Overview
Sea to Summit Snowdonia is a two-day North Wales challenge where cyclists and hikers set off together each morning and tackle their own extraordinary routes through the landscape before reuniting at the end of each day. Cyclists cover nearly 200 miles — looping Anglesey on day one and the Llŷn Peninsula on day two — while hikers cross ancient mountain and moorland routes before summiting Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Both challenges start at sea level and finish at Pen-y-Pass, at the foot of Snowdon — making this one of the most satisfying and varied adventure challenges in North Wales. Based in Llandudno with nights in Llanberis and Betws-y-Coed, the whole trip is fully supported by the More Adventure team.
Highlights
- Crossing the Menai Suspension Bridge and looping the entire coastline of Anglesey — 100 miles of spectacular island riding
- The wild, remote roads of the Llŷn Peninsula sweeping to Aberdaron before the dramatic climb to Pen-y-Pass
- The Cambrian Way and North Wales Pilgrims’ Route across mountains and moorland — a genuinely wild day’s hiking
- Summiting Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon — the highest point in Wales and England — on day two of the hike
- Cyclists and hikers finishing together at Pen-y-Pass — the most satisfying team photo in North Wales
Cyclists will be riding approximately 100 miles per day for two consecutive days, with over 6,000 feet of climbing each day. You must be a strong, experienced road cyclist who is comfortable spending 7–9 hours in the saddle and managing your own nutrition and pacing over very long days. This is a serious endurance challenge and requires dedicated preparation.
Hikers will be covering 27km on Day 2 and 15km on Day 3, with the second day involving 1,000 metres of ascent to the summit of Snowdon. You should be a fit, experienced hill walker who is comfortable on sustained mountain terrain for 5–10 hours.
For both disciplines, please do not underestimate the demands of this challenge. A dedicated training programme is strongly recommended. Please contact us at info@moreadventure.co.uk if you would like training advice.
A link to our trip grades that explains in depth our star rating is here: www.moreadventure.co.uk/cycling-grades
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Llandudno
Arrive in Llandudno this evening for a group briefing, dinner and kit check with the More Adventure team. Tomorrow the challenge begins — get an early night and come ready.
Day 2: Llanfairfechan to Llanberis
Cyclists: 100 miles / 161km | 6,550ft / 1,997m ascent
Hikers: 27km / 17 miles | 750m / 2,460ft ascent | 9–10 hours
Coach transfer to Llanfairfechan, team photos, and both groups set off on their respective challenges. Cyclists head to Bangor, cross the iconic Menai Suspension Bridge and loop the entire coastline of Anglesey — 100 miles of spectacular coastal riding — before returning to the mainland and finishing in Llanberis. Hikers follow the ancient Cambrian Way and North Wales Pilgrims’ Route southwest through Bethesda and up onto the Snowdonia Slate Trail to Llanberis — a gruelling 27km across mountains and moorland that will test every step. Both groups overnight in Llanberis.
Day 3: Llanberis to Pen-y-Pass
Cyclists: 99 miles / 159km | 6,150ft / 1,875m ascent
Hikers: 15km / 9 miles | 1,000m / 3,280ft ascent | 5–7 hours
Cyclists head back to Caernarfon and south along the breathtaking Llŷn Peninsula to Aberdaron at the very tip, before swinging east and making the dramatic final mountain climb to Pen-y-Pass. Hikers set off from Llanberis and climb Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) via the Llanberis Path, summit the highest mountain in Wales and England at 1,085 metres, then descend via the Miners’ Path to Pen-y-Pass. Both groups finish together at Pen-y-Pass for team photos and celebrations before coach transfer to Betws-y-Coed.
Day 4: Betws-y-Coed — departure
Breakfast in the beautiful village of Betws-y-Coed and then it’s time to head home. Coach transfer to Llandudno Junction for onward travel. The challenge ends here — but the memories last considerably longer.
Map
Includes
- Professional cycle leader and mountain leader/guide throughout
- Support driver & vehicle for cyclists
- Coach transfers between all locations
- 3 x nights hotel accommodation (min 3*)*
- 3 x breakfasts
- All luggage transported between hotels
- GPX files of both routes (if requested)
- Joining instructions and kit lists for both cycling and hiking
- Bespoke webpage for information and booking
- Risk assessments and event insurance
Not Included
- Bicycle and helmet (for cyclists)
- Getting to Llandudno and home from Llandudno Junction
- Lunches
- Evening meals, drinks and personal snacks
- Personal travel insurance
FAQs
Can I choose to both cycle and hike?
Yes. The challenge is structured so that participants choose one discipline on each day and we’ll need to know who is doing which in advance of the event.
How fit do I need to be to cycle?
You'll be riding approximately 100 miles per day for two consecutive days with over 6,000 feet of climbing each day. Ideally you should be a strong, experienced road cyclist comfortable spending 7–9 hours in the saddle. This is a serious endurance challenge that requires a dedicated training programme in advance. If you're in any doubt, please contact us before booking.
How fit do I need to be to hike?
The hiking challenge is a serious undertaking for people with a good level of fitness and good endurance. Day 2 covers 27km across mountain and moorland terrain in 9–10 hours, while Day 3 climbs 1,000 metres to the summit of Snowdon. You should also be comfortable in all weather conditions.
What happens if the weather is bad on Snowdon summit day?
Your Mountain Leader will monitor conditions throughout and make all safety decisions on the day. In the event of severe weather that makes the summit unsafe, the route may be modified. Your safety is always our absolute priority.
Where does the challenge start and how do I get there?
The challenge starts in Llandudno on Day 1. Llandudno Junction has regular train services from London Euston, Manchester and Birmingham. We coach transfer the group to Llanfairfechan for the challenge start on Day 2.
Where does the challenge end?
Both groups finish at Pen-y-Pass on Day 3, after which the whole group transfers by coach to Betws-y-Coed for the final overnight. The trip officially ends after breakfast in Betws-y-Coed on Day 4 with a coach transfer to Llandudno Junction.
Is this suitable as a charity fundraising challenge?
Absolutely — Sea to Summit Snowdonia is an excellent format for corporate or charity fundraising teams. Please contact us at info@moreadventure.co.uk to discuss group bookings and charity event options.