Welsh 3000s Challenge
Charlie Batho raised £1,070 for the MS Trust by embarking on the gruelling 'Welsh 3000s Challenge' in May 2009.
According to Charlie, "The aim of the challenge is to solo walk all 15 mountains in Wales over 3,000 feet within 24 hours. It is commonly known as the 'Welsh 3000s Challenge' but less common is the exclusive membership of those who have successfully achieved this."
After completing the challenge on 3 May 2009, Charlie sent us this report:
Yesterday I successfully completed the Welsh 3000's* walk for MS. The day started at 5.20am when I cycled 4 miles to the start of the Snowdon Pyg Track from Garth Farm campsite. I started walking at 6am and arrived 14 hours 20 minutes and 30 miles later at the other end at 8.20pm (including just 30 minute break at Lake Ogwen where Sarah and the boys were waiting for me with more food and water).
The toughest part for me was the first 7 mountains (2 in the Snowdon range and 5 in the Glyders range) as these took nine hours. With the prospect of another seven 3000's to climb when it was already 3pm the thought of calling it a day whilst sitting in warm car was very tempting, and discussed, but Sarah told me to get on with it as the support crew weren't coming back again!! It was demoralising as the next mountain to climb was Pen Yr Ole Wen and anyone who has ever climbed this will know that it rises 1,000m in less than a mile. This was a real test of endurance after 9 hours already! But the northern (Carnedd) section is the easiest, thank goodness and I semi jogged the last three to get back in sufficient day light. The most rewarding site was Max running up to me at the end of the walk with a half melted Mars Bar!
Snowdonia National Park is a stunning area of natural beauty, is there to be explored and I highly recommend it. The photos don't do justice to the area.
*There are 15 in the Welsh 3000 but I confess I didn't do Grib Goch (very gnarly ridge) as at 7am it was 20 metre visibility, gusting 30mph winds and fresh snow. However, I had climbed it 7 days earlier as part of my training (photo below) so hopefully you will permit me to say I climbed all 15 - because I am NOT doing it again!
Thank you Charlie for the money you have raised and well done!
Tryfan to Y Garn
Crib Goch ridge
Y Garn to Tryfan
Glyders 2 - taken Feb 09
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