Welsh 15 Peaks Challenge 3 day trek in Snowdonia

Welsh 15 Peaks Challenge

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

Highlights

  • 15 peaks! 4000 metres of ascent! 26 miles trekked! 3 epic mountain days! 
  • Take on the renowned Welsh 3000s and tackle 15 peaks over 3000 feet
  • Experience 3 mountain ranges: Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Massif, The Glyderau and The Carneddau
  • Ascend ridges, cross linked peaks and experience the rugged beauty of Snowdonia
  • Accompanied by experienced local Mountain Leaders who have received bespoke safety training for Crib Goch 
  • Different route options available to accommodate your level of experience
  • Hear about local legends & myths and the environment & culture as Adventurous Ewe is a founding member of the Snowdonia National Park Ambassador Scheme 
  • Trek with pride knowing you’re helping support the work of the Snowdonia Society and Cool Earth
  • We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful homeland of Wales.

 

Overview

Are you ready for an epic mountain adventure embracing rugged mountains, ridges, coastline, forests, valleys and rivers. Covering the Welsh 15 peaks of Snowdonia’s highest mountains, this journey will take you through spectacular landscapes and test your mettle on a tough 3-day adventure. During it you will cross three distinct mountain ranges, scramble the ‘knife-edged’ arête (sharp mountain ridge) Crib Goch and summit Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest peak in Wales and England!

Our Welsh 15 Peaks trips are run with experienced local mountain leaders who genuinely love this 3 day mountain journey. So while en-route you’re welcome to pick up a few new skills such as map reading and taking compass bearings plus finding out more about the local history, flora and fauna while being in awe of the incredible views. Plus you’ll have the option to take on the Grade 1 scramble of Crib Goch accompanied by our specially trained Leaders to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) or take an ‘easier’ route option to the summit with another Leader.

Whether you’re on a personal mission or part of a group looking to make a team effort, we’re really excited to welcome you to Snowdonia and showcase the very best of this amazing environment.

Private groups

Do you have a group of 8 or more trekkers?. We can tailor your Welsh 15 Peaks Challenge to your requirements. Such as 15 Peaks in 24, 48 or even 72 hours. We’re here to make this iconic UK mountain trek a great success for all involved. We offer this challenge between the months of May – September For more information on Private Trips please contact us at email: info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 01492 588 069.

Arrival Day

Arrive late afternoon or ealy evening for a pre-trip briefing, meet our fellow 15 Peaks adventurers, and prepare for the following 3 days trekking. 

Day 1

Traverse the Carneddau Range (7 peaks)
With an early rise you will start the first day of your Welsh 15 Peaks Challege on Foel Fras (942mts) the most northerly of the Welsh 3000ft! Your route then takes you to Garnedd Uchaf (926mts) and Foel Grach (976mts) with stunning views along the coastline. Following a ridge you will then tackle Yr Elen (962mts). Retracing your steps it’s a steady climb to Carnedd Llewelyn (1064mts). Carnedd Llewelyn is the highest mountain in the Carneddau range. Next up is Carnedd Dafydd (1044mts). In the late afternoon during your descent you will finish off the day with Pen Yr Ole Wen (979mts) and a final steep decent to the Ogwen Valley.

Approx. 8 – 10 hours walking

Included:

  • Breakfast
  • Vehicle transfer to and from the start and finish points of your trek
  • Mountain leaders
  • Home-made packed lunch
  • Overnight accommodation in lodge

 

Day 2

Traverse Y Glyderau Range (5 Peaks)
With 7 peaks already in the bag, today sees you cross Y Glyderau, one of the most impressive mountain ranges in Britain. Starting with a scramble up Tyfan (917mts) and the famous Adam & Eve standing stones, before short steep climb onto Glyder Fach (994mts) and the Cantilever rock, making your way to Glyder Fawr (999mts.) As you traverse the Glyderau you will have stunning views over Snowdonia. You then make your way to Y Garn (947mts) crossing the top of Twll Du (Devils Kitchen), following in the footsteps of Charles Darwin. Your final peak of the day is Elidir Fawr (924mts) before a descent to the Llanberis pass.

Approx. 8 – 10 hours walking  

Included:

  • Breakfast
  • Vehicle transfer to and from the start and finish points of your trek
  • Mountain leaders
  • Home-made packed lunch
  • Overnight accommodation in lodge
Day 3

Snowdon Range (3 Peaks)
Your final day of the Welsh 15 Peaks Challenge takes you along possibly one of the most famous ridge walks in the UK, Crib Coch (921mts) where a head for heights is needed. As you reach the summit of Crib Ddysgl (1065mts) the challenge is within your grasp and you head for your final summit, Snowdon (1085mts). From Snowdon summit you will have the choice of completing the Snowdon Horseshoe or returning to Pen y pass on the Pyg track. This is time and weather dependent.

Approx. 6 – 8 hours walking

Included:

  • Breakfast
  • Vehicle transfer to and from the start and finish points of your trek
  • Mountain leaders
  • Home-made packed lunch
Why go

Homegrown trekking adventure

Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit our overseas adventures have unfortunately been on hold which has had a huge impact on local communities and livelihoods. However, we’re keen to promote adventures on home ground particularly to help support the local tourism industry whilst also giving you the chance to get out and explore our incredible Welsh landscapes in a safe manner.

This trek has been designed to deliver an amazing experience and showcase the some of the most epic mountain landscapes in North Wales whilst also giving you the chance to step out of your comfort zone and gain a greater understanding of the mountains, local environment and local communities.

Carbon Footprint

We’ve crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of the Welsh 15 Peaks Challenge, and plant or protect enough trees to suck 2x as much back out the atmosphere.

What’s the number?
It works out on average at 42kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, leaders, crew and office operations.

The only thing not included is travel to Snowdonia. Given that our beloved guests travel from all parts of the UK for this adventure we have no way of reliably knowing their travel plans therefore we’re unable to include an individual number in the figure on display here.

What does the number mean?
To give you a snapshot of the numbers:

  • Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you).
  • A return economy class flight London – New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air over a period of 5 – 10 years.

 What are we doing about it?
Our adventures are relatively low-carbon by design, and we’re working to develop long term carbon reduction plan. Following much research into climate change organisations, we carefully selected to support the environmental charity, Cool Earth. They’re a sustainable operation and work with rainforest communities across the globe to halt deforestation and it’s impact on climate change. We invest 1% of our revenue into supporting critical conservation projects world-wild with Cool Earth.

On a local level, we’re an ongoing business member of the Snowdonia Society, plus Jim and Sue, together with some of our local leaders, also help the Society with their local projects such as planting native trees in Snowdonia. This is to help preserve the landscape and enhance wildlife habitat here in Snowdonia.

Want to know more?
We believe that with great travel, comes even greater responsibility. Tourism is one of the most important and largest industries on the planet. It employs more people worldwide than any other, with millions of families relying on tourism for their daily needs. At Adventurous Ewe we believe that our type of small scale, positive impact tourism can bring benefits to many communities, help preserve the environments we travel to see, and provide real and positive social exchanges. Here is our plan to do our part towards helping reduce factors that we can contributing to climate change as part of Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency.

Pre-trip info

On booking your Welsh 15 Peaks Challenge, you will receive all the exciting trek info via our free mobile travel app. You’ll have access to your itinerary, training guide, countdowns, live updates, contact info, weather forecasts, kit lists and much more at the touch of a button 24/7 via your mobile phone. No more unnecessary use of reams of paper and the need of carrying around documents with you. The app is free to download and all info is customary to your adventure ahead. A’ppy days.

Pre-trip support

With being a small family business we pride ourselves with providing personal, professional and friendly service. With being born and bread in Snowdonia, Jim knows the Welsh 15 Peaks like the back of his hand. We appreciate that everyone has different levels of experience and reasons for wishing to embark on a UK event 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 adventure.

Safety and Well-being

Adventurous Ewe puts the safety and well-being of you, our leaders & crew and the communities we visit at the centre of all our operations, always. Your safety and well-being is our top priority. The Welsh 15 Peaks Challenge requires individual preparation as the 3-day trek is designed to take you out of your every-day comfort zones and achieve something hugely commendable and iconic. Rest assured we have a thorough Safety Management System, indepth risk assessments and risk management systems in place. Your safety and well-being is our top priority at all times.

Adventurous Ewe Leaders and Crew

You will be accompanied by certified Adventurous Ewe Local Leaders and Crew. Our Leaders are first aid qualified and have extensive experience in leading multi-day treks throughout the UK. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group. Leaders and Crew 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 Crew will also be in constant radio communication with the vehicle drivers and base throughout your trek.

Group size

We pride ourselves in small group travel to minimise the impact on the environment, to maximise your safety and well-being and to make your experience more authentic.

The minimum group size to run this trek is 8 people and the maximum group size is 12 people.

You are most welcome to join the Welsh 15 Peaks Challenge as a group of family, friends, colleagues, a private bubble or as a solo trekker. If you have a group of over 10 people, we would be more than happy to run a private trek for your team, your charity or your company. You are also welcome to use this trek as a fundraiser for the charity of your choice.

For any further info or to chat about running a bespoke trek, we’d love to hear from you at info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 01492 588 069.

Group management

The Welsh 15 Peaks is a team challenge and not an individual competitive race. You will be taking part in teams of up to 10 people with a dedicated Leader. We encourage team spirit and support of each other to ensure everyone has the best opportunity to complete the challenge and enjoy the journey along the way too. This epic mountain trek is a fantastic way to meet like-minded people and share an incredible adventure whilst being accompanied and supported by friendly and experienced Adventurous Ewe Leaders and Crew. Additional Leaders will be in support of your team whilst traversing Crib Goch (a grade one scramble). Please note, this traverse is optional and you will be fully briefed the day prior to the ascent.

Level of difficulty

The Welsh 15 Peaks Challenge is graded as ‘Tough’ and preparation is key to help you get the most enjoyment and reward from this 3-day trek. Each day will involve a full day of trekking in mountainous terrain therefore previous trekking experience is recommended with a good level of strength and endurance.

There is also Grade One scrambling involved with crossing Crib Goch and ascending Tryfan, however there will be options for you to take alternative routes accompanied by one of our Leaders if you wish during these sections.

Training

A bespoke training programme will be provided when join the team for the Welsh 15 Peaks to help you with your preparations. This includes info, videos and an exclusive discount code for a 28 day kettlebell training programme which is ideal for strength and endurance training for people who are tight on time. This has been put together by our very own Peter Lant who has completed the Welsh 15 Peaks Challenge so he’s perfectly placed to help with your training. The more you are prepared, the more you will enjoy this epic mountain adventure.

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

Kit

A full kit list will be provided when you register for the Welsh 15 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 event.

Exclusive Kit Discount Offers

To help you get the very best from your Welsh 15 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 the event you are taking part in.

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

Three nights accommodation in a locally owned lodge in dorm rooms is included as part of our Welsh 15 Peaks Challenge. 

We would recommend staying the night prior to the start of your trek in the same lodge or accommodation place nearby to Llanberis given you have an early start the following morning.

If you would prefer to make your own accommodation arrangements, you are more than welcome to do so. Please get in touch with us for more info. You will just need to make your own transfer arrangements to and from the hotel each day in order to take the daily trek transfers to and from the start and finish points.

More info will be provided when you book, though if you have any further questions, please get in touch at info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 01492 588 069.

Getting there

You will need to make your own way to the lodge either by car or train. The closest train station is Bangor and it’s an approximate 20 minute taxi journey from there. Further information will be provided when you have joined the Welsh 15 Peaks Challenge.

Food & Drinks

Two breakfasts and three packed lunches are included in your Welsh 15 Peaks Challenge. These are all home-made and using local produce where possible.

If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know one month prior to your trek start date. Please note, dinner is not provided. You can pre-order this at the lodge or if you are driving, there are local restaurants & pubs in nearby Llanberis.

Please also 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.

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 15 Peaks Challenge 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 visit Adventurous Ewe – Water to Go Partnership or email us at info@adventurousewe.co.uk to buy your Water-To-Go bottle.

Loos

Naturally there are bathroom facilities at the lodge however during your trek the facilities will be limited to the great outdoors. If nature calls during this time, please be prepared with biodegradable waste bags (dog poop bags are ideal) and biodegradable loo paper and leave no trace of your paper items. Thank ewe.

Payment Info

Registration fee: £95 per person is required on booking.

Remaining balance: £375 per person is due no later than 6 weeks prior to trek start date.

There is an option to book the trek only and organise your own accommodation if you wish. Please contact us for more info if you would prefer this option. Email info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 01492 588 069.

 

Book with Confidence
Flexible date changes
If you need to cancel or change your booking 60 days or more before departure you can make flexible date changes to any other Adventurous Ewe UK challenges, subject to availability, without incurring any admin fees.
 
Financial protection
If your adventure needs to be cancelled for any reason, like say a global pandemic, you won’t be left stuck and you’ll be offered plenty of alternative options thanks to our financial protection through our insurance company. What’s more, in the very unlikely event of Adventurous Ewe going under, you’ll get your money back and be repatriated if you were on a trip at the time.
 
Secure online payments
All bookings can be made online with Mastercard, Visa and debit card or via BACS. We use WorldPay to handle all our online payments as it is a payment platform which is a global leader in payment processing offering superior security for both you and us as a company.
 
Adventure info available through our mobile app 24/7
On booking your adventure, you will receive all the exciting event information via our mobile travel app. You’ll have access to all your trip info, training guide, countdowns, live updates, contact info, weather forecasts, kit lists and much more at the touch of a button 24/7 via your mobile phone. No more unnecessary use of reams of paper and the need of carrying around documents with you. The app is free to download and all info is customary to your adventure ahead.
Stay connected

All your event information will be sent to you through a travel mobile app via Vamoos which is free to download. You will receive an email from Adventurous Ewe with your personalised log in code for this app. For the latest and greatest from the land of adventures, simply follow us at:

Facebook: @adventurousewe
Instagram: adventurousewe
Twitter: @adventurousewe
LinkedIn: Adventurous-Ewe-Ltd
Youtube: Adventurous Ewe

You’re most welcome to use the hashtags #ewecandoit #thisflockrock #adventurousewe

Emergencies

Your Adventurous Ewe Leader/s and Crew will have a mobile phones and radios communications in case of emergencies. The team are trained to deal with these situations. Please ensure you listen to your Leader during these times and refrain from putting any posts on social media during this time. Should you find yourself unable to continue with the trek, your Leader and crew will make the necessary arrangements. Depending on the situation, you will be met by the support vehicle (depending on access) and you will be transferred back to your accommodation or nearby medical facility as required. Your Emergency Contact at Adventurous Ewe HQ is Jim Young on 07747 346 588.

Our Charity Partner-sheeps

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 visiting Cool Earth 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

Departure & Return Duration Availability Deposit Total Cost* (*Total cost includes the deposit)
May 03, 2024
May 06, 2024
4 Days Full - Contact Us £95.00 £495.00
May 24, 2024
May 27, 2024
4 Days Available £95.00 £495.00 Book Now
Jun 21, 2024
Jun 24, 2024
4 Days Available £95.00 £495.00 Book Now
Jul 26, 2024
Jul 29, 2024
4 Days Available £95.00 £495.00 Book Now
Aug 23, 2024
Aug 26, 2024
4 Days Available £95.00 £495.00 Book Now
Sep 05, 2024
Sep 08, 2024
4 Days Available £95.00 £495.00 Book Now

What's Included?

Before your trek:

  • Personalised trek support in the lead up to your challenge from Adventurous Ewe
  • 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 free mobile travel app and website platform
  • Training guide with videos and discount code for personal training programmes and support
  • Digital trek briefing
  • Public liability insurance
  • Risk assessment and emergency management planning.

During your trek:

  • Safety briefing
  • Certified Local Mountain Leaders
  • Vehicle transfers as outlined in your itinerary
  • Full back-up support including first-aid qualified staff and first-aid supplies
  • Entrance permission to national parks including council fees
  • Three nights hostel accommodation
  • Home-made breakfast x 2
  • Home-made packed lunches x 3
  • Filling of water bottle/s and thermos (please provide your own water bottles and thermos for refilling)
  • All trip 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
  • Evening meals
  • Accommodation and dinner the night before and after your trek. This can be arranged at an additional cost
  • Personal spending money
  • Any costs incurred with retiring from the event early ie. hotel accommodation, change of travel tickets, any medical costs, etc.
  • If you are travelling by train, please ensure you book an open-ended ticket for your return journey.

Thoughtful and Responsible Travel

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.

Ethical Trip Management

Some of the ethical event management features embedded in our Welsh 15 Peaks Challenge are:

  • Using local crew who are qualified Leaders and who are all extremely knowledgeable and experienced
  • Our lunch packs are home-made by local providers using local produce wherever possible and also do not contain any plastic packaging
  • Minimising plastic waste wherever possible as we refill water bottles and flasks
  • We do not use markers on mountain routes
  • Where possible our Leaders and Crew collect any rubbish that is seen
  • We operate a ‘leave no trace’ ethos.

 

 

Location
UK
Duration
3 days & 3 nights
Difficulty
Cost From
£495.00