Plan Your Own Welsh Three Peaks Challenge
Everything you need to organise your own attempt at Snowdon, Cadair Idris and Pen y Fan.
The Welsh Three Peaks Challenge takes you to the highest mountains in North, Mid and South Wales — three distinct ranges, three very different landscapes, one epic day. At 17 miles of walking with 2,334 metres of ascent, it's physically demanding but logistically simpler than the National.
This guide covers everything you need to plan a safe and successful self-organised challenge.
Prefer a guided event?
Our Open Welsh Three Peaks includes professional mountain leaders, all transport between peaks, and full support — from £360 per person.
View Guided DatesThe Essentials
Your Team
We recommend a group of 4–30 walkers. Smaller groups are harder to support safely across three separate mountain ranges; larger groups become unwieldy.
If you have fewer than four walkers, consider joining one of our open challenge dates where you can team up with others.
Dedicated Drivers
Essential. You need at least two dedicated drivers who will not be walking. The driving between peaks is significant — around 150 miles — and walkers will be too fatigued to drive safely.
If you can't recruit dedicated drivers, a guided challenge is the safer choice.
When to Go
May to October offers the best conditions. Winter conditions can arrive early and linger late on Snowdon and Cadair Idris — these are serious mountains that require winter skills and equipment outside the main season.
An early start (5–6am) maximises daylight on the hills.
Registration
Optional registration at threepeakschallenge.org.uk (£6pp) provides:
- Certificate of completion
- Safety guidance pack
- Online challenge tracking
- Fundraising support
The Three Mountains
Total walking distance: 17 miles (27km). Total ascent: 2,334 metres.
Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)
1,085m — Wales' highest peak
The most famous Welsh mountain, with multiple routes to the summit. Most groups use the Llanberis Path or Pyg Track. Allow 3–4 hours return.
Cadair Idris
893m — The mid-Wales giant
A dramatic mountain with steep cliffs and a glacial lake. The Minffordd Path is the most popular route. Allow 3–4 hours return.
Pen y Fan
886m — The Brecon Beacons' highest
South Wales' most climbed mountain, with distinctive flat-topped summits. The Storey Arms route is shortest. Allow 2–3 hours return.
Transport & Logistics
Route Direction
Most groups start at Snowdon and head south:
- Snowdon (North Wales)
- Cadair Idris (Mid Wales) — 35 miles from Snowdon
- Pen y Fan (South Wales) — 70 miles from Cadair Idris
This puts the longest walk (Snowdon) first when energy levels are highest.
Driving Time
Total driving distance: approximately 150 miles. Allow 4–5 hours of driving between the three mountains.
Welsh mountain roads are narrow and winding — don't underestimate travel time, especially the A470 through Mid Wales.
Parking
- Snowdon: Pen-y-Pass car park (LL55 4NY) fills early — pre-book or use the Sherpa bus from Llanberis
- Cadair Idris: Minffordd car park (LL36 9AJ) — pay and display
- Pen y Fan: Storey Arms car park (LD3 8NL) or Pont ar Daf
Electric Vehicles
EV charging is available along the route but planning is essential. Chargers are limited in rural Mid Wales — don't leave it to chance.
Preparation
Training
The Welsh Three Peaks has less total distance than the National but significant ascent — over 2,300m of climbing. Your legs need to be ready for repeated steep climbs.
Build fitness with hill walks of increasing length and elevation. Practice walking when already tired.
Equipment
Essential kit includes:
- Broken-in walking boots
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm layers (Welsh weather changes fast)
- Hat and gloves
- Headtorch with spare batteries
- Map and compass for each mountain
Navigation
You'll need Ordnance Survey maps:
- OS Explorer OL17 — Snowdon
- OS Explorer OL23 — Cadair Idris
- OS Explorer OL12 — Brecon Beacons
Snowdon and Cadair Idris can cloud over rapidly. Be prepared to navigate without visibility.
Food & Hydration
Plan your nutrition in advance:
- Substantial breakfast before starting
- Packed food for each mountain
- Easy-to-eat snacks for the vehicle
- At least 2 litres of water per person per mountain
The cafe at Snowdon summit (Hafod Eryri) is only open during peak season and train operating hours.
Accommodation
Depending on your start time and location, you may need accommodation in Snowdonia before your challenge, or in South Wales afterwards.
Safety
Weather
Welsh mountains are notorious for rapid weather changes. Check forecasts from the Met Office mountain weather service before setting out, and be prepared to abandon the challenge if conditions deteriorate.
Cloud, rain and wind are common even in summer. Hypothermia is a genuine risk for unprepared groups.
Experience Level
The Welsh Three Peaks requires competent navigation and mountain awareness. If your group lacks experience in poor visibility or challenging conditions, consider:
- Hiring a mountain leader for the day
- Joining a guided event with professional leaders
Fundraising
The Welsh Three Peaks is popular for charity fundraising. If you're raising money:
- Get permission from your chosen charity
- Set up an online fundraising page
- Share your training journey on social media
- Consider registering your challenge for additional support
Not sure self-organised is right for you?
Organising the Welsh Three Peaks requires reliable drivers, navigation skills and mountain experience across three different ranges. If any of these feel uncertain, our guided events handle everything — professional mountain leaders, all transport, and full safety support.