Welsh15Slide
Welsh Fifteen Peaks Challenge
  • Aim: to help you complete the Welsh 15 Peaks Challenge. 
  • Suitable for: fit hillwalkers.
  • Duration: 1 day. 
  • Location: Snowdonia/Eryri 
  • Max ratio: 8:1.
  • Price: 1:1 £280 per person; 8:1 £390 to hire a guide for the group.  
  • The Welsh 15 3,000s are undeniably one of the most challenging and iconic outdoor experiences in Wales. This feat requires hikers to summit all 15 peaks over 3,000 ft in Wales within 24 hours. The distance is approximately 24 miles/40km with an elevation gain of 3,100m. However, the total distance covered exceeds 30 miles/50km on foot, and the elevation gain is nearly 3,700m, including the hike up the first peak and the descent down from the last peak. This journey is not for the faint-hearted and is a considerable step up from the national Three Peaks Challenge. It is reserved for the most seasoned and physically fit mountain walkers.
  • To undertake the Welsh 15 3,000s, you should possess exceptional aerobic fitness, extensive mountain hiking experience, grade 1 scrambling abilities, and top-notch navigational skills. It is also mandatory that you have previously hiked all three mountain ranges involved in the challenge. Ideal weather conditions and visibility are crucial for the success of this challenge. If you find the 24-hour challenge too daunting, you may opt to complete the Welsh 3,000s over multiple days. Many hikers take on this feat over a period of 3 days, which is more manageable but still a significant test of endurance and resilience. In conclusion, the Welsh 15 3,000s is a legendary challenge that tests even the most experienced mountain walkers, but the sense of achievement upon completion is unmatched.

The Snowdon Massif:

  • 1. Crib Goch, 3028ft/923m;
  • 2. Garnedd Ugain/Crib y Ddysgl, 3494ft/1065m;
  • 3. Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa, 3559ft/1085m.

The Glyderau:

  • 4. Elidir Fawr, 3031ft/924m;
  • 5. Y Garn, 3106ft/947m;
  • 6. Glyder Fawr, 3284ft/1001m;
  • 7. Glyder Fach, 3261ft/994m;
  • 8. Tryfan, 3011ft /918m.

The Carneddau:

  • 9. Pen yr Ole Wen, 3208ft/978m;
  • 10. Carnedd Dafydd, 3425ft/1044m;
  • 11. Carnedd Llewelyn, 3490ft/1064m;
  • 12. Yr Elen, 3156ft/962m;
  • 13. Foel Grach, 3202ft/976m;
  • 14. Garnedd Gwenllian, 3038ft/926m;
  • 15. Foel-Fras, 3090ft/942m.

There are three route options: 

  • Start on Snowdon and finish on Foel-Fras (South to North). This is usually chosen by those who wish to camp/bivvy on the summit of Snowdon. You have to hike up the summit the night before and start your challenge early. 
  • Start on Crib Goch and finish on Foel-Fras (South to North). This is the shortest and most popular route. Although it is easier than starting on Snowdon, it means you may have to navigate Crib Goch in the dark. 
  • Start at Foel-Fras and finish on Snowdon (North to South). Although it is longer than starting on Crib Goch, it is easier because the climbs are slightly less demanding in this direction. However, you would have to navigate Crib Goch in the dark when you are very tired.