Welsh 3000s challenge....not quite

This Saturday, the longest day of the year, I attempted the Welsh 3000ers challenge. The idea is to reach the summit of Wales' 15 3000ft plus peaks in a day. Unfortunately extremely bad weather, some poor navigation and admittedly unpreparedness meant that I was only able to complete 8 of the peaks. Having set off a 545am from Nant Peris, I first headed up Snowdon but lost time on this ascent as my partner wasn't that used to the conditions. The whole of Snowdonia was covered in cloud which meant there extra stress and concentration involved in map reading and many trails were very slippery. Coming down Crib Goch, after Snowdon was incredibly nerve wracking. Very slippery rocks with thick cloud all around. I took later wrong turns off Glyder Fach and also after completing some of the Carnedds. I decided to abort the full challenge at about 5pm. Partly because I simply wasn't enjoying myself and also as the bad weather meant that day light would be reduced. Still here is a list of the peaks reached in the day: Snowdon, Garnedd Ugain, Crib Goch, Glyder Fawr, Glyder Fach, Tryfan, Carnedd Llewelyn and Carnedd Dafydd. I will definitely be attempting this again next year. http://www.welsh3000s.co.uk/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welsh_3000s

Wasdale Horseshoe

After completing the Garburn trail race near Windermere, I arrived at Wasdale after a longer than expected drive. But over two high passes - including Wrynose pass and some ideas for future treks. The fell race was really good. The course was shortened as the high pass had snow apparently. We didn't run that high but there was still very strong wind and rain about 3/4 way through. The course was mostly flat but had a nice downhill finish above Staveley. I stayed at the National Trust campsite and wasn't treking and trying to save as much energy as possible for the following day.

The horseshoe starts with a very steep climb up Kirk Fell, up nearly 800 metres. This took nearly two hours and was like walking up a set of steps. From the cairn at the top, a trail heads almost due east down a few hundred metres and then up to Great Gable. This was quite a steep summit, very rocky and with great views looking down above Wasdale. The cloud moved in, so I wasn't sure if the next summit would be clear. After a steep descent for 400 metres or so, you reach a crossroads with several options. To head up to Scafell, you take a southern heading path that slowly climbs. You can take a slow ascent around the front of Scafell, but there is also a good scramble beside Broad Crag. This is the quickest route up. Scafell Pike was busy as usual, so I headed to Scafell, a peak I hadn't been up before.

You need to descend 200 metres east of Mickledore, then you find a steep gully with a small stream flowing down it. This involves a bit of scrambling then a trail heads to the summit up a steep loose path. It's quite steep but fairly direct, so you reach the top quicker than you expect. The summit of Scafell is great. Amazing views of Wasdale and Burnmoor Tarn. It was quite clear so good views of the sea and the Isle of Man. An easy trail leads off the mountain to the west down to Wasdale - more sensational views!

Three Peaks - box ticked!

This weekend I completed the famous Three Peaks Challenge of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours. Our final time was 23 hours, 15 minutes. A good achievement, but it's as much a logistical challenge as a physical one. My team could of been fitter, but we had a fast vehicle and good driver, didn't delay on the transitions and kept the pace steady. The conditions were absolutely perfect, although there was plenty of cloud/snow up Nevis and the Scafell ascent was in fierce late afternoon sun. But there was no rain, little wind and the sunset over Wasdale was totally stunning.

The final ascent of Snowdon was at 1am and we summited at roughly 3. The sun was rising in the distance, an incredible finish. So box ticked, 3 peaks done. Next time, I'd like to try and push it and record a good time. I think I could have completed in at least an hour and half quicker if with a team of similar fitness.

Still an amazing 24 hours and unbeatable scenery.