Trip Suitability
You need to have a good level of basic fitness and some experience of walking with a rucksack in hiking boots or sturdy walking/running shoes. You will be walking through mountainous environments on uneven and steep terrain that will be challenging at times. This is a group trip and we aim for participants to enjoy it as much as possible, for that reason we recommend you undertake some challenge-specific training before the challenge, details of which will be included in the Joining Instructions.
Anything cardiovascular will help (walking, cycling, swimming, running, gym), but we also recommend you have practice tackling some hills whilst wearing the boots and rucksack you’ll be using on the mountain. Importantly you need to do some longer (2+ hour) walks so you will know what is required. We cannot control the weather so don’t forget to bring your sense of humour on the hill! The more you train, the more you’ll enjoy this incredible hiking challenge!
For a more detailed training plan, please get in touch.
Itinerary
We meet at Ogwen Cottage in the beautiful Ogwen Valley. Here you’ll meet the rest of the group and your leaders. There is parking and toilets available at Ogwen Cottage, you’ll also be able to place a bag with extra snacks, clothing and drinks in our support vehicle for our planned refreshment stop. After a safety brief, overview of the day and kit check, you’ll embark upon your first peak, Y Garn (The Horn, 947m) in the Glyders range of Snowdonia. From the summit of Y Garn you’ll descend to Llyn y Cwn above Devil’s Kitchen before ascending to your second peak, Glyder Fawr (Great Glyder, 1001m). It’s then a relatively undemanding hop from here to our third peak, Glyder Fach (Little Glyder, 994m).
From the summit we descend the east ridge of Glyder Fach then down Cwm Tryfan to Gwern Gof Uchaf for a well-deserved rest stop and refreshments. Depending on the weather and the speed and abilities of the group, we may also have time to take in Tryfan before descending to the valley floor.
Our next peak lies in the second mountain range of the day, the Carneddau. The translation of Carneddau means ‘cairns’, the piles of stones that have been used to navigate the wilds of the mountains for centuries. Despite being so close, the Carneddau have a very different appearance to the Glyders, with more rounded peaks and a far less jagged landscape. We begin our ascent at the eastern shores of Llyn (Lake) Ogwen, following Afon Lloer onto the shoulder of our fourth peak, Pen yr Ole Wen (Head of the White Slope, 978m). On a clear day it’s possible to see the colourful houses of Beaumaris, Holyhead Mountain and the fabulous coastline of Anglesey. Once we’ve reached this summit, we’ve completed much of the ascent for the day which hopefully will make the latter part of the day a little easier.
It’s a pleasant stroll around the head of the Lloer valley to our next peak, Carnedd Dafydd (David’s Cairn, 1044m). We continue northeast along the wide ridge to the highest peak in the Carneddau range, Carnedd Llewelyn (Llewelyn’s Cairn, 1064m). The peak was named after Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the last native Prince of Wales. From the summit of Carnedd Llewellyn it is possible to see the remaining peaks in the distance ahead.
Our next peak is Foel Grach (976m) then Carnedd Gwenllian (Gwenllian’s Cairn, 926m). Until 2009 this peak was named Garnedd Uchaf until a campaign by the Princess Gwenllian Society succeeded in having the peak renamed in honour of Gwenllian of Wales, the only daughter of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd. We’re nearly there! Foel Fras (Broad Hill, 942m) is the penultimate peak from which a well-worn track leads up to our final summit, Drum (Ridge, 770m). From the rocky shelter on the summit of Drum it’s possible to see the magnificent peninsula of the Great Orme at Llandudno, Puffin Island off the eastern shores of Anglesey and all the way back to Snowdon, the Glyders and beyond – it’s a spectacular final peak!
It’s a gentle stroll back from the top down a wide track where our support vehicle will be waiting. Congratulations, you’ve completed the Welsh 10 Peak Challenge! Here you’ll be transferred back around to Ogwen Cottage for your return journey home and here the trip ends – what an adventure!
Our route
This itinerary is a guide only and can sometimes be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, including adverse weather. Whilst we endeavour to uphold the proposed timings, this cannot be guaranteed and an alternative route may be required.
FAQs
Can we extend our stay for more mountain experiences?
Absolutely! There are countless adventures to be had in this incredible region of the world. Let us know how long you have and we'll help in any way we can!
Can you recommend accommodation?
Yes. We work closely with a number of different accommodation providers in the area and can assist you booking somewhere.
I have a small group of people interested, can we have a private event?
Yes, please email us to find out more about our private events.
Is this challenge possible in winter?
Yes but it will mean some walking in the dark and a very good level of fitness. You may also need more specialist equipment but we can advise on where to hire this locally.
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