How to run the Welsh 3,000s

Welsh 3,000s veteran Sarah Stirling walks (or runs) us through the ups and downs of taking on this epic feat, with top tips and insight from a panel of folk who have also risen to the challenge.

The Welsh 3,000s route

First things first, know your route! The Welsh 3,000s comprises a grand total of 15 mountains throughout Eryri, the Glyderau and Carneddau - that's around 3,100m of elevation gain and around 24 miles (38km) distance. Walks to the start point and down from the finish point can take the total distance up to 30 miles, depending on the route.

What peaks are in the Welsh 3,000s?

Below, you'll find a complete list of the summits and the order in which you would climb them following the classic route:

Eryri (Snowdon)

• Eryri (Snowdon): 3,559ft (1,085m)
• Garnedd Ugain: 3,494ft (1,065m)
• Crib Goch: 3,028ft (923m)

Glyderau

• Elidir Fawr: 3,031ft (924m)
• Y Garn: 3,106ft (947m)
• Glyder Fawr: 3,284ft (1,001m)
• Castell y Gwynt: 3,188ft (972m) — if included
• Glyder Fach: 3,261ft (994m)
• Tryfan: 3,011ft (918m)

Carneddau

• Pen yr Ole Wen: 3,208ft (978m)
• Carnedd Dafydd: 3,425ft (1,044m)
• Carnedd Llewelyn: 3,490ft (1,064 m)
• Yr Elen: 3,156ft (962m)
• Foel Grach: 3,202ft (976m)
• Carnedd Gwenllian: 3,038ft (926m) — if included
• Foel-fras: 3,090ft (942m)

How-to guide

The start line

The challenge starts from the summit of Eryri (Snowdon), so to maximise daylight some might sleep on the summit and drop bivvy gear off at the road at Nant Peris after doing the first section. You can also pick up previously stashed food and water here for a refuel on the move! Alternatively, get a good night's sleep and just get to the summit as early as you can.

Glyderau and Carneddau

The next handful of Glyder peaks leads to Llyn Ogwen, where you could have also stash food and water for a quick, picturesque pit stop. Then the final seven Carneddau summits lead to the finish point on Foel Fras's summit. From here you can drop down to Bwlch y Ddeufaen or above Abergwyngregyn.

Handy hacks for the Welsh 3,000s

It's not necessary, but it IS extremely helpful if you can persuade someone to be your support for the day: dropping you off at the start, cooking you a camping stove breakfast at Nant Peris in time for your arrival, perhaps, then bringing you lunch at Ogwen and finally picking you up at the end, ideally! If you don't have a willing minion, there are other options:

• Leave your car at the foot of Snowdon and get a taxi back to it later (about £50) or hitch.
• Park in Nant Peris and get a Sherpa bus up the hill. That means you can drop off bivvy gear securely at your car after doing the first few summits, and pick up water/food.
• Park at the Abergwyngregyn end-point and get a taxi to the start.

Tips from the experts

In assembling this how-to guide, I spoke to a handful of fellow Welsh 3,000s veterans and fell running aficionados to help you get the most out of the challenge with their insider tips and tricks.

The panel:

Sarah Ridgway set up Run Snowdonia over eight years ago:

"I've always been a runner – I can't remember not running. I am mostly drawn to the mountains, in particular exposed rocky ridges and classic routes that make good projects to work fast lines on."

Carwyn Phillips completed the 65-mile Paddy Buckley round of 47 Snowdonian summits in 22:45, the Bob Graham in 20:15 and the 72-mile Meirionydd Challenge in 23:31 – the record for the route:

"Most of these challenges rely a lot on others for support, and it's great to support others in their attempts. It's like one big happy family. Whatever I do, there's always tea and cake at the finish!"

Matt Cooper completed the Welsh 3,000s and now guides clients on the challenge:

“As an outdoor instructor I’m frequently in the countryside, giving me endless opportunities to grab a few hours running after work. Previously I have run the OMM, Welsh 3,000s and numerous fell races, which really appeal to my love for the mountains."

Food and drink

SR: Eat well the night before and have a good feed that morning, allowing two hours to digest before setting off. Don't stuff yourself though; you'll just feel sluggish and won't want to start getting the food in every 45mins from there-on as you should, risking letting your food 'go' and bonking.

CP: Yes, eating is key! Eat, then when you think you’ve eaten enough, eat some more! It's a long day for some, and you'll end up using a lot of calories. I'd suggest eating three times what you'd normally eat during the day.

MC: I agree, and the only thing I'd add is that relying on too much sugar will affect your performance and leave you feeling lethargic and shaky. Slow-releasing energy sources like nuts, fruit and brown bread provide a gradual release of energy throughout the day, ensuring your energy levels don’t crash. Also, it’s worth taking purification tablets in case you need to drink from streams.

How difficult is the Welsh 3,000s?

SR: If you've rested properly and haven't stuffed yourself like it's Christmas, then you'll want to set off like a bat out of hell. Instead, take it steady in the first hour then build in. Elidir Fawr will break you; just remember that, so you won't be surprised and feel like packing it all in halfway up its relentless grassy slope!

CP: Yes, and if going south to north (as most do), then Pen yr Olwen is the next and main toughie of the route! Steep, loose scree in places, and you can easily lose the path if you're not careful and in mist. The Carneddau is hard to navigate in thick mist!

MC: As well as testing weather, be prepared for tricky conditions underfoot! The Gyderau are notoriously rocky while the far reaches of the Carneddau can be boggy and water-logged – choose your footwear appropriately and get plenty of miles wearing them before the day!

Navigation

MC: Navigation is the most important part of the Welsh 3,000s and the reason behind many failed attempts! Plan your route carefully and ensure you evaluate throughout the day. Remember, getting lost on the Glyderau is not uncommon and could add hours onto your time!

SR: Yes, being slick at navigation is key! I'd suggest preparing your map in manageable sections annotated as you like with bearings and so on.

CP: Try to familiarise yourself with as much of the route as possible, too.

Strategy

MC: You can choose to run the Welsh 3,000s supported or unsupported. Supported is a popular option: somebody driving you to the start and collecting you at the end, and maybe also meeting you at points throughout the run with water and food when you need it! Un-supported is the purest method and involves carrying everything you need for the day. You can expect your pack to be much heavier but the reward is worth it at the end!

SR: Don't take too many photos. Give yourself a reward at each summit with a quick pic but keep it moving. Relish in the highs and feed on the glorious views during the lows. It's simply a classic route, showcasing the wonderful variety of terrain Snowdonia has on offer.

CP: Start slowly. Get up to the first top as early as possible, day-break preferably! Some bivvy at the top the night before but I never have, as this means you’ll be carrying extra kit, plus you won’t sleep well. And this book is the bible for any attempt:

And finally...

CP: I’ve completed this route twice, and had two failed attempts due to weather! Have a back up plan if you have to bail out! Think about how you would get back if you had to bail at Ogwen. And take a head torch, just in case!

MC: Also, don’t forget to take your key if you've left your car at the finish line, a taxi will cost you £50 each way and you won’t get any mobile signal at the finish (not that I did that of course… doh).