The Snowdon Sea to Summit Challenge

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Adventure Hosted by Jim

Jim, Snowdon Guide
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Snowdonia, United Kingdom
2 days
10 (more if needed)
Hotel
Moderate

Adventure overview

From Sea to Summit in Snowdonia: Ready to test your mettle in the wilds of Wales?

Join us for a day packed with adventure - cycling past historical slate mines, hiking up the less-travelled Ranger Path of Snowdon, and capping it off with a victory lap by kayak on Llyn Padarn.

This one-day challenge is a perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and a sense of achievement. Whether you're a solo adventurer or coming with friends, you'll end the day with stories to tell and a new notch on your adventure belt.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL & BRIEFING

  • 18:00 - Arrive at the hotel by 18:00 for the intro.
    • Meet guides and teammates.
    • Can't make it? We'll update you in the morning.
  • Relax or explore the town after the briefing.
  • Dinner options: hotel or nearby eateries.

DAY 2: THE SNOWDON CHALLENGE

  • Breakfast: Start with a hearty breakfast (included)
  • Cycle - 16km (10m) from Caernarfon to Llyn Padarn
  • Lunch - Grab your packed lunch (included).
  • Trek - 16km (10m) (round trip) up Snowdon (descend via the Llanberis path to Llanberis).
  • Kayak - 4km (2.5m) around Llyn Padarn.
  • 4 - 5 pm - Finish
  • Celebrate!

DAY 1: ARRIVE AND GET PREPPED

Make your way to the hotel for the 18:00 briefing.

This is a great opportunity to meet your guides, teammates, and hear a bit more about the plan for your adventure. Don't worry if you're not going to make it - just let us know. We'll make sure you're briefed the next morning.

Post brief you'll be free to chill the beans ahead of tomorrow's big challenge or trundle into town for a wee explore.

Dinner can be ordered in the hotel or there are plenty of eating places within walking distance (dinner not included).

DAY 2: BRING IT ON SNOWDON!

Ain't no backin' out now!

We'll kick things off with a decent breakfast to fuel up for the day then it's off to start this epic challenge.

CYCLE

First up is the 19km cycle leaving the sea at Caernarfon to head for the shores of Llyn Padarn (Llanberis Lake), passing the famous slate mines, rural Welsh farms, and the best scenery this wild country has to offer.

Cycling along the shores of Llyn Padarn, we'll catch our first exciting glimpse of Snowdon looming in the distance.

Once reaching the Snowdon Ranger Path it's time for a quick changeover off the bike and into your trekking get-up, picking up your packed lunch.

HIKE

You and the gang will then pace it up to the summit having earned an unbeatable view from the highest point in Wales and England. On a clear day, you can see four kingdoms, 24 counties, 29 lakes and 17 islands!

The Ranger Path is a lot quieter than some of the other routes up and passes beautiful lakes before climbing a ridgeline to the summit. There'll be time for victory photos and a breather before we descend the Llanberis path into Llanberis itself.

High on life, it's time for the grand finale - a paddle circuit of the glacial lake of Llyn Padarn - one of the largest natural lakes in Wales.

PADDLE

The final 2.5-mile kayak forms the final push. Emerging from the waters like Poseidon, glory is yours. Challenge completed! Now it's time for a celebratory tipple and lots of questioning to try to find out whose idea this crazy challenge was in the first place.

You'll most likely be pretty pooped after all that so it's a good idea to take a bit of a break before driving.

  • 1 night in 3-star hotel based on two sharing (upgrade to single possible subject to availability. Price confirmed after enquiry as it changes)
  • We typically use the hotel below but may need to use other accommodation subject to availability. It will be of a similar standard and min 3-star

 

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Guides - Fully qualified and experienced local guides
  • Canoe instructor
  • Support crew, vehicle and driver
  • First aid supplies
  • Accommodation - 1 night in 3-star hotel based on two sharing (upgrade to single possible subject to availability)
  • Meals - breakfast and packed lunch
  • Water and snacks at stops
  • Transfers - pick up and drop off from local train station
  • Equipment - everything needed for the bike and kayak including kayaks, paddles and buoyancy aids and hire bikes and helmets
  • Risk assessments and safety management
  • Public liability insurance
  • Complementary celebratory fizz on challenge completion

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

  • Transport to and from Caernarfon, Wales (transfers are included)
  • Travel Insurance - We recommend Campbell Irvine.
  • Meals not listed as included
  • Personal items, gear, expenses
  • Kit listed on the kit list (shared after booking)
  • Make your own way to the hotel in Llanberis or Caernarfon.
  • Hotel info will be provided after booking.
  • Free car parking available.
  • Bangor is the nearest train station. Snowdonia has an extensive bus service.
  • If you are planning to catch a taxi from Bangor train station to the hotel, please note the taxis only take cash payments.

IS THIS THE RIGHT TRIP FOR ME?

Is this a good trip if I'm travelling solo?

  • Absolutely! Many solo adventurers, couples, and groups join us. It's a fab way to meet awesome folks.
  • More than half of our guests book on solo, so you’ll be in good company

What's the typical age range?

  • We see a mix, from 20s to 50s.
  • Don’t focus too much on this though…

Is there a minimum age for this trip?

  • 18 years old

Do I need experience in any of the activities?

  • No! It's open to all, including total newbies.

Can I handle the Snowdon Sea to Summit Challenge if I'm not super fit?

  • Yes! Most participants are everyday people, not athletes. Support is available throughout, including a vehicle during the cycle. If you're determined, you can do it.

What's the distance for each activity?

  • Bike: ~10 miles/16km
  • Hike: ~10 miles/16km
  • Kayak: ~2.5 miles/4km

What size will the group be?

  • Up to 10 guests per group (usually).

How many mountain leaders will be walking with us?

  • One guide per group of 10.

Do I need travel insurance?

  • Yes, check that it covers the trip you’re interested in
  • We recommend Campbell Irvine
  • We also recommend you get some personal insurance to cover you for injury or any personal loss or damage.

Is the guide insured?

  • Yes, our guiding partners are insured for all the activities they offer, but you’ll still need to take out your own travel insurance.
  • Check that it covers the trip you’re interested in
  • We recommend Campbell Irvine

Is walking Mount Snowdon tough?

  • We use the Snowdon Ranger Path, which is steady. Many people summit Snowdon each year, so with determination, you can too.

Is the challenge safe?

  • As far as outdoors trips go, yes. While all outdoor activities have risks, ours are minimal. We have experienced leaders and thorough safety measures.

What's the weather like in Snowdon National Park?

  • Summer averages are 18-20°C, but it's cooler at the summit. We'll share a kit list after you book.

ACCOMMODATION

Can I book an extra hotel night?

  • Sure, subject to availability. Just send a message to the guide once you’ve booked.

Can I have a private room?

  • Yes, if available. There's an extra charge which will be confirmed after enquiry. Just send a message to the guide once you’ve booked.

KIT

What should I pack?

  • We’ll send you a full kit list once you’ve booked

Where do I store my belongings during the challenge?

  • Leave unneeded items at the hotel.

OTHER

Is this challenge good for charity fundraising?

  • Definitely! We handle logistics and safety, making it ideal for fundraisers.
  • Free cancellation or date change up to 65 days before departure
  • Deposits are non-refundable unless the trip is cancelled by us, then you'll get a full refund

Why book with us?

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Go places you couldn't go alone

Scale mountains, ride waves, and hike routes that might be a bit spicy without an expert guide

Flexible Booking

Free date changes up to 65 days before departure, no questions asked

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1% of all our revenue (not profits) goes to fund leading environmental and social projects
£264 / Person (inc deposit)
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