Open Welsh 3000s - Single Day Challenge

Question 1

HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?

Accepted Answer

If you’re hoping to take on any large mountain comfortably (and be able to walk the next day), then you will need a reasonable level of general fitness. There will be steep and uneven terrain with exposed areas, be sure to do some research on the route you plan to take so you’ll know what to expect. We guide people of all ages , but unless you exercise regularly, your muscles may feel a bit sore over the two days following your event. You will also find breathing more challenging on the steeper sections, if you’re not used to exercising aerobically. We plan to ascend at a comfortable pace at all times, but we expect walkers to arrive physically ready and prepared for a long, walking day out. When you book, we will ask you for any medical conditions and it’s very important that you answer honestly and in detail. If we have any concerns about your medical information then we may contact you directly to clear up any uncertainties and to ensure that we can prepare our Mountain Leaders to offer you any extra special care should it be required. In the month before your challenge, we recommend you aim to have completed at least a few 5 mile walks, ideally over mixed terrain and in various weathers too. If you can complete one longer day walk, with a backpack, over hilly terrain – this will give you confidence that you have the stamina to start your walk . Multiple walks will help you to wear in and get to know your equipment as well. Look out for our downloadable training plan in your confirmation email.

Question 2

WILL I NEED WALKING POLES?

Accepted Answer

Walking poles are not essential but they a good idea for anyone who may suffer from any stiffness or pain in the back, knees or hips. They can help you feel more secure on uneven ground, especially in descent.

Poles that can be shortened easily are recommended so you can fold them up and strap them to your backpack for any sections where you might prefer not to use them. For novice users, we suggest using one pole on the way up and two on the way down, depending on your route. If you can, practice walking with them before your event to get used to them.

Question 3

DO I REALLY NEED WALKING BOOTS?

Accepted Answer

Whilst walking boots are definitely preferred and advised, they are not absolutely essential. Ideally you will have sturdy, comfortable footwear which supports your ankles and, if possible, are waterproof to maintain comfort, warmth and to help avoid blisters. Thick soles are essential with good grip for slippery surfaces. This might be a ‘walking trainer’ with a rugged sole (sometimes called ‘approach shoes’ also), but slightly less heavy than a full, leather walking boot.

If you do decide to buy new footwear then make sure you wear them in well before your big mountain day. This will help to avoid blisters on your day and improve confidence and comfort.

If you are concerned, then you can always pop some plasters on areas that may be prone to rubbing on the morning of your walk, and take some large plasters with you, in case of any ‘hot spots’ forming during your walk.

Question 4

HOW BIG SHOULD MY RUCKSACK BE?

Accepted Answer

Your rucksack should be at least 25 litres in size with two shoulder straps and ideally a chest and/or waist strap too. Please do not bring satchels or shopping bags, they are uncomfortable to wear for a long period of time.

To waterproof your possessions, we recommend that you line your rucksack with a bin bag or put your items into separate plastic shopping bags. Re-usable ‘Zip-lock’ bags are good for smaller items or mobile phones. Don’t limit your Kit List packing because you can’t fit it in your bag; find a bigger bag!

Question 5

WHAT FOOD SHOULD I TAKE?

Accepted Answer

Ensure you take on a filling breakfast with complex carbohydrate and protein to fill you up for the morning, e.g. porridge with peanut butter and banana. Take at least 2 litres of water with you in a reusable water bottle and pack a variety of foods –both savoury and sweet that will sustain you during the day. Try to choose complex carbohydrates and whole foods, rather than overly sweet foods and chocolate. Foods like malt loaf, mixed fruit and nuts, cheese and ham/salami, oat cakes, raw fruit bars, dark chocolate, filled wraps, mini pork pies or sausage rolls will last well on the hill and sustain you over several hours. Cold pizza is a particular favourite for some of our staff!

Remember to never leave any wrappings or fruit peel on the hill and take all litter back home with you.

Question 6

WILL THERE BE TOILET STOPS?

Accepted Answer

By booking on to a outdoor challenge you are participating in an outdoor activity where public toilets are not ‘the norm’. There are toilets where we usually start our walks, and if the summit visitor centre is open on Snowdon, then toilets are accessible, though there may be a queue! However, the summit visitor centre and café cannot be relied on as it’s liable to close at short notice in poor weather. If you are taking part in a Welsh 3000s challenge some of the Valleys you walk down to have toilet access. If you suffer from any medical conditions which mean you will need access to a toilet more often, then please do get in touch as we hope to make our events as accessible to as many people as we can. Going to the toilet ‘in the outdoors’ just needs some privacy, some sense of humour and some toilet tissue/rubbish bag, if applicable. This is so you can put any solids including toilet tissue in a rubbish bag and put this back in your rucksack, rather than leaving toilet tissue or baby wipes discarded on the mountain – please don’t!

Question 7

DO I NEED INSURANCE?

Accepted Answer

As a business, we have adequate liability insurance for the activities we offer. Once you have booked onto your day then we recommend you take out travel and trip insurance which will cover any unavoidable cancellations or accidents, especially if you are using public transport or planning on booking accommodation. Check for ‘Trip Cancellation’ cover on your policy.

Question 8

WILL I REQUIRE ANY MAP READING SKILLS?

Accepted Answer

No, our fully qualified Mountain Leader will take this responsibility off your hands. However, if you would like to learn, then do ask our friendly leaders. We also run Mountain Skills Courses which are aimed at people wanting to learn the basics of map reading in the mountains.

Question 9

WHAT CLOTHES SHOULD I WEAR?

Accepted Answer

You can download a full Kit List on our website. Your Climb Snowdon office team are extremely experienced and qualified, and some of us are volunteers on the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, so we love to talk mountains! There may seem like a lot of equipment on the list, but you will be wearing most of it and your food and water will only get lighter as the day goes on.

One of the reasons many people might not enjoy their day (or reach the summit) is due to a lack of advised equipment. There is no need to spend a fortune on new items, ask around friends and family to borrow clothes or try your local charity shops if needed. However, please make sure that you do not wear jeans or any cotton items. When these materials get wet, they stay wet and leave water close to your skin. You’ll get cold up to 25 times quicker in wet clothes compared to dry! Synthetic materials are ideal as they dry much quicker.

Getting cold and wet, not eating enough and not doing anything about these issues, is the main cause of early hypothermia. We can even experience these conditions on a day in August, for example! Our experienced Mountain Leaders will always be managing the well-being and safety of our groups.

We recommend wearing layers of thinner, synthetic or wool fabrics, with the ability to layer over them with a warm fleece and jacket. There’s no point packing ‘extra’ t-shirts or base layers to put on if you get cold, because you won’t want to undress to layer up if you’re feeling chilly. Think about being able to put layers on OVER what you’re already wearing to keep warm.

Question 10

I'M FEELING AXIOUS, WILL I BE OK?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our super experienced Mountain leaders will support you every step of the way. When you book, you’ll receive a link to what we call our event notes. Between that document and these FAQs, we think we’ve covered everything you could possibly need to know for your event. If you think we’ve missed anything then please do let us know.

Our leaders have completed an extensive and recognised course to do their job, they hold a minimum 16-hour emergency first aid certificate no older than 3 years, and they have worked with us under supervision before we let them work by themselves. We know our leaders and trust them to look after you, the most important people in our business.

If you’re still feeling a little nervous, then you’re very welcome to give us a call in the office on 01286 870 870 or fill out our contact us form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Question 11

CAN I DO THIS PREGNANT?

Accepted Answer

There are many benefits to exercising while pregnant, however, the appropriate intensity of exercising while pregnant will vary person to person and long moutain days are very physically challenging. We highly recommend you discuss this with your GP or medical professional and do your own research before you commit to an event with us. Please ensure you let us know that you’re pregnant in your registration form as well as on the day so we can support you in the best way possible.

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Open Welsh 3000s - Single Day Challenge

Open Welsh 3000s - Single Day Challenge

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