The Welsh 3000s Challenge (or 14 Peaks, or is it 16?)
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Join us as we attempt to complete the epic Welsh 3000s Challenge - reaching 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. Also known as "The 14 Peaks" (although there are officially 15 peaks, or possibly 16).
This is a serious challenge event, which builds on events such as the Barrow to Keswick, and Yorkshire Three Peaks walks. You should be fit and familiar with the route, and we will arrange "training" walks along the route leading up to the event date.
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. 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 the Three Peaks. 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, Crib Goch on snowdon is very exposed, and you really feel it at 5am!
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!
There is a very useful website for anyone considering this challenge here: http://www.welsh3000s.co.uk/what.html
What to bring
Compede/Plaster: Seriously.
Food & Water: At least two litres of water should be carried, with additional water stashed at the drop points. Food should be of the high energy variety. It might be worth keeping a camping stove at the drop points so we can have tea or soup.
Boots: Hiking boots are arguably the most essential piece of kit when hiking just about anywhere. Walker’s should make sure that their boots are both waterproof and breathable, and provide good ankle support. Boots should also be in good condition.
Socks: Walking socks are often overshadowed by those new to hiking, with many novices failing to invest in proper socks. Good walking socks are essential in regards to keeping the feet dry, and in turn stopping the development of blisters. Sports socks and other socks not designed for walking will often become waterlogged, or damaged which will in turn blister feet.
Gaitors: Gators attach to the bottom of walking boots and extend to just under the knee. They provide waterproofing for the bottom half of the leg, and are essential in keeping the feet dry.
Walking Trousers: Walking trousers should be of a windproof design and made of a rip stop material, that will stand up to walking through ferns and undergrowth. They should also ideally be water resistant, or at least not gain weight, and lose their insulation properties when wet. Jeans are therefore to be avoided, as they are heavy when wet and provide no protection from the elements.
Waterproof Trousers: Waterproof trousers are essential in keeping the legs dry, as water resistant trousers will not keep out any significant rainfall. Walker’s should look for waterproof trousers that are breathable, in order to avoid being soaked with sweat.
Base Layer: A breathable base layer should be chosen in order to let sweat escape from the body. This should ideally consist of a breathable synthetic, specially designed fabric, though a cotton T-Shirt is sufficient.
Mid Layer: A Mid Layer goes on top of the base layer and should consist of a 100 weight micro fleece, or a rugby typed thick shirt. The layering system is important as it allows walkers to quickly adapt to changes in the weather as well as body temperature.
Outer Layer: The outer layer should consist of a windproof jacket or a thick fleece. This is the final layer and walkers should ensure that this layer provides ample warmth.
Waterproof Jacket: A good waterproof jacket is one of the most important pieces of kit you will require when hiking. Walkers should look for a jacket that is both waterproof and breathable in order for them to be protected from sweat. Materials such as Gore-tex are often the best choices.
Hat: As most heat is lost through the head a good hat is essential. The best hats are those of a fleece design, with wool also being acceptable.
Gloves: Gloves are essential in the colder months as walkers will require the usage of their fingers for various activities such as map reading. Windproof or better still waterproof gloves are the best choice.
Rucksack: A good Rucksack that is comfortable to wear is essential, and required to carry both food and equipment. Day sacks should have a capacity of around 30 litres with equipment being placed in water proof bags inside.
Emergency Equipment: A number of items should be taken in case problems occur whilst walking in the hills. Emergency equipment becomes of greater importance the further from civilisation walkers are. Equipment should include spare food stuffs of high energy, a survival bag, a whistle, a medical kit, a torch and something to make fire, either storm proof matches or a firelighter.
Map & Compass: A map of the area being walked in is essential as well as a compass. The map should be in a waterproof bag or be of a waterproof design.
Mobile Phone: A mobile phone should also be brought and kept in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies.
Change of Clothes: A full change of clothes should be brought and kept in waterproof bags, as well as multiple pairs of socks. (Additional clothes can be left in the Ogwen Valley and Nant Peris)
The link below takes you to an incredible informitive website, specific to the Welsh 14 peaks.
Food & drink
This isn't a typical hostel event. Since we will be setting off very early on the Saturday Morning, and won't make it to the end point until late on the Saturday evening, we won't be offering cooked meals. It may be a good idea, however, if we eat together on the Friday evening, and we will certainly need to make sure we make a good breakfast before we set off in the morning.
In order to make sure we have enough food and drink along the route, without having to carry it all, we will organise a couple of food and water drops along the route - see below for more details. This will be a tough walk, so it will be important to carry and to stash enough water and high energy snacks.
If we can leave at least one camping stove, or at least flasks of hot water, at each food drop, we can make sure we can get a cup of tea/soup, or even bacon rolls. We may be ver glad of this on the day!