I tried to climb Snowdon barefoot | Crib Goch route

I had walked up Snowdon barefoot once before, except it in was November and I was not barefoot as frequently as I am these days. That meant my feet and legs were exhausted and my feet were numb from the cold. I suffered through it rather than enjoying the experience.
Now I am barefoot most of the time and wear barefoot shoes the rest of the time. My feet feel the strongest they ever have done and I wanted to see if they would carry me comfortably up a mountain.
The plan changed throughout the day as I initially planned to ascend via the Pyg track, but later changed my mind to stick with my friends and scramble the Crib Goch ridgeline with no shoes on.
Right at the end we found a little hidden gem on our descent of the mountain, so I shared the location of that cool spot too.
If you’re interested in the barefoot lifestyle, then I hope I have given you some confidence to try it. I would just like to point out that if you have worn regular, restrictive shoes for your entire life then you should start small. The initial transition to barefoot full-time was quite intense on my body at times.
Follow my Instagram for my best adventure pics: / el.ventures.uk
and follow my Tiktok which is mostly outdoorsy nonsense: / el.ventures.uk

[@sodahead0]

If you can climb Crib Goch, you should try to do the Welsh 300 challenge barefoot. One woman tried to do that for charity, but she only did 11/15. Her name is Emma Kate Woodhall .You could also try to run 100 marathons barefooted within the span of however many months across Britain. That has been attempted before, she only made it to 90(Anna Mcnuff). If you plan on embarking on any one of these challenges, you should document the whole journey in a vlog series. From cardiovascular conditioning and preparing your feet for the challenge

[@elventuresuk]

I follow Emma on tiktok! She's a brilliant woman, she did the three peaks with a kitchen sink on her back too! I am not a runner AT ALL so I think I'm going going start a barefoot running project and I'll document it all as you said. I'll take it in stages to see where I can take these challenges without killing myself off!

[@elventuresuk]

I thought I would let you know that I got in touch with her. We are planning to attempt to Welsh 3000s together in spring! Watch this space ✌

[@sodahead0]

@@elventuresuk Wow that's great! Make sure to document the preparation and hopefully the weather will be good for the two of you!

[@barfuss2007]

to be able to run barefoot for long distances it needs training before... so if you want to start a barefooters life, don´t begin with marathons.

[@barfuss2007]

@@elventuresuk be careful running barefoot, I got for one year Achilles tendon problems even running on grass in summer...

[@electricmastro]

9:25 Some might not think much of it, but I think it's a privilege to see the soles of a strong determined lady not afraid to wear down her feet while climbing up a rocky jagged mountain at the risk of painful hurting. Congrats on making it as far as you did and good luck on future climbs, but hope that you and your feet stay well though!

[@AnonymousAnonymous-fh5wx]

Thanks for more feet sole screen time

[@themissinfowar6629]

0:44 5:16 🦶🦶 🪶Ԅ(≖‿≖ ;├┬┴┬

[@chuggggggy]

WOW your soles looked smooth at the end and really not dirty. I guess it's a good trail to go barefoot, nice to see that. Very unlike the streets, a forest, a jungle, a site work, etc. lol

[@christophlanganki7507]

As a barefooter myself, I applaud you for managing such a challenge! The only thing I can do to toughen my soles up, is to walk on gravel, whenever I go out for a walk.

[@GhostRider-xt7vp]

This was a nice video! The climb was tricky and dangerous of course, but you and your friends managed to eventually succeed! Great job to all of you! :)

[@wolfmaan]

Fantastic Job! Toughening your feet is a labour of love. Keep up the good work!

[@mikebidgood1787]

Just read your article on a FB page. Way to go!!!! I too have switched to barefooting for health reasons. It's such a better way to live!!!! Happy trails!!!!!

[@chrishiking8818]

Another great video, beautiful area been a few times. Take care

[@robertglas5854]

Amazingly well done!!

[@gwynparry88]

Great!! Good video 👍

[@SereglothIV]

I walk barefoot a lot during summer but it's mostly during walks with my dog in a forest or in a city. Last year I climbed my first mountain barefoot and my friends thought it was crazy, but I managed tomake it all the way up and back down :P I like walking barefoot and crossing new limits I every year (both physical and social).

[@elventuresuk]

Amazing well done! I know how hard it is to get to the to pet alone back to the bottom 😂 I hope to do much more next year

[@g_dio9934]

Congratulations on your barefoot climbing. That was no easy deal at all! Vivobarefoot fan btw as well!

[@elventuresuk]

Thanks, I love Vivo barefoot! They're my dream future sponsor

[@g_dio9934]

@@elventuresuk Agree 100%. Modern shoes completely destroy the foot structure. Must be avoided as often as possible. At home, socks must also be avoided because they cause odor and fungi. Minimalist shoes is the best solution when you are in the city. I believe that modern shoes will be a vast problem for western people in the next years and will cause increasingly more health problems. We must learn to skip shoes and socks as often as we can.

[@TraintoSummit]

I came and subbed after your hilarious post on Reddit 😂 We do a similar type of content. I also did Crib Goch last year, amazing route. Keep up the good work!

[@elventuresuk]

Hahaaaa I'm glad you found it as funny as me 😂 followed back, looking forward to seeing what you put out there!

[@martinfelsenfeld6012]

@@elventuresuk I could come to your house--with my girlfriend Carolyn--and almost never leave until you need to (lol)!

[@Theorangeman.]

Absolutely addicted to your vids an feel weirdly proud you did this bare foot. Go you. You inspire me with your videos

[@elventuresuk]

That's so kind of you thanks for the support! Embarrassed that you've seen my earliest videos, it's a huge learning curve so the video skills don't get better as you go back in time 😂 if there's even some specific content you want to see from me then definitely let me know so I can see what I can do! Big love mate this comment made my day

[@Theorangeman.]

@@elventuresuk your skills are in how you perform not how u film. I think all your vids are great. Hopefully see you around on our travels. Stay safe 🤝

[@elventuresuk]

That's really kind thank you!! More to come

[@Theorangeman.]

@@elventuresuk thats good, actually fractured my ankle on kinder scout so now trying to complete youtube 😊

[@jonathanmay8431]

Great video, well done!

[@uncipaws7643]

This looks like a very challenging trip. Both with sharp rocks and steep slopes. Congratulations on making it, I guess it's not the easy barefoot enjoyment hike ...

[@elventuresuk]

Thanks, it wasn't a very relaxing summit! Really fun day though

[@Zzsmuf]

You brave Girl.

[@Dinu-1959]

I don't know the feeling of walking in nature with shoes on. In all my life until now, I have only walked barefoot: 🦶🏼🦶🏼 (my best shoes) ! - I wish you all the best, with strong health and happiness, in quiet and peace 🕊 ! Sincerely, Dinu, 63, barefoot hiker from Romania.

[@elventuresuk]

Dinu that's awesome! I hope to be more like you

[@Dinu-1959]

Dear @@elventuresuk, a day in which I did not walk barefoot is a lost day. Of course, not only in the house, but outside, in the open air.

[@pauledwards499]

Hats off to you, you're one brave girl! I did Crib Gogh two years ago and sh*t my pants for most of it, massive adrenaline rush on the final stretch though, oh and I was wearing boots 🤣

[@elventuresuk]

Thank you! Crib goch is definitely not to be taken lightly

[@elventuresuk]

Haha yes it's not for the faint hearted 😂

[@Purgeeyyy]

I've been thinking of doing this for a couple of years. I tend to go barefoot a fair bit myself and hate shoes with a passion. The only thing stopping me is living in the UK, everyone has to make it their buisness and tell you its "dangerous or dirty". Spend more time explaining than actually walking I feel. Nice to see it attempted by someone else though. Congrats

[@sidneymartin1947]

Look up videos by Barefoot Ice Princess. She is from the U K, also. Not only does challenging hikes but has a trip to London and Windsor filmed, all barefoot.

[@jeremymoon1]

Wow this crib Goch looks really great place to climb all the way up to the top it looks so realistic awesome video by the way I like it

[@elventuresuk]

Thanks

[@jeremymoon1]

@@elventuresuk sure and Emma too

[@dozzio]

Well done 👍

[@matereny]

Your soles look beautiful😙

[@CloroxDisinfectingBleach]

Very cool video, I'd like to see more of this type of videos

[@elventuresuk]

Plenty more to come in the future

[@bazhughes5625]

Gave up my job 8 weeks ago and gone barefoot ever since! Managed Snowdons Miners Track barefoot 6 weeks in, what an experience! Your feet are way tougher than you think.

[@elventuresuk]

Good job! Barefoot I have done the Pyg track in November, and Crib Goch now twice in summer conditions. Love it

[@haroldlieberman3314]

Steeo cliffs on both sides. You are very brave.

[@natalieminnis]

I've done that route so I can see what a challenge this was! Have you heard of Gwen Moffat, the climber (now in her 90s) who used to do barefoot rock climbs? A friend of mine tried a short barefoot rock climb and said it was agony. Very inspiring though. Maybe I'll try wearing "barefoot shoes" on the hills.

[@elventuresuk]

Thanks for your awesome comment! I've never heard of her, will definitely be researching now! I'd like to get into barefoot rock climbing too 😁 I highly recommend slowly converting to barefoot shoes. Do you own any already?

[@KramAdventures]

My pal done it also! Well done !

[@paulfoulds1803]

Awesome video. I think it is wonderful that you and your friend did the hike barefoot. Some people will think it is crazy to go barefoot outside, but it is healthier for your feet to be bare than wear shoes. Do you go barefoot generally and if so how much time do go barefoot? I am barefooted person myself and enjoy the freedom of not having anything on my feet. It feels so nice.

[@elventuresuk]

Thanks so much! I hope to make a lot more content with similar themes:) I am always barefoot at home and when I slackline but I wear minimalist shoes normally when I leave the house. Thinking about it this is mostly due to social expectation!

[@jka2107]

@@elventuresuk You have already climbed a mountain barefoot. Your next challenge could be challenging social expectations? Trying to go somewhere barefoot and not being afraid of what people may think?

[@matereny]

Thanks for this beautiful video, it is very impressive, I think you are the best barefooter I saw , beautiful landscapes and so capable and beautiful soles you got😗👣👍👌

[@DerDude1977]

Really great achievement and nice feet nearly flawless after where and how you were climbing there! How is that possible? I have nothing against rough or calloused natural soles, they even attract me very much sometimes. But from a pure climbing and walking point of view: How do you achieve it that your soles look so flawless after this tour? Much respect. The tour was crazy. Thank god that nothing bad happened to you! Didn't it hurt very much? You didn't even had a scratch. How is that possible? Best wishes and take care when you do such tours please.

[@elventuresuk]

Hi! I care for my foot skin with salt baths, pumice stone and moisturiser to stop them getting too calloused etc. That being said the skin is thick and strong from the hiking I've done over time! I find that I am more likely to have scratched up feet walking in the city because of small pieces of glass or metal. Rock doesn't tend to destroy my feet as badly, nothing sharp to scratch me!

[@DerDude1977]

@@elventuresuk That's interesting to me. And the skin gets thick enough although it looks quite soft to me? You won't won't get hurt on such tours? Never thought of that aspect that rock doesn't harm as much as glass or metal pieces but that's plausible. Also in nature the underground often changes with grassland, forest and so on. Just natural. When I was younger I didn't get callouses by walking barefoot but as I get older I do and it getting harder to at least partly get rid of them (- I find a little bit natural and okay, but not to much as it also will cause problems sooner or later in my experience.). I think it is because of the skin is getting older. I am drinking enough water and are consuming enough minerals and vitamins. I think it is just a natural thing. Don't like people who do too much "caring" and smell only like parfume or cremes. Best wishes

[@WhenWillILearn]

Yes! Love to see it done barefoot!

[@elventuresuk]

Thanks! Now I just need to figure out what to challenge myself with next 😅

[@WhenWillILearn]

@@elventuresuk Half Marathon 😅

[@barfuss2007]

I also walk barefoot on rocks and have the same problems like you. If I took a easier route for barefoot walking there is always a fence waiting for me... By the way: upwards is better than downwards. You have beautifuly healthy feet by the way 🙂

[@mattroberts6484]

I walked down Sugar Loaf Mountain back to the car park barefoot in June this year.

[@JakubKnop-ml8fs]

2020 snowdon was my first mountain hiked barefoot. Now 3 years later i made everest basecamp from phaplu

[@TentoesMe]

I do not think I would want to do that with shoes, but I would need to work up to that. They just "improved" a couple trails around here by covering them with small, sharp gravel.

[@martinfelsenfeld6012]

That was pretty good, El--but I'm sure you obviously had to focus on walking (with or without shoes) and avoiding a fatal accident, of course! You can do more barefoot challenges, but I hope it's not on high elevation (lol!)

[@elventuresuk]

Haha the hardest safety thing about this was filming! I had to tuck the gopro into my shirt to get the pov shots 😂 definitely more barefoot challenges to come though, if you have any ideas I need to hear them!

[@mkhbtown]

@@elventuresuk I would suggest doing a barefoot in the city challenge. You could ask people for donations and give the money to children in 3rd World countries who can't afford shoes. I would suggest going at least one day without shoes. Possibly longer if you are comfortable. Another idea would be to keep track of how many miles you can walk or run barefoot without resting your feet.

[@AbrasiousProductions]

Your feet are so majestic💕

[@jeremymoon1]

Nice feet ma'am I like your video of climbing on trail it looks really good

[@elventuresuk]

Thank you sir ✌

[@cgalvez80]

Soles ❤️

[@deadbydawn745]

Which Vivos are you wearing? I like how they look. Do you go barefoot only in nature or also when you're in an urban environment? Judging by the broadness of your feet, you must be very experienced in barefoot walking.

[@elventuresuk]

They're the Primus Trail III SG, I adore them! My favourite barefoot shoe by a long way. I am still experimenting with barefooting but I am going barefoot less often in urban environments (I keep getting mystery metal splinters) but I aim to go barefoot whenever it feels sensible

[@BiggyJimbo]

Absolutely fantastic. I've walked around the Watkin Waterfalls barefoot many times, and have often wondered if I could continue up to the summit without shoes. I know it sounds strange, but I've also fantasized about doing a walk completely naked haha! I would be concerned going up Crib Goch due to the risk of ankle rolling and sharp rocks piercing the skin (possible cause of infection). Does this worry you at all, or are you confident that your feet can take it?

[@elventuresuk]

Thanks! I also think about naked hiking! I have hiked topless but never nude. Maybe one day 😂 Crib Goch is difficult and dangerous, but I spend an awful lot of time barefoot. I also summitted via Pyg track some years earlier, so I was very confident in my ability. I think ankle rolling is much less of a concern when barefoot vs in shoes because you have no sole to roll over! Piercing skin is the main concern but i have rhino skin on my soles now hahah. I hole to make a video soon talking about my barefoot philosophy so maybe sub if you're interested in that :)

[@BiggyJimbo]

@@elventuresuk Good to hear I'm not alone in that fantasy haha! I would love to hear more about your barefoot philosophy. I have been interested in it for years now. A few years ago I bought a pair of Vibram Fivefingers for running and the gym, and gradually I started wearing them everywhere as I find them so comfortable. You have a new subscriber!

[@elventuresuk]

@@BiggyJimbo that's awesome! I always preferred barefoot but only in recent years have I really understood the why :) vibram fivefingers are cool, I use them for slacklining in winter. I mostly wear vivobarefoor

[@dolphincliffs8864]

Barefoot is one thing but nude and mountain weather is another. I would give it a go just not in Colorado,I know better. Even the Appalachians are cold in summer.

[@BiggyJimbo]

@@dolphincliffs8864 Oh trust me, I'm aware of the dangers haha! Here in North Wales, the weather can be very changeable. However, the mountains here are nowhere near as tall as in Colorado (Snowdon is 1,085m). You'd be fine to go up naked on a mild summer's day, but you'd definitely get looks from passers-by

[@GoodBlokeOutdoors]

Cool as fuck, fair play.

[@baggybooo]

Nice barefooter!

[@elventuresuk]

Thank you 😁

[@baggybooo]

@@elventuresuk you're welcome! 😍🙏

[@martinfelsenfeld6012]

@@elventuresuk I've already proclaimed next year (2023) as the year of the barefoot contessa, El, and you can be one of them! But rock climbing is just not for me and in normal procedure I know why--could unfortunately say goodbye world (lol)!

[@baggybooo]

@@vardabiop4868 👍👍👍

[@frankhayes1135]

There is a very good reason why people over 50,000 years ago decided to put coverings on their feet.

[@elventuresuk]

I would argue that many modern shoes are a lot more harmful than the foot covering they wore back then! I normally wear barefoot shoes :) just a challenge to try and shoe people they don't need to be scared of wearing their own feet

[@elventuresuk]

I might also add that the first shoes are a lot more recent than you think!

[@gabagobo1]

Continue barefoot clip!

[@elventuresuk]

I'm very passionate about my barefoot lifestyle so it's here to stay

[@IanGuy-tf1sx]

❤👣🥰

[@marckorfmann181]

🥰

[@josiahpurtee1156]

I bet you can feel the earth with your feet while being connected to Mother Nature.

[@TheFirstRaven]

That rocky section looks so dangerous

[@elventuresuk]

Its not dangerous if you pay attention and have steady feet!

[@bluewillsonic]

Love bare feet 👣 Well Done 9:23

[@davidz3879]

How can Crib Goch be a grade 1? That means occasional use of hands & no exposure. Scrambling Crib Goch requires frequent use of hands during the initial ascent & when climbing the pinnacles. It has hundreds of feet of exposure on both sides. It easily fits the grade 2 criteria.

[@elventuresuk]

We should start a petition to get it upgraded. Make my ascent seem a little more badass 🤣

[@Roblox_with_little_sister]

Hi Els . I'm Xenia thank jou for the letter 💮♥️🗻❤️Sorry for many mistakes ,I DON'T KNOW MUCH ENGLISH

[@elventuresuk]

Your English is very good. You are welcome, I am excited to see you again!!

[@snickerlion1643]

♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@brigitteoberer9211]

Didnt that hurt on very rocky parts of the path?

[@elventuresuk]

It did! There were certain areas that were unavoidable and coved in reall sharp pointy rocks. They were the worst. Gravel can also be pretty brutal on the soles. But a lot of rock is really ok to walk on, smooth and cool :)

[@brigitteoberer9211]

@@elventuresukThank you for answering! I could never endure that ... Would you have been able to walk back also barefooted or was it absolutely necessary that you pulled on your shoes for walking down? Dont know how your soles felt ....

[@mountainmantararua8824]

Just thinking out loud, but have you given much thought to what would follow on from you rolling your ankle ? The burden put upon your fellow walkers ? them, having to assist you out (or carry you out). I understand the nature of your challenge and wish you well, but there has to be some level of responsibility here. Having been in the mountains for many years as a guide and instructor I have seen many people take up the same challenge and injure themselves. In the pacific islands and here in NZ many, many people walk bare footed, and their feet begin to spread and then it becomes difficult to put on shoes and a wider fitting is needed. Just saying. 😊😊All the best in your endeavours. Cheers from the mountains of NZ

[@elventuresuk]

Thanks for the comment :) I absolutely considered the risks and consequences. I have spent a lot of time barefoot (so I know exactly what you mean about shoes getting too wide to fit!) And wearing minimalist or barefoot shoes. I actually see barefoot as an equally safe option, I think it's a shame that people don't have trust in their own feet anymore. You are infinitely more likely to roll an ankle in shoes than barefoot, because your ankle rolls over the sole of your shoe. With no sole, I have nowhere to roll. I'll make a video soon explaining my philosophy on it :) I appreciate the discussion you raise

[@alexanderforbes8553]

How can you endure all those sharp stones?

[@elventuresuk]

Practise, determination, and a ladylike pain tolerance

[@dunndunn772]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@19citron]

So loveley. Can you walk barefoot in cold weather?

[@elventuresuk]

The cold is my nemesis! I wear minimalist shoes for most of winter

[@19citron]

@@elventuresuk Will you walk barefoot to Snowdon on snow?

[@superH3108]

You have strong and healthy looking soles,typical seasoned barefooter type. It was treat to watch the effortless way you hiked barefooted. I would like to suggest you to set out without any footwear next time(not yo carry or wear anything on your feet )

[@Zzsmuf]

Hope they are not too sore.

[@elventuresuk]

They recover fast from a big stomp like this

[@ArmanZaidi]

NewTubers

[@chrissant6277]

Yup lmaooo

[@elventuresuk]

I see u

[@youtubeaccount3402]

I hope you don't mind me saying you have beautiful feet. Especially considering you barefoot mountains lol

[@DenyWTF]

El ,What is your shoe size?

[@elventuresuk]

Care to take a guess?

[@DenyWTF]

@@elventuresuk No, i just asking. 39, right?

[@elventuresuk]

@@DenyWTF very good guess

[@olkm4035]

😋😋👍

[@grow-evolve]

Inspired me to buy some barefoot trail shoes rather than standard hiking boots or trail running shoes for it, doing Crib Goch 22nd July 2023 with some friends. I think the people making the comments against barefoot don’t understand the barefoot philosophy and benefits to the strengths of your feet and legs and increased balance and simply think you are just a girl doing a crazy experiment with no shoes on. Lolz.

[@josivaldomagalhaescoelhoma415]

que pés lindo

[@sonnysalim5757]

Sore 🦶🏻 🦶🏻

[@doradoyt5686]

Are your feet calloused

[@elventuresuk]

A bit but not loads

[@dventure..]

Why would you climb it with no foot wear on ? it seems abit silly to me ! 🤷🏻‍♂️🇬🇧

[@elventuresuk]

I suppose the mission didn't have much of a reason, but what makes you think its silly?

[@thorneto2742]

Its for views, piggy backing off the algorithm

[@dventure..]

@El Ventures because we have invented a thing called shoes/footwear you may not have heard of them they've been around for a while now! Also, Mountain rescue doesn't need to be traipsing around the countryside looking for someone because they've hurt their feet on let's say I don't know sharp rocks and shit like that... 🙄

[@Splitspine1]

should get some callouses on your feet before doing things like this... but with that said, I hope one day you'll give up wearing shoes forever and join us barefooters ...you'll be grateful you did

[@elventuresuk]

If I lived in a warmer country I think I'd already be full time barefoot! Minimal shoes for now are doing the trick though

[@Splitspine1]

i suppose that is a good point, just if you ever do, dont ever move to the U.S. its a very prejudice and judgmental place... but on a side note here, i would perhaps encourage the use of skinners for cold places lastly, do you ever advocate for barefooting rights by going to public venues barefoot?

[@themissinfowar6629]

🦶🦶 🪶Ԅ(≖‿≖ ;ԅ)

[@gona3665]

Is the KZbin search broken? I'm looking for real bare soles, why is it showing me videos of the Amish lifestyle?

[@elventuresuk]

Hahaha welcome buddy

[@antonio211000]

Nice video ! I’m Tony Rocca

[@elventuresuk]

Your profile picture says your Quentin Tarantino haha

[@damnwhores]

I only clicked cause there were bare soles in the thumbnail.

[@elventuresuk]

It seems you're not the only one 🤣 I appreciate you commenting anyway

[@damnwhores]

@@elventuresuk The comment section looked like it needed some bluntness, so I provided it. I don't know if this is suppose to be a feet channel, but regardless, I'll leave a comment for the real reason someone would click on a video like this.

[@jimcrown21]

WHY?

[@elventuresuk]

I'll make a video soon explaining why barefoot is my shoe of choice