Welsh 3000 Challenge (14 Peaks)
Next event 19-20th July 2025
Welsh 3000 Challenge, 14 Peaks – The best mountain running / walking challenge in the UK.
The Welsh 3000 Challenge (14 Peaks) climbs all the 3000ft peaks in Snowdonia in a continuous journey. Highlights along the way include summiting Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales and England. The knife edged ridge traverse of Crib Goch*, scrambling over the incredible Glyders and Tryfan before taking on the stunning and remote Carneddau range.
Our next open events are on:
- Saturday 19 July 2025 (20hr challenge) £245
- Saturday 19 July 2025 – Sunday 20 July 2025 (2 day challenge) £299
- Paddy Buckley Round 22-24 July 2025 (3 days) £540
- Other dates available for groups, please ask.
- For booking enquiries, please contact info@climbsouthwest.com
We have been guiding the Welsh 3000 challenge regularly for over 20 years, with a range of client groups from large charity events over three days, through to groups of fit runners, aiming to complete all peaks within 12 hours. The record, (from 1st to last peak) stands at an almost unbelievable time of 4hrs 10 minutes. This doesn’t however, include the time taken to climb the first peak nor descend the last. Most people will aim to complete this challenge over 2-3 days. We offer the Welsh 3000s as a 20hr guided challenge or spread over 2/3 days.
So what’s involved?
Total distance is about 50km with a height gain close to 4000m, the Welsh 3000s completed inside 24hrs is brutally tough, but a fantastic challenge. To complete the challenge over 2 days is still very difficult. Not one to be underestimated but achievable by anyone with a good level of fitness. There are however, some sections of exposed scrambling. The most famous being Crib Goch. Previous hill walking experience would be highly recommended.
You’ll climb all 14 peaks officially recognised as being over 3000ft but we may also include some others that fall directly alongside our intended route. You are welcome to join us as an individual, part of a group, or representing a charity of your choice.
We will have two pace options:
Run: Join us for a guided run over this beautiful mountain range. It isn’t a race but we will move at a steady jog on the easy sections and walk the rest. There will be plenty of time to learn a few navigational skills or sharpen up existing ones. This would perfect preparation for anyone thinking about entering the V3K, Welsh 1000m or Dragon’s Back races in the future.
Walk: We will take it steady, with a focus on completing the whole journey inside 20hrs (or 2 days). Navigation will be covered by our guides. If you want to develop your own skills in this area then we will be happy to share our expertise with you during the day. We also offer navigation workshops throughout the year, please ask.
What’s included?
- Low ratio guiding and supervision by our highly experienced and qualified leaders. We are fully insured to deliver this type of event.
- Refuelling opportunities and support along the way. Food and drinks in 3 key locations.
Crib y Ddysgl 1065 m
Crib Goch 923 m
Elidir Fawr 923 m
Y Garn 947 m
Glyder Fawr 1000 m
Castell y Gwynt 972 m*
Glyder Fach 994 m
Tryfan 915 m
Pen yr Ole Wen 978 m
Carnedd Dafydd 1044 m
Yr Elen 962 m
Carnedd Llewelyn 1064 m
Foel Grach 976 m
Garnedd Uchaf (Carnedd Gwenllian) 926 m*
Foel-fras 942 m
It is an incredibly tough challenge to complete in a single day and not much easier to complete in a weekend. However, we believe that we have the best team and support in place, giving our participants an excellent chance of success.
Safety is our number one consideration, so we work on a very low staff to participant ratio. We only use qualified Mountain Leaders and Mountaineering Instructors for this event. All have extensive experience in Snowdonia and know the route well. Our run leaders are also experienced Ultramarathon runners. *The Crib Goch ridge will only be undertaken in good weather. This section can also be avoided by anyone who wishes to do so. You’ll be able to meet your group at the other end.
During the event, you can expect:
• Food and drink at our road crossing checkpoints.
• Different pace options.
• Transport back to the start.
• A truly memorable day or weekend.
If our dates don’t suit you or maybe you’d like to try it over 3 days, please get in touch.
This will be a tough day (or weekend) but one to remember for ever!
Places are limited for this event, due to the nature of the terrain and supervision required. For further information, or if booking for more than 6 people, please contact info@climbsouthwest.com.
Welsh 3000s Information Pack 2024
Crib Goch
Adam and Eve, Tryfan summit
Cantilever on Glyder Fach
Approaching the summit of Crib Goch
Tryfan and the Glyders from Pen yr Ole Wen