Everything you need to know
This page provides you with a variety of information about the challenge that you might find useful.
Why book with Charity Challenge?
• Everything included from the moment you arrive. Unlike other operators we include everything from the moment you arrive including all meals, transfers, accommodation and snacks during the challenge.
• The very best Mountain Leaders, who are fully qualified, highly experienced, knowledgeable and fun. They will do everything to help you complete the challenge and have a great time doing it.
• We have selected a route designed specifically with our participants in mind.
• The usual high quality Charity Challenge experience from the company who organised Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day Kilimanjaro climb. We know mountains!
Why book with Charity Challenge?
• Everything included from the moment you arrive. Unlike other operators we include everything from the moment you arrive including all meals, transfers, accommodation and snacks during the challenge.
• The very best Mountain Leaders, who are fully qualified, highly experienced, knowledgeable and fun. They will do everything to help you complete the challenge and have a great time doing it.
• We have selected a route designed specifically with our participants in mind.
• The usual high quality Charity Challenge experience from the company who organised Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day Kilimanjaro climb. We know mountains!
Level of Difficulty
This is a real mountain challenge and is graded as extreme. This is the perfect challenge for participants who have previous experience of taking part in challenge events of this magnitude. This challenge is designed to be the next step up for those who have completed the National 3 Peaks challenge, so you should be comfortable with long days of walking and then little sleep and rest.
You will be encouraged to take part as a team, helping each other through the challenge.
You can tell your supporters that on your Welsh 3000s Challenge you will be:
• Trekking approximately 45km, over 3 days of walking, approximately 8-10 hours each day (a little less on the last day)
• Early mornings, getting you out on the hill by 7am at the latest.
• Ascend over 4000m over 3 days. That's more ascent than climbing Kilimanjaro!
Level of Difficulty
This is a real mountain challenge and is graded as extreme. This is the perfect challenge for participants who have previous experience of taking part in challenge events of this magnitude. This challenge is designed to be the next step up for those who have completed the National 3 Peaks challenge, so you should be comfortable with long days of walking and then little sleep and rest.
You will be encouraged to take part as a team, helping each other through the challenge.
You can tell your supporters that on your Welsh 3000s Challenge you will be:
• Trekking approximately 45km, over 3 days of walking, approximately 8-10 hours each day (a little less on the last day)
• Early mornings, getting you out on the hill by 7am at the latest.
• Ascend over 4000m over 3 days. That's more ascent than climbing Kilimanjaro!
Training
This challenge includes long days in the mountains in remote areas and with rough terrain, therefore requiring a good level of fitness. The ideal training for this challenge is, naturally, hill walking. If you do not have the luxury of living near the hills, then the stairs at home (or an office block) are a great place to start. Most training should be part of an on-going lifestyle, but if this is not the case then you should begin training 4-6 months prior to the challenge and gradually build up as suggested. Remember to use the walking boots that you will be wearing on the challenge in order to get them worn in, and take the daysack that you will be using during the challenge.
There is no substitute for walking in the hills so try if possible to get out on a weekend and train in an area with steep hills and with rough terrain. You should progress to training with your boots on from week 4 at the latest, but preferably from week 1. The more you exercise before the challenge, the more you will get out of it. Also see your Charity Challenge Fitness Training notes.
Training
This challenge includes long days in the mountains in remote areas and with rough terrain, therefore requiring a good level of fitness. The ideal training for this challenge is, naturally, hill walking. If you do not have the luxury of living near the hills, then the stairs at home (or an office block) are a great place to start. Most training should be part of an on-going lifestyle, but if this is not the case then you should begin training 4-6 months prior to the challenge and gradually build up as suggested. Remember to use the walking boots that you will be wearing on the challenge in order to get them worn in, and take the daysack that you will be using during the challenge.
There is no substitute for walking in the hills so try if possible to get out on a weekend and train in an area with steep hills and with rough terrain. You should progress to training with your boots on from week 4 at the latest, but preferably from week 1. The more you exercise before the challenge, the more you will get out of it. Also see your Charity Challenge Fitness Training notes.
Group Size
Our minimum group size is 20 and groups are typically made up of between 20-40 people. There will be one challenge leader for approximately every 10-15 participants.
On occasion, we may be able to run a challenge with less than 20 people. This may incur a small group supplement. If this happens, it will be communicated before your invoice or fundraising deadline.
Group Size
Our minimum group size is 20 and groups are typically made up of between 20-40 people. There will be one challenge leader for approximately every 10-15 participants.
On occasion, we may be able to run a challenge with less than 20 people. This may incur a small group supplement. If this happens, it will be communicated before your invoice or fundraising deadline.
Group Management
This is a leader-led challenge and you will be accompanied by our challenge mountain leaders at all times.
We employ experienced and fully qualified mountain leaders to accompany and lead you. The mountain leaders are first aid qualified and have extensive experience in leading challenges throughout Britain and overseas. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group. They will be carrying full safety equipment and mountain first aid kits with them at all times.
The team event concept
This challenge is designed and run as a team event that will see you working together as a team to help support each other through the weekend.
Whilst the intention is to push each other as much as possible, the aim of the event is to give everyone the best possible chance of completing the entire challenge.
This event will not be way-marked and marshalled. You will be accompanied by challenge leaders at all times, therefore it is not suitable for people wishing to complete the challenge by themselves.
Throughout the day the group will naturally split into faster and more leisurely paced groups. This will be managed by the leaders and you will be helped to move at a pace that you are comfortable with.
Group Management
This is a leader-led challenge and you will be accompanied by our challenge mountain leaders at all times.
We employ experienced and fully qualified mountain leaders to accompany and lead you. The mountain leaders are first aid qualified and have extensive experience in leading challenges throughout Britain and overseas. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group. They will be carrying full safety equipment and mountain first aid kits with them at all times.
The team event concept
This challenge is designed and run as a team event that will see you working together as a team to help support each other through the weekend.
Whilst the intention is to push each other as much as possible, the aim of the event is to give everyone the best possible chance of completing the entire challenge.
This event will not be way-marked and marshalled. You will be accompanied by challenge leaders at all times, therefore it is not suitable for people wishing to complete the challenge by themselves.
Throughout the day the group will naturally split into faster and more leisurely paced groups. This will be managed by the leaders and you will be helped to move at a pace that you are comfortable with.
Weather
As you know, the weather in the UK can be highly unpredictable and at times erratic, so being prepared is the key! We will run UK challenges between March and November, and although the summer months of June-August should be, in general, warmer, sunnier and more stable in terms of the weather conditions, we all know that this isn’t always the case. Please check the weather forecasts up to ensure that you bring clothing suitable for warm sunny walking weather and also sudden wind and downpours should they occur.
Weather
As you know, the weather in the UK can be highly unpredictable and at times erratic, so being prepared is the key! We will run UK challenges between March and November, and although the summer months of June-August should be, in general, warmer, sunnier and more stable in terms of the weather conditions, we all know that this isn’t always the case. Please check the weather forecasts up to ensure that you bring clothing suitable for warm sunny walking weather and also sudden wind and downpours should they occur.
Terrain
Despite its location in the UK, the difficulty of this challenge should not be underestimated. The terrain on this challenge varies throughout and can be rough at times, so be prepared! Paths are frequently rocky and boggy and you should be prepared for elements of the route to have a remote feel to them.
Terrain
Despite its location in the UK, the difficulty of this challenge should not be underestimated. The terrain on this challenge varies throughout and can be rough at times, so be prepared! Paths are frequently rocky and boggy and you should be prepared for elements of the route to have a remote feel to them.
Challenge Timings
Please note: Precise details and timings will be made available in your Final Details that are sent out 1 month prior to the challenge.
Your day will begin on Friday morning with registration and a full safety briefing with your leaders. Then you’re off!
The challenge itself commences early on the Friday and you can expect to have completed all 15 peaks by 5pm on Sunday afternoon. However, please make sure you have flexible return options as things can over run and we can't be held responsible for any missed trains etc.
Challenge Timings
Please note: Precise details and timings will be made available in your Final Details that are sent out 1 month prior to the challenge.
Your day will begin on Friday morning with registration and a full safety briefing with your leaders. Then you’re off!
The challenge itself commences early on the Friday and you can expect to have completed all 15 peaks by 5pm on Sunday afternoon. However, please make sure you have flexible return options as things can over run and we can't be held responsible for any missed trains etc.
Getting to and from the Challenge
You will be sent precise timings and locations 1 month prior to the start of this challenge.
Our base for the challenge will be within the Snowdonia National Park. Precise details of which hostel you will be staying at will be sent no later than 1 month prior to the challenge.
The nearest train station is typically Bangor, from where there are buses and taxis available to the hostel.
Parking at the hostel is limited and we would encourage you to lift share wherever possible.
Getting to and from the Challenge
You will be sent precise timings and locations 1 month prior to the start of this challenge.
Our base for the challenge will be within the Snowdonia National Park. Precise details of which hostel you will be staying at will be sent no later than 1 month prior to the challenge.
The nearest train station is typically Bangor, from where there are buses and taxis available to the hostel.
Parking at the hostel is limited and we would encourage you to lift share wherever possible.
Accommodation
Two nights of accommodation are provided in a local hostel within Snowdonia National Park. Accommodation will be in the same-sex dormitories with shared bathroom facilities. It is all part of the challenge!
Accommodation
Two nights of accommodation are provided in a local hostel within Snowdonia National Park. Accommodation will be in the same-sex dormitories with shared bathroom facilities. It is all part of the challenge!
Food & Drink
You will be provided with a packed lunch each day, along with some snacks. We would advise that you also bring your own snacks to help power you through the day.
Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday morning will be provided in the hostel, as will dinner on Friday and Saturday night.
Please note that breakfast on Friday morning and dinner on Sunday evening are not included.
Food & Drink
You will be provided with a packed lunch each day, along with some snacks. We would advise that you also bring your own snacks to help power you through the day.
Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday morning will be provided in the hostel, as will dinner on Friday and Saturday night.
Please note that breakfast on Friday morning and dinner on Sunday evening are not included.
Clothing & Equipment
Equipment of good quality and durability could make the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For this challenge, we would advise that you bring with you several pairs of each item so that each day you have warm and dry clothing to wear.
Waterproof and well-worn in boots will be indispensable for the trek. The terrain is uneven and can be very rough, so it is vital that you use a strong pair of canvas or leather boots with good ankle support for this challenge, coupled with a pair of good quality walking socks. Trainers are not suitable.
The benefits of a comfortable day sack cannot be underestimated - so make sure that you train with this. Other essentials are a high quality Gore-Tex (or similar) waterproof and windproof jacket and waterproof trousers, as well as technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. We would like to emphasize that jeans should not be worn on this challenge.
A full kit list for this challenge can be found here. Once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our partners Cotswold Outdoor, where you can buy equipment, or alternatively you may wish to consider Outdoor Hire who can provide very high quality equipment and clothing to hire for the weekend at a fraction of a price.
Clothing & Equipment
Equipment of good quality and durability could make the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For this challenge, we would advise that you bring with you several pairs of each item so that each day you have warm and dry clothing to wear.
Waterproof and well-worn in boots will be indispensable for the trek. The terrain is uneven and can be very rough, so it is vital that you use a strong pair of canvas or leather boots with good ankle support for this challenge, coupled with a pair of good quality walking socks. Trainers are not suitable.
The benefits of a comfortable day sack cannot be underestimated - so make sure that you train with this. Other essentials are a high quality Gore-Tex (or similar) waterproof and windproof jacket and waterproof trousers, as well as technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. We would like to emphasize that jeans should not be worn on this challenge.
A full kit list for this challenge can be found here. Once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our partners Cotswold Outdoor, where you can buy equipment, or alternatively you may wish to consider Outdoor Hire who can provide very high quality equipment and clothing to hire for the weekend at a fraction of a price.
Toilets
Participants will be able to utilise the bathroom facilities in the morning prior to the challenge. However, during the days on the hill such facilities will be limited to the great outdoors!
Toilets
Participants will be able to utilise the bathroom facilities in the morning prior to the challenge. However, during the days on the hill such facilities will be limited to the great outdoors!
Money
During the challenge days there will be no opportunity to purchase snacks. There might be the opportunity to purchase food and drink at the end of the challenge days and so you may wish to take some money with you but we would advise you should need no more than £20.00, excluding your travel costs.
Money
During the challenge days there will be no opportunity to purchase snacks. There might be the opportunity to purchase food and drink at the end of the challenge days and so you may wish to take some money with you but we would advise you should need no more than £20.00, excluding your travel costs.
Safety
Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of our participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up Challenge Safe, one of the most advanced and thorough safety management systems in the industry. Challenge Safe formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the challenge activity itself. Your welfare is absolutely paramount!
Here are a few important points that you should be aware of:
• The terrain on the challenge is often rocky and in wet conditions can be extremely slippery. Please make sure that your walking boots have good grip. Trainers are not appropriate as they lack grip.
• The weather on the summits of the hills can be very different to down in the valleys. Please make sure you carry an additional warm layer, waterproof jacket and trousers and a hat and gloves.
• We employ qualified instructors for each activity. Please listen carefully to the instructions given.
• This is a 3 day challenge. Ensure that you eat lots throughout the days and keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of fluids.
Safety
Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of our participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up Challenge Safe, one of the most advanced and thorough safety management systems in the industry. Challenge Safe formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the challenge activity itself. Your welfare is absolutely paramount!
Here are a few important points that you should be aware of:
• The terrain on the challenge is often rocky and in wet conditions can be extremely slippery. Please make sure that your walking boots have good grip. Trainers are not appropriate as they lack grip.
• The weather on the summits of the hills can be very different to down in the valleys. Please make sure you carry an additional warm layer, waterproof jacket and trousers and a hat and gloves.
• We employ qualified instructors for each activity. Please listen carefully to the instructions given.
• This is a 3 day challenge. Ensure that you eat lots throughout the days and keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of fluids.
Emergencies
Your leadership team is trained to deal with emergency situations in remote areas and will be carrying mobile phones and radios in case the emergency services need to be contacted. The event is not run as a race and you will never be encouraged to walk at a pace ‘beyond your ability’. There will always be a wide variety in people’s walking abilities which will be carefully managed by the leader team. This team will keep the group together for maximum safety and set a sensible pace for all to achieve this challenge within the planned time frame. Should you find yourself unable to continue for any reason, then our support team will be able to assist you coming off the challenge. Emergencies will be coordinated with the local Mountain Rescue service.
Emergencies
Your leadership team is trained to deal with emergency situations in remote areas and will be carrying mobile phones and radios in case the emergency services need to be contacted. The event is not run as a race and you will never be encouraged to walk at a pace ‘beyond your ability’. There will always be a wide variety in people’s walking abilities which will be carefully managed by the leader team. This team will keep the group together for maximum safety and set a sensible pace for all to achieve this challenge within the planned time frame. Should you find yourself unable to continue for any reason, then our support team will be able to assist you coming off the challenge. Emergencies will be coordinated with the local Mountain Rescue service.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
We do not professionally vet your medical details. Please assess for yourself whether you are fit and able to take on the challenge. Please review the detailed Trip Notes and itinerary to get a better idea of what is involved. Please speak to your doctor or specialist if you have any concerns about taking part. If you think that there are things we can do to make the challenge more accessible/comfortable for you, it is your responsibility to let us know, and we will then let you know if we can accommodate your request.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
We do not professionally vet your medical details. Please assess for yourself whether you are fit and able to take on the challenge. Please review the detailed Trip Notes and itinerary to get a better idea of what is involved. Please speak to your doctor or specialist if you have any concerns about taking part. If you think that there are things we can do to make the challenge more accessible/comfortable for you, it is your responsibility to let us know, and we will then let you know if we can accommodate your request.
Medical Support
First Aid qualified staff will be provided with the medical details that you give on your booking form but please note that they are on the challenge to support with medical matters related to the challenge environment and terrain itself, i.e. heat/cold and so on. They will deal with any incidents and accidents (cuts, sprains, breaks and so on). They are not intended to continue any ongoing specialist medical care that you receive in the UK for pre-existing medical conditions, and should not be assumed to have any professional experience of your specific medical condition.
If you have any specific needs around pre-existing medical conditions, you should discuss these with your family doctor or specialist in advance and then discuss any advice given by them with the challenge leader.
Medical Support
First Aid qualified staff will be provided with the medical details that you give on your booking form but please note that they are on the challenge to support with medical matters related to the challenge environment and terrain itself, i.e. heat/cold and so on. They will deal with any incidents and accidents (cuts, sprains, breaks and so on). They are not intended to continue any ongoing specialist medical care that you receive in the UK for pre-existing medical conditions, and should not be assumed to have any professional experience of your specific medical condition.
If you have any specific needs around pre-existing medical conditions, you should discuss these with your family doctor or specialist in advance and then discuss any advice given by them with the challenge leader.
Insurance
We don’t offer insurance for our UK trips, as any medical emergencies would naturally be covered through the NHS. Therefore, the main thing that you will not be covered for is cancellation. You can see our cancellation policy within our terms and conditions here. If you wish, you could look into your own policy that covers cancellation for travel within the UK.
Insurance
We don’t offer insurance for our UK trips, as any medical emergencies would naturally be covered through the NHS. Therefore, the main thing that you will not be covered for is cancellation. You can see our cancellation policy within our terms and conditions here. If you wish, you could look into your own policy that covers cancellation for travel within the UK.
Responsible Tourism
At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism. On this challenge in particular, we always liaise with the rangers of the Snowdonia National Park to make sure that we minimise our impact on the local environment. Our leaders care passionately for the environment and will be keen to talk to you about how you can do your bit to conserve the local area and enhance your experience.
We would also like to encourage all our participants to spend a little extra time in the local area. Why not consider booking an extra night in a local B&B, and go out for a meal in one of the excellent local pubs after the challenge? Not only will you be able to celebrate your achievements but you will also be putting more money back into the local area. For extra information, please visit our Responsible Tourism pages, where you will be able to view a list of the other projects that we currently support.
Responsible Tourism
At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism. On this challenge in particular, we always liaise with the rangers of the Snowdonia National Park to make sure that we minimise our impact on the local environment. Our leaders care passionately for the environment and will be keen to talk to you about how you can do your bit to conserve the local area and enhance your experience.
We would also like to encourage all our participants to spend a little extra time in the local area. Why not consider booking an extra night in a local B&B, and go out for a meal in one of the excellent local pubs after the challenge? Not only will you be able to celebrate your achievements but you will also be putting more money back into the local area. For extra information, please visit our Responsible Tourism pages, where you will be able to view a list of the other projects that we currently support.
Does this route include the ridge of Crib Goch?
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Please read the following information carefully regarding our policy on taking participants along the Crib Goch ridge.
At the time of booking you will be asked to indicate whether you wish to include Crib Goch in your challenge. Including Crib Goch or not does not have any bearing on completing your challenge. It is simply a route choice. Charity Challenge will always offer the alternative route and will never force anyone to tackle any section of a challenge that they are not comfortable with.
Crib Goch is a narrow, knife-edged ridge that leads up to the summit of Snowdon. It is known in the mountaineering world as a Grade 1 scramble, which means that it is a rocky, steep route with considerable exposure on either side. It is considered one of the great scrambles of the UK, but is only suitable for people who are comfortable on rocky ground and have a good head for heights.
The British Mountaineering Council has an excellent webpage about the challenge you will face on Crib Goch, including an excellent short video. We would strongly encourage all participants to read this webpage carefully.
Charity Challenge Policy.
Crib Goch is deliberately part of day 3 of your Welsh 3000s itinerary. This means that your mountain leaders will have had 2 days of walking with you in the hills to access your capability to tackle Crib Goch. Your leaders will discuss any decisions with you throughout the previous two days but any decision they make will be final. We would ask you respect any decision that they make.
Charity Challenge will only ever take groups on Crib Goch in good weather. Rain, wind and low cloud will all result in Crib Goch being taken off the itinerary and the alternative route taken. Again, any decision that your leaders make regarding the weather will be final, and we ask you to respect their professional opinion.
What happens if I don't attempt Crib Goch?
Anyone who does not wish to ascend via Crib Goch will join up with the other leaders and will ascend via the alternative route. Please note that this is not the easy option, and still involves the same amount of ascent over steep rocky ground.
Does this route include the ridge of Crib Goch?
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Please read the following information carefully regarding our policy on taking participants along the Crib Goch ridge.
At the time of booking you will be asked to indicate whether you wish to include Crib Goch in your challenge. Including Crib Goch or not does not have any bearing on completing your challenge. It is simply a route choice. Charity Challenge will always offer the alternative route and will never force anyone to tackle any section of a challenge that they are not comfortable with.
Crib Goch is a narrow, knife-edged ridge that leads up to the summit of Snowdon. It is known in the mountaineering world as a Grade 1 scramble, which means that it is a rocky, steep route with considerable exposure on either side. It is considered one of the great scrambles of the UK, but is only suitable for people who are comfortable on rocky ground and have a good head for heights.
The British Mountaineering Council has an excellent webpage about the challenge you will face on Crib Goch, including an excellent short video. We would strongly encourage all participants to read this webpage carefully.
Charity Challenge Policy.
Crib Goch is deliberately part of day 3 of your Welsh 3000s itinerary. This means that your mountain leaders will have had 2 days of walking with you in the hills to access your capability to tackle Crib Goch. Your leaders will discuss any decisions with you throughout the previous two days but any decision they make will be final. We would ask you respect any decision that they make.
Charity Challenge will only ever take groups on Crib Goch in good weather. Rain, wind and low cloud will all result in Crib Goch being taken off the itinerary and the alternative route taken. Again, any decision that your leaders make regarding the weather will be final, and we ask you to respect their professional opinion.
What happens if I don't attempt Crib Goch?
Anyone who does not wish to ascend via Crib Goch will join up with the other leaders and will ascend via the alternative route. Please note that this is not the easy option, and still involves the same amount of ascent over steep rocky ground.
