The Welsh Three Peaks Challenge is typically made up of three of the highest and most iconic mountains in Cymru: Yr Wyddfa, Cymru's tallest peak and the highest point in Britain outside the Scottish highlands; Cader Idris, a spectacular peak at the southerly edge of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park; and Pen y Fan, the highest peak in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park in Mid Wales.
The Three Peaks Challenge is a demanding challenge and requires a good level of fitness. Planning and preparation are vital. Most people take on the challenge through an organised group and many Welsh charities run their own three peaks fundraising challenges, which generally include guides and transport.
If you are taking on the challenge as an individual group, it’s recommended to have at least one designated driver who isn’t taking part in the walking challenge and can take extra rest breaks. It’s also advised to have a few hill-based practice walks before setting off on the challenge, as well as some general fitness training.
The Eryri and Bannau Brycheiniog National Park websites have their own safety sections which all include essential tips on equipment, clothing, fitness and timings for the specific mountain areas. AdventureSmart UK also has plenty of advice on how to ‘make a good day better’, and we recommend you read it before planning your day out.
Your reward? Some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world and an unrivalled day of discovery, adventure and achievement. In general, most groups complete the route from north to south but it can be done in reverse – although that means finishing with the toughest mountain, Yr Wyddfa. May to October is the best time to take on the challenge, but remember, the weather on the mountains can change quickly and vary drastically, whatever the season.
Either way, you’ll be using The Cambrian Way to travel around 135 miles, a complete north-south road route along the mountainous spine of Cymru, taking in dizzyingly-beautiful vistas, market towns, forests, lakes and reservoirs; as well as the old slate and coal-mining heartlands.
The Challenge: North to South
Use our accommodation search to find a place to stay near Eryri National Park. YHA Pen y Pass Youth Hostel has been a popular choice for adventurous climbers since the Victorian era; or try the recently refurbished Royal Victoria Hotel for some traditional luxury opposite the Llanberis path. Whatever you choose, say ‘nos da’ (goodnight) as early as possible, ready for a dawn start to your Welsh mountain adventure. You could even stock up on delicious Welsh produce and snacks for the journey between mountains at Iechyd Da Deli, an independent, family-run delicatessen in the picturesque village of Betws-y-Coed the day before.
The Mountains
Yr Wyddfa
Height: 1,085 metres
Walk time: approx. 4-5 hours
Instagram moment: Sunrise as you set off, and the 360-degree views of the ridges and lakes of Eryri National Park stretch out in every direction. If it’s clear at the top, you can see all the way to Ireland.
Recommended start time: 6am
Route: Ascent via the Pyg track, descent via the Llanberis path.
Drive from Yr Wyddfa to Cader Idris: approx. 1.5 hours
Cader Idris
Height: 893 metres
Walk time: approx. 5 hours
Instagram moment: Llyn Cau, a huge, dramatic glacial lake in the crater of Cader Idris, set beneath 400m-high mountain walls.
Route: Minffordd Path
Drive from Cader Idris to Pen y Fan: approx. 2 hours 20 minutes
Pen y Fan
Height: 886m
Walk time: approx. 2.5 hours
Instagram moment: A team photo at the top with the Pen y Fan National Trust sign – you did it!
Route: Start at the Storey Arms outdoor centre.
And to celebrate? Try the Three Horseshoes near Aberhonddu (Brecon), an award-winning village pub and restaurant known locally as the Groesffordd where you can get the hearty Welsh meal and cold drinks you truly deserve.
Be safe!
Exploring the outdoors is fantastic fun, but please read up on the risks and make sure you are prepared.
- Find safety advice for exploring Cymru's National Parks and safety tips for staying safe on the Welsh coast.
- Visit AdventureSmart.uk for information on how to stay safe whilst exploring Cymru.
Help Cymru become the first Refill Nation by using nearby Refill Points to fill up your water bottle before you head off. Find out more including how to download the Refill Wales app to find your nearest Refill Point on the Refill Wales website.
