The Welsh Three Peaks is a once in a lifetime opportunity for an adventure for what promises to be a challenging and unforgettable experience. A challenge that tests your limits by taking on the highest mountains in South, Mid and North Wales.
You've heard of the National Three Peaks - This is the Welsh equivalent. Pen y Fan - Cadair Idris - Snowdon and all in one day.
Your route
Starting in the beautiful Brecon Beacons your first challenge is to scale the sandstone peak of Pen y Fan standing at 886 metres. This is followed three hours later by Cadair Idris or the “Giant's Chair” in the south west corner of Snowdonia. Standing at 893 meters this beautiful crater-like mountain will take your breath away with spectacular views out towards the Irish Sea and your final peak Snowdon. Standing at 1085 meters Snowdon is the finishing line for our Welsh Three Peaks Challenge, being the highest point in Wales.
Walking Route: Pen y Fan: Storey Arms Walking Route: Cadair Idris: Pony Path Walking Route: Snowdon: Pyg Track
Friday 6th July at 10am Participants will be taken from The Royal Bournemouth Hospital to the Brecon Beacons staying overnight at YHA in Brecon Beacons were we will have dinner together. At 6pm there will be a welcome from the events team and a briefing given of the event itinerary and an equipment run through including emergency procedures.
Saturday 7th July The departure this for this challenge commences at 5:30am the first mountain challenge is Pen y Fan a height of 886m following the Motorway path. Following completion of the first mountain participants will travel onto Cadair Idris with a height of 889m using the Pony Path. The final mountain is Snowdon the highest mountain reaching 1085m, participants will climb following the Pyg track. Event participants will have a late supper and stay overnight at YHA Snowdon, Pen y Pass.
Sunday 8th July Following breakfast the Welsh Three Peaks eventers will depart for the return journey to The Royal Bournemouth Hospital.
The Welsh Three Peaks Challenge involves a total walking distance of 17 miles (27.4km) and an ascent of around 1,500 meters (4920 ft), in just 24 hours.
Pen y Fan 886m Postcode LD3 8NL
Route: Storey Arms
South Wales – Pen y Fan (886 metres/2907 feet)
Situated in the Brecon Beacons National Park, Pen y Fan is the highest peak in the southern UK.
Known for its unpredictable weather, it's harsh terrain has been used to great effect by UK Special Forces to test the mental and physical strength of prospective members.
Cadair Idris height 889m Postcode LL40 ITL Route: Pony Path
Mid Wales – Cadair Idris (893 metres/2930 feet)
“Cadair” is Welsh’s for chair and “Idris” was a legendary giant who is said to have used the mountain as his armchair to gaze over his domain.
Snowdon height 1085m Postcode LL55 5HY Route: Pyg Track North Wales – Snowdon (1085 metres/3560 feet)
The jewel in Wales’ crown and the highest mountain in the country, Snowdon is the final mountain climbed in the trilogy.
Situated at the southern end of the Snowdonia National Park, the quickest route to the summit and back is via the PYG Track from Pen y Pass.
The descent most commonly used is via the Llanberis path which runs alongside the Snowdon Mountain Railway down into Llanberis.
Itinerary Overview
Friday 12:00 Depart Royal Bournemouth Hospital 17:00 Arrive at Brecon Beacons 18:00 Welcome from Events Team, briefing and equipment check 19:00 Dinner at YHA then early to bed Saturday 05:00 Continental Breakfast and sunrise 05:15 Load trek bags on minibus 05:30 Departure 06:00 Start at Pen y Fan, 886m (target time 2.5 hours) – Storey Arms 08:45 Aim to leave and drive to Cadair Idris (journey time approx. 2.5 hours) 11:00 Start Cadair Idris, 889m (target time 2.5 hours) – Pony path 15:15 Aim to leave and drive to Snowdon (journey time approx. 1 hr 40) 16:45 Start Snowdon, 1085m (target time 4 hrs) - Pyg track 21:00 Aim to finish and return to YHA Snowdon Pen y Pass for late supper Sunday
10:30 Breakfast and Depart for Royal Bournemouth Hospital
The Event includes ● Return transport from Bournemouth Hospital to the Welsh Three Peaks ● Transport between the Three Peaks ● Overnight accommodation Friday 6th July at YHA Brecon Beacons ● Mountain Guide ● Overnight accommodation Saturday 7th July at YHA Pen y Fan ● Evening meal at both YHA ● Continental Breakfast ● Packed Lunch
The Mountain Leaders have several years of training and experience in mountain walking with remote First Aid Training
Equipment you will need to provide
Medikit Suncream, blister repair kit, plasters, vaseline, painkillers, sunblock
Washkit Pack towel (lifesystems recommended), soap (small bar) shampoo (not a full size bottle!), toothbrush, toothpaste (small size)
Hill walking items Day sack (25-35 litre) Rucksack liner(s) / plastic liner(s) Bladder system (highly recommended - or other water bottles e.g. exercise bottle/Nalgene bottle) Walking poles (highly recommended) Hat/cap, neck scarf, Snack foods - we recommend good slow burning items - nuts, dried fruit, cereal bars etc.
Warm clothing Lightweight fleece, medium weight Fleece Lightweight gloves, heavy gloves (mitten type recommended) Fleece hat, balaclava
Walking Clothing Long cotton trekking trousers, 1 pair tracksuit bottoms Comfortable trekking shirts (long/short sleeved) Walking boots (broken in with ankle protection) Walking socks, liner Socks, underwear 1 change of casual clothing
Waterproofs Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (Gore-tex, E-vent) & Outer Waterproof Bottoms
Optional Items (Carried at your own risk) Toilet roll / pack of travel tissues, spare laces, camera, film / memory card / spare battery Wallet, credit cards, cash, sunglasses, spare comfortable shoes, Mobile phone (packed in a plastic bag deep inside your day pack!), emergency rations (energy foods), head torch with spare batteries and bulb.
How fit do I need to be to join The Welsh Three Peaks You need to have good endurance for these events. You must prepare by training for this challenge and incorporate very long walks in the countryside and regular exercise - possibly with some running. Hill walking practice will assist with the impact the three mountains will have on your joints.
Medical Issues Please note, it is extremely important for this physical challenge that you are in good health. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please consider carefully whether you should be joining the challenge. Please ensure you fill in the booking form accurately and honestly, this is important. In the case of serious conditions (epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, recent illness or operations), please discuss the challenge with your GP. Please also ensure you notify us of any allergies or similar.
You should be used to walking reasonable distances each day to contemplate this challenge. It requires stamina and good aerobic fitness - but good willpower will also come in handy!
Failure to disclose medical conditions is a serious omission - that could have serious repercussions on any of our challenges.
Weather The weather could go either way from warm temperatures to freezing cold – so be ready for anything – make sure you pack according to the list! Remember that layers are the key, allowing you to adjust your level of warmth more easily. We will almost certainly experience some rain during the weekend, so make sure you have suitable waterproof gear—both top and leggings.
Safety Information By nature all activities contain an element of risk. Your leader will be first aid qualified and will carry the appropriate safety kit for the activity.
Event Cancellation disclaimer
In the event of extreme weather, the event may be re-scheduled or cancelled at short notice, every effort will be made to ensure the event will happen. Cancellation will only be in the most extreme circumstances and in the best interest of participant safety. Due to the costs incurred in the administration of our events the registration fee is non-refundable. The Charity insurance will also not cover any associated costs related to your participation in our events, for instance travel or accommodation costs.
Payment for the challenge: Non-refundable registration fee: £100 Sponsorship requirement: £800 Deadline for sponsorship is Friday 25 May 2018 - 6 weeks prior to departure.
Walkers will not be permitted to participate if sponsorship has not been received in full.