Solo hiking the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge

In June 2022 I attempted the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge but added a little twist. I decided to make the experience more memorable by bivvying on the summit of Snowdon.
A big thank you to Föhn for supplying me with gear to use on the hike: / fohnoutdoor
Follow my Journey
- Website: ohwhataknight.co.uk/
- Instagram: / ohwhataknight_
- TikTok: www.tiktok.com/ohwhataknight_
What is the Welsh Three Peaks challenge?
It is a hiking challenge which requires you to summit and descend three Iconic Welsh mountains in under 24 hours. It involves between 17 -19 miles of hiking and over 2,300m of elevation gain. I decided to tackle the route from North to South
Peak 1 - Snowdon, 1,085m - Highest mountain in Wales
I took the Watkin path up Snowdon. I wouldn’t recommend this as it’s one of the longer routes (13km return) and involves the most amount of elevation gain (1,015m) of any route to the summit. There is also a steep section of scree towards the summit which isn’t at all enjoyable.
Instead I would recommend the Pyg Track which starts for the Pen-y-Pass. This is the shortest route (11km return) which has the least amount of elevation gain (895m), it’s also arguably one of the more impressive routes to the summit too.
Peak 2 - Cader Idris, 983m- Highest mountain in Southern Snowdonia
I went up the Pony path, and down the Foxes path. I would recommend the Pony path, especially if you aren’t super fit as it’s the easiest route to the summit (10km return with 727m of elevation gain). However If you’re looking for a more impressive and challenging route then I would recommend heading up the Minffordd Path. (9km return with 788m of elevation gain)
Avoid the Foxes path as the final section is extremely steep and loose scree which isn’t at all enjoyable.
Peak 3 - Pen-y-fan, 986m - Highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons
The most popular, easiest and shortest route to the summit is via the motorway from Pont-y-Daf car park. However this is extremely busy and rather uninspiring. Instead I would recommend ascending from Cwm Gwdi. The 7.6km route involves 560m of elevation gain and is far more enjoyable, beautiful, and much quieter.
Advice
Save this for a good weekday - It sounds obvious but its worth tackling this challenge in the best weather possible. The views are spectacular and being able to see them makes the climbing that much easier. I would also avoid tackling this challenge on a weekend as the crowds will be out in force and it will take away from the experience.
Do this in a group - I found the most difficult part of the challenge to be the 2.5 hour drive between Cader Idris and Pen-y-Fan. If you buddy up with someone then you can not only share the driving, but the passenger can eat and nap while the other drives.
Tackle this from south to north - If I was to do this again without camping, I would reverse the route. This way you get the long drive out of the way first and you will finish on the most impressive of the three summits.
Stay fuelled and hydrated - I’d recommend eating something more substantial before the first peak and in between each peak, then something every 60-90 minutes whilst hiking.
What you eat is down to you and there’s no one size fits all. However don’t just rely on sugary snacks and drinks. Instead try to eat a varied source of carbs. I personally like Cliff Bars and Fulfil nutrition bars.
Make sure you have the correct gear - I’d recommend having a good quality waterproof jacket, a solid backpack, and suitable footwear for the challenge. Always pack extra layers and take a powerbank and head torch in case something does go wrong.
Know your routes and where to park - This makes navigation much easier and streamlines the entire day.
During the summer months the Pen-y-Pass car park is booking only. So if you want to hike the Pyg or Miners track up to Snowdon then you will either have to book weeks in advance, use the Sherpa bus service, or park near the Pen Y Gwryd hotel.
Download the routes before you set off- Weather conditions can change in an instant. Don't rely on Google maps, instead use a proper hiking app and download the route beforehand to use offline. I'd recommend OS maps or Maps.Me.
Have fun and enjoy it - Unless you’re trying to beat the record, try and make an experience of it. Pick the more beautiful routes and take time to stop and admire the views on the way.
Timestamps
00:28 Challenge Introduction
01:20 Snowdon ascent
04:05 Snowdon sunset drone montage
05:20 Snowdon summit push
06:43 Snowdon sunrise
08:48 Snowdon descent and thoughts
10:07 Cader Idris introduction
10:54 Cader Idris ascent
12:48 Cader Idris summit & drone montage
13:57 Cader Idris summit chat
15:08 Cader Idris descent and thoughts
16:42 How I fuel for this challenge
18:33 Pen-y-Fan ascent
20:10 Pen-y-Fan summit
21:03 Pen-y-Fan drone montage
22:22 Final thoughts and advice

[@Professionalmoochers]

Watched a few of your videos now (found you as I’m attempting Welsh 3000’s) and your way of presenting, giving information on routes etc is really easy viewing 👍🏼

[@heatherparker4791]

I found it useful, interesting and visually pleasing...so 3 thumbs up for the 3 peaks challenge. I look forward to seeing more of your beautiful videos.

[@treklinda1309]

I have bivvyd there many times. Love Snowdon. Great film.

[@barrybradford9273]

Superb Chris cheers for that one.

[@spazman6600]

10/10 as per - might give it a go this year

[@barrycrump6189]

Hi Chris. Thanks for sharing with us another great adventure. I hope people realize and appreciate the amount of effort that goes into creating these videos. For instance, just the simple shots of your feet walking past requires time and effort in setting up and framing the shot - not to mention having to retrace your steps. Since the stupid and ineffectual lockdowns, I have become incredibly lazy, demotivated, and out of condition. However, inspired by your videos I have recently begun attempting to regain my strength and stamina by walking in the valleys of South Wales which have some of the steepest slopes I have ever encountered in general hill walking as opposed to tackling the more serious mountain slopes. I am finding that it doesn't take much exertion on my part before I am sweating like a pig and my heart is pounding in my ears. I hate sweating like this which necessitates me having to take regular blowers to cool down and calm down my racing heartbeat. Could you please let me know which wicking layer you would recommend for dealing with heavy sweating? Many thanks and keep up the good work.

[@ohwhataknight]

Cheers for the kind words Barry. Great to hear that you're back in the outdoors tackling your own adventures. Have you got any favourites? I'm a proper sweaty hiker too, I always pack a spare T-shirt if I am wildcamping as I'm usually drenched by the time I reach the spot where I want to camp. Personally I'd avoid merino wool in the warmer months and get a synthetic material instead. Polyester usually works well for me as its quick drying. In the past I've worn Asics long sleeve tops but more recently I've been wearing this dri-release T from Fohn, www.wiggle.co.uk/fohn-drirelease-tee-1

[@barrycrump6189]

@@ohwhataknight Hi Chris, thank you so much for the advice. It is much appreciate.

[@ryanmorrisphotography]

My last 2 walks included Cadair Idris and Snowdon. Wish I had the same views of Snowdon that you had; instead, I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face. Another great vid! Keep them coming 👏🏼

[@ohwhataknight]

Thanks for the kind words Ryan. What routes did you take up to the summit? Its always a nightmare when that happens, I'm lucky that I was able to wait for a good weather window to tackle this. Otherwise I wouldn't have done it if the weather was rubbish!

[@toonburg111]

Awesome video as always mate. Those drone views are amazing

[@dalesactive]

Nice video Chris and good drone footage. I landed at the top of Snowden at 9am that same day having stayed at the campsite at the foot of the Watkin path. Keep it going and just subscribed!

[@Agri1980]

Great video, plenty of info and the views were breath-taking as always( especially sunrise at snowdon)!

[@xprns1]

Love the effort you put into these dude, you never disapoint with the views.

[@ohwhataknight]

Thanks fella. I'd say I got lucky but really I just planned it for a nice two days!

[@melaniefrost6553]

Recently subscribed to your channel Chris regarding the Gower Peninsula and Worm's Head I'm going to in August ..Your vlogs are epic the drone footage is sublime in quality.. Thoroughly enjoyed this 🤗

[@ohwhataknight]

Thanks for the kind words Melanie. Great to hear your heading to the Gower, Ive got a whole host of blogs on what to see and do on my website if you need more information on the Gower: ohwhataknight.co.uk/travel-guide-to-the-gower-peninsula

[@melaniefrost6553]

@@ohwhataknight thank you much appreciated 👍 .. I've wanted to go here for some time now looking forward to it what an amazing place !

[@funkyfaerie7]

Awesome videos. Absolutely Breathtaking. Thank You ❤️

[@louisefarnell5047]

Stunning! I do love your videos and watch before I do a hike

[@kerrimatthews9610]

Fantastic, informative video! I’m planning to do the Welsh Three Peaks later this year and this video was super helpful!

[@patrickmcevoy]

Hi Chris, great content, really enjoying your channel, interested in any info on the bracket/strap clip you are using for carrying your camera.

[@erolhassan5346]

Nice vid

[@franzenglberger8571]

𝓅𝓇o𝓂o𝓈𝓂 ❣️