at the Premier Inn Merthyr Tydfil Hotel, Duffryn Road, Pentrebach, Aberdare, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 4BB ready for the private transfer departing at 14:00

Briefing, dinner & overnight:
Your trip briefing and dinner will be held at The Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis, LL55 4TY at 20:00. Please note, your evening meal will need to be pre-ordered. We will send you the dinner menu in order for you to make your selection prior to the hotel’s deadline. Please feel free to let us know of any dietary requirements on your registration.

Included:
Private transfers: from Premier Inn Merthyr Tydfil Hotel to The Royal Victoria Hotel Llanberis for those who wish to leave their cars at the hotel where you finish
Meals: dinner, which must be pre-ordered
Accommodation: 3-star hotel, twin/triple room share basis

 

Day 2 - Saturday 2 July 2022

Welsh 3 Peaks Challenge
Please find below the planned scheduled of your trek. (Please note, the timings are a guideline only as external factors such as the speed of the group, traffic, weather, etc. may affect the schedule).

05:00 – packed continental breakfast available with tea & coffee facilities in your room 
05:30 – trek Snowdon via Llanberis Path (trekking time 4 – 5 hours). On completion of Snowdon you will be served a bacon/vegetarian roll
10:00 – depart for Cadair Idris (driving time 1.5 hours)
11:30 – start Cadair Idris (rrekking time 5 hours)
16:30 – depart Pen y Fan (driving time 2 hours)
18:30 – start Pen y Fan (trekking time 2 hours)
20:30 – finish and transfer to hotel
21:15 – dinner at the hotel

Snowdon (1,085m) North Wales
Your challenge begins on the highest mountain in Wales, Snowdon or Yr Wyddfa in Welsh, standing at 1085m.  Snowdonia is unique for its bio-diversity of plants and wildlife and with breath taking views from the summit is a perfect way to start your Welsh 3 peaks challenge. Your ascent route will be via the Pyg Track. The route will reward you with those classic Snowdon views in the early morning glow. The ascent should take approximately 2 – 3 hours.

Once on the summit you will have time for a photo and enjoy the views before starting your decent down either the Llanberis Path.  The descent should take approximately 2 hours and the route distance is approximately 9 miles.

Trekking time: approx 4 – 5 hours

Cader Idris (893m) Mid Wales
Cader Idris (the chair of Idris) is in reference to a giant of Welsh mythology who was said to have used Llyn Cau as an enormous armchair. Legend has it that anyone who sleeps on the Summit will awaken a madman or poet. Your route to the summit of Cader Idris will be via the Minffordd Path. The route starts on the southern side of the mountain, passing Llyn Cau and along the rim of Craig Cau to the summit Penygadair (Top of the Chair). Once on the summit you are rewarded with stunning views over Snowdonia and the hills of Shropshire. Time permitting, you will complete the horseshoe route a total of 8 miles.

Trekking time: approx 4 – 5 hours

Pen y Fan (886m) South Wales
Your final summit of the Welsh 3 Peaks Challenge is Pen Y Fan, the highest mountain in South Wales and the Brecon Beacons. Despite being the lowest mountain on the challenge, Pen Y Fan still deserves respect as it can be a very challenging mountain in poor conditions. On a good day there are great views over the Brecon Beacons.

The ascent of your final summit starts from the Story arms and slowly climbs to Corn Du with a short 50m scramble to the summit. Once on the summit of our final summit you’ll have time for a celebratory photo and mark your epic achievement, before making your down for the completion of your challenge.

Trekking time: approx 2 – 3 hours

Included:
Private transfers: two minibuses provided with experienced Welsh 3 Peaks drivers
Meals: packed continental breakfast, bacon/vegetarian roll (after Snowdon), snacks, water refills, packed lunch and two-course dinner
Leaders: certified Mountain Leaders
Accommodation: 3-star hotel, twin share basis

 

 

Day 3 - Sunday 3 July 2022

Return home
Breakfast in the hotel at your leisure before returning home full of a huge sense of achievement on completing this tough one day challenge in support of The Children’s Trust.

Included:
Meals: breakfast only

Booking info

This is a private trip for employees of BDH Sterling only in support of The Children’s Trust charity.

Pre-trip support

With being a small family business we pride ourselves with providing personal, professional and friendly service for your Welsh 3 Peaks Challenge. We appreciate that everyone has different levels of experience and therefore require varying levels of support and guidance. We’re here to help you every step of the way from the moment you join the flock all the way through to completing the challenge and beyond. Jim and Sue’s knowledge and expertise stems from dozens of years of travelling and exploring the UK in order to fully support you in the lead up to your Welsh 3 Peaks. There’s a very warm welcome waiting for you in our homeland of Wales.

Your crew

You will be accompanied by certified local Adventurous Ewe Leaders and Drivers throughout your Welsh 3 Peaks. Our Leaders are first aid qualified and have extensive experience in leading mountain treks throughout the UK. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group.

Leaders will carrying full safety equipment and mountain first aid kits with them at all times. Please note, these kits are for emergencies only so please come prepared with your own personal first aid items. The Leaders and Drivers will also be in constant radio communication throughout your adventure.

Group size
We pride ourselves in small group travel to minimise the impact on the environment, to maximise your safety and wellbeing and to make your experience more authentic.
 
Your team will be made up of 16 fellow employees accompanied by two Mountain Leaders. You’ll be transported via two minibuses with 8 people in each vehicle giving you plenty of space during travel.
Trek grading

The Welsh 3 Peaks is graded as ‘Tough’ and preparation is key to help you get the most enjoyment and reward from this trip. A good level of fitness, endurance and some gritty determination is required in order to complete a full day of tackling the three highest mountains in Wales.

A training programme will be provided and it is strongly recommended that you have previous trekking experience to enable you to get the most enjoyment from this challenge.

Training

A bespoke training programme will be provided when join the team for this adventure to help you with your preparations.

We also have exclusive offers with our Training Partners and Communities – Her Spirit and the Bath Kettlebell Society. For more info, please visit our Training and Preparation page.

The more you are prepared, the more you will enjoy the challenge.

Our motto is: Train hard, smile harder and enjoy the journey!

Kit

A full kit list will be provided when you join the team for this 3 Peaks Challenge. Good kit can make the difference between a fantastic adventure and an uncomfortable one. Well worn in waterproof hiking boots are essential together with a good quality waterproof jacket AND trousers. An exclusive Adventurous Ewe discount code will be provided for the independent outdoor retailers Joe Brown, The Climbers Shop and ashmei athletic apparel on registering for this trip.

Exclusive kit discount codes

To help you get the very best from your Welsh 3 Peaks Challenge we will provide you with an exclusive Adventurous Ewe discount code to use in independent UK outdoor retailers Joe Brown / The Climbers Shop and ashmei athletic apparel, both online and in store. They offer a large choice of kit that the staff themselves use while climbing, hiking, mountaineering, running, travelling or enjoying expeditions across the globe and they pride themselves on sharing their experience and knowledge of equipment so you can choose the right gear to suit you and your Welsh 3 Peaks.

Weather

The weather in the Welsh mountains can change rapidly so it is essential that you are prepared for all conditions including rain, wind and heat. In the week leading up to your trip we recommend checking the Mountain Weather Information Service. You will also receive weather updates via our mobile travel app, Vamoos.

Please note, the Leader/s reserve the right to change the itinerary at any time should the conditions require it as your safety and wellbeing is our top priority at all times.  In these circumstances we will make the best alternative arrangements possible that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Accommodation

Friday 1 July 2022

Dinner, bed & breakfast provided on a twin/triple share basis in The Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis, LL55 4TY (3-star hotel).

Saturday 2 July 2022

Dinner, bed & breakfast provided in the Premier Inn, Merthyr Tydfil Hotel, Duffryn Road, Pentrebach, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 4BB (3-star hotel).

Getting to the start

Private transfer from the finish point hotel to the start point hotel:
For those wishing to leave their cars at the finish point hotel, please ensure you are at the Premier Inn Merthyr Tydfil Hotel, Duffryn Road, Pentrebach, Aberdare, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 4BB ready for the private transfer departing at 15:00

Alternately, you can meet us at The Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis. We recommend you arrive prior to 18:30. There is free car parking at the hotel.

Food & drinks

The following meals are provided:

  • Dinner on the night of arrival at The Royal Victoria Hotel. Meals must be pre-ordered. A menu will be sent prior to your challenge.
  • Packed continental breakfast on the morning of your trek
  • Bacon/vegetarian roll (on completion of Snowdon)
  • Packed lunch during your trek
  • Water and hot drinks. Please bring your own water bottles or camelbaks/platypus (or similar) and flasks (if you wish to take a hot drink during your challenge) and refill in the hostel to avoid the need of purchasing plastic water bottles.
  • Two-course dinner on completion of your trek at the Premier Inn
  • Breakfast the following morning at your own leisure.

Please also bring your own food and snacks. During the transfers there will be an opportunity to purchase food at the Services.

As we are travelling on a minibus space is restricted, so please ensure to bring only the kit that is listed. Please note this is a time critical challenge, it is your challenge thus it is essential that you try and bring adequate food and energy drinks/gels etc with you. Stopping off for toilet breaks is obviously allowed however please bear in mind that these can take 15 – 20 minutes off your time per stop.

Water-to-go bottles

The impact of single use plastic is having on our landscape, wildlife and oceans, it is now more important than ever that we all make changes in order to help our planet. We may not be a huge global company but we’re passionate about playing our part and trying to make a huge difference collectively. Together we can dramatically reduce our consumption of single use plastics and support our responsible travel ethos of ‘Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but boot-prints, keep nothing but memories.’

You can make a difference too with taking part in the Welsh 3 Peaks and purchasing one of these environmentally friendly reusable alternative bottles compared to single-use plastic water bottles. Grab a Water-to-Go bottle through Adventurous Ewe and receive a 15% discount. Even better, Water-to-Go will donate a further 15% to our charity partner, Cool Earth. For more info please click here or email us at info@adventurousewe.co.uk to buy your Water-To-Go bottle.

Payment and sponsorship info

Your place on this challenge has been provided courtesy of BDH Sterling. 

The Welsh 3 Peaks Challenge is in support of BDH Sterling’s business charity, The Children’s Trust. 100% of proceeds will be donated to The Children’s Trust.

For reference, please find below BDH Sterling’s fundraising link.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bdhsterlingukoffice.

Adventurous Ewe charity partners

Snowdonia Society
Locally, we help support the vital work of the Snowdonia Society who since 1967 continues to work tirelessly to ensure that Snowdonia is well-protected, well-managed and enjoyed by all. 

Cool Earth
We are very excited to have teamed up with leading climate change charity Cool Earth, who share our mission to protect the planet’s precious environment in a sustainable manner. The future of rainforest protection is where everyone makes a difference to climate change! We invest a % of our revenue into supporting critical conservation projects around the world through Cool Earth. You are most welcome to help make a difference too by sparing a few pennies. Please give what you can and help save the world’s rainforests today by clicking here. Just £2.50 will save 10 trees and lock up 10 tonnes of CO2. Together, we can all make a difference in helping preserve this precious and wonderful planet. Thank-ewe

Top tips
  • Train in your trekking kit. including wearing of your rucksack with weight inside, in varying weather conditions so you know your kit is both suitable and comfortable for the big challenge
  • Have two bags – a daypack for the mountain with your trekking kit (waterproofs, warm layers, beanie, gloves, snacks, water, first aid & any medication) and your main kit/travel bag which you can either leave in your accommodation place or vehicle
  • Pack your kit inside a dry bag for the trek
  • Bring your own facemask and hand sanitiser 
  • Look after your feet – blister prevention
  • Trekking poles are a great way to provide stability and support your knees whilst hiking
  • Bring some of your favourite snacks. Remove as much packaging as you can before taking it on the trek (less litter to carry)
  • Bring your own water bottle, camelbak./platypus and flask that you can refill and avoid plastic bottles
  • Most importantly……SMILE AND ENJOY THE ENTIRE EXPERIENCE
Departure & Return Duration Availability Deposit Total Cost* (*Total cost includes the deposit)

What's Included?

Pre-trip:

  • Personalised trip support 
  • Discount on personal kit from Joe Brown, The Climber’s Shop and ashmei athletic apparel both in shop and online
  • All trip info supplied via our free mobile phone app
  • Public liability insurance
  • Risk assessment and emergency management planning.

During your trip:

  • Private transfer from the finish point hotel to the start point hotel so you can leave your vehicles at the finish
  • Two night’s accommodation, twin/triple room share basis
  • Dinner the night prior to your trek
  • Trek briefing
  • Continental breakfast the morning of your trek
  • Bacon/vegetarian roll on completion of Snowdon
  • Packed lunch
  • Dinner on completion of your trek
  • Certified Local Mountain Leaders
  • Vehicle transfers as outlined in your itinerary
  • Full back-up support including first-aid qualified staff and first-aid supplies
  • Filling of water bottle/s and thermos (please provide your own water bottles and thermos for refilling)
  • All challenge management and hygienic cleaning procedures of equipment before, during and post trek.

What's Not Included?

  • Clothing and equipment listed on your Kit List
  • Water bottle/s and/or camelbaks/platypus and thermos for filling and refilling. Please provide your own bottles as this is to minimise the use of plastic bottles
  • Personal snacks and electrolytes
  • Personal spending money
  • Any costs incurred with retiring from the event early ie. hotel accommodation, change of travel tickets, any medical costs, etc.

Sustainable tourism

Adventurous Ewe is committed to delivering adventures in a responsible and ethical manner with sustainability at its core. We respect and aim to operate our trips to benefit local people, their economy and the environment!

Some of the ethical event management features embedded in our Welsh 3 Peaks Challenge are:

  • Using local crew who are qualified Leaders and who are all extremely knowledgeable and experienced
  • Minimising plastic waste wherever possible as we refill water bottles and flasks
  • We do not use route markers on the mountain 
  • Where possible, our Leaders collect any rubbish along the trails 
  • We operate a ‘leave no trace’ ethos.

 

Snowdonia National Park Ambassador

Adventurous Ewe have been a founding member of the Snowdonia National Park Ambassador Scheme since 2019. The scheme was formed to strengthen links between stakeholders working within the tourism industry and the National Park and provide training to create a greater understanding and knowledge about the area’s natural and cultural resources, in order to improve the overall visitor and local experience. As part of the Snowdonia National Park Authority Partneriaeth Yr Wyddfa Partnership, we are an accredited Snowdon Visit Specialist. We are also a corporate partner of the Snowdonia Society and help support their vital work who since 1967 continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Snowdonia is well-protected, well-managed and enjoyed by all.  

Location
Duration
2 nights & 1 day
Difficulty
Cost From
£
Trip Notes