Welsh 3000s facts for kids

The Welsh 3000s are a group of 15 mountains in Wales. Each of these mountains is taller than 3,000 feet (about 914 meters). They are found in three different mountain areas. These mountains are close enough together that people can try to climb all 15 tops in just 24 hours. This exciting adventure is called the Welsh 3000s challenge. All 15 peaks are also known as "Furths" by the Scottish Mountaineering Club. This means they are like the famous "Munros" in Scotland, but they are located outside Scotland.

About the Welsh 3000s Challenge

The Welsh 3000s challenge is a tough but rewarding journey. The main part of the challenge, from the first mountain top to the last, is about 26 miles (42 kilometers) long. If you add the walks to and from your starting point, the total distance can be around 30 miles (48 kilometers). Most people walk this challenge, and many finish it much faster than 24 hours.

Challenge Records

People have set amazing records for completing the Welsh 3000s. The fastest time ever recorded, from the first peak to the last, is 4 hours, 10 minutes, and 48 seconds. This incredible feat was achieved by Finlay Wild in 2019. For women, the record was set by Angela Carson on August 5, 1989, with a time of 5 hours, 28 minutes, and 21 seconds. Some super-athletes have even done the challenge multiple times in a row!

The "14 Peaks" Option

Sometimes, the challenge is called "The 14 Peaks" instead of 15. This is because one mountain, Carnedd Gwenllian, is not always included. It is a small bump on a ridge rather than a completely separate mountain peak. Many people still choose to climb it during their journey. There is also an option to include a sixteenth top, Castell y Gwynt, which is now considered a "Nuttall" hill.

Tracking Your Achievement

The Snowdonia Society keeps a public list of people who have completed the 14 peaks in one trip. It is a great way to celebrate your achievement!

How to Do the Challenge

The main rule of the Welsh 3000s Challenge is to stand on top of all 3,000-foot peaks within 24 hours. You cannot use any kind of transport between the mountains. You can choose any path and climb the mountains in any order you like. However, if you want to try and beat the speed record, you must start on Snowdon.

Starting Your Adventure

Many walkers and runners prefer a different route. They often start by climbing Crib Goch, then Garnedd Ugain, before reaching the top of Snowdon. Some people even climb Snowdon the night before and sleep on the summit to get an early start. Others use the Mountain Railway to go up Snowdon. If you want to climb all the mountains properly, rather than just reaching the tops, the Crib Goch route starting at Pen-y-pass is a popular choice.

The Carneddau mountain range seen from Elidir Fach, in the Glyderau range.

List of the Welsh 3000s Peaks

Here is a list of the 15 mountains that make up the Welsh 3000s challenge: