Welsh 3000s Challenge
Organise Your Welsh 3000s Challenge with Hatt Adventures
The Challenge
The aim of the challenge is to summit all 15 of Wales’ 3000m+ peaks in under 24 hours. The challenge involves 30 miles of walking throughout which there will be around 8000m of ascent and descent during the 24hr period including walking on tricky terrain in the darkness, and therefore is tough both physically and mentally. This is commonly regarded as the hardest hill-walking challenge in the UK and therefore is very well-regarded amongst the walking and mountaineering community- an attempt on this challenge will put you in good company!
Contrary to popular misconception, the Welsh 3000s Challenge can be undertaken whenever you wish! To limit local environmental damage and prevent disturbance for nearby residents, challengers spread out attempts throughout the year to prevent everybody racing around all at the same time and make the event a much calmer and more enjoyable (albeit not necessarily relaxing!) affair.
Personal fitness and preparation
While there are obviously factors you cannot control, such as the weather or the terrain, what you can control is how fit you are and the amount of preparation you have done for the challenge. The more preparation you have done, the more this will benefit you during the challenge as there will be aspects you will find less difficult than if you hadn’t trained for them. The best training for this sort of challenge is to take on training in a similar environment i.e. on tough, mountainous terrain or at least in hilly areas. An ideal training option for this sort of challenge is a Mountain Training Day whereby you will have a guide who will observe your performance on the day and give you personalised training and preparation advice for your upcoming challenge. This is especially a good idea for those wishing to take on the challenge who have little mountain or endurance event experience, to determine fitness levels and amount of training necessary before taking part.
This Mountain Training Day is also suitable for those undertaking the UK 3 Peaks Challenge- a similar but less difficult challenge to summit the highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales (Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Mount Snowdon respectively).
Taking on the Challenge
Some particularly experienced and energetic adventurers may wish to take on the challenge solo with just a support team; however it is recommended that you take part in a group with a guide to keep you on the right track and ensure you stay safe on the route. Being a very tough and strenuous challenge at times it is advisable to have support in the form of fellow challengers and qualified guides with a good knowledge of navigation and first aid should you need it, especially for those who may have little or no experience of mountaineering in these circumstances. The benefit of partaking in a group and being able to give each other confidence along the way is not to be underestimated as a lot of the strength that goes into completing a challenge like this is ‘all in the mind’ and therefore it can be a great help to rely on team spirit and encouragement.
Book Your Challenge
For more information on the challenge, how to book or to book a training day visit the Welsh 3000s page on Hatt Adventures or contact us via adventures@thehatt.co.uk or on 01273 358359.