A privately guided run challenge on this spectacular route, which takes in some of Snowdonia's finest scenery and industrial heritage.

This is Part 1 - just under half of the SST - and this 39.5 mile day takes you from the North Wales Coast at Bangor, to the village of Croesor, situated in the heart of the National Park.

This 83 mile circular trail contains 14250ft of ascent, and takes in some fantastic mountain and valley level scenery, and allows you to explore the industrial heritage of the slate villages throughout Snowdonia.

You’ll go away with lots of great views and memories - and a completion award. 

The route for Day 1 starts at Porth Penrhyn near Bangor and ends at Bethesda and takes in villages such as Llanllechid, Bethesda, Dinorwig, Llanberis, Waunfawr, Nantlle, Rhyd Ddu, Beddgelert and Croesor.

Day 1 - Bangor to Croesor (39.5 Miles) Start 6.30am at Porth Penrhyn

We are offering a limited number of spaces for this challenge, and will be providing the following, over the course of each day, to make your journey along the trail, as safe, stress free and enjoyable as possible:

Fully Qualified Guides – leading you every step of the way – you’ll have no worries about getting lost, just relax and enjoy your surroundings and the challenge!

Checkpoint support – The day is split into 6 sections – approximately 6-9 miles in length, and at the end of each one we’ll meet you with your spare gear should you wish to change your clothing, first aid provision and lots of food and drink to keep you going!

Transport – If the worst happens and you can’t continue, through injury or fatigue – we’ll take care of getting you back to where you need to be. We’ll also carry any spare clothing/footwear or anything else (within reason!) that you may want at some point during the day. Anything that you feel you may need over the course of the challenge, we'll transport it for you in our vehicle.

We will be averaging around 4mph moving pace – a brisk walking pace for most, with rest stops at each CP, so the emphasis is on keeping going, not speed! Think of walking briskly the climbs, jogging the flat sections and running the descents and you’ll end up with this average pace, or thereabouts. The pace will be dictated by the Run Leaders.

THE ROUTE

Day 1 61.3km/2035m

Bangor to Croesor - Meet 6.15am for a 6.30 start, Beach Road Car Park. Bangor. Postcode LL571DG

Leg 1 - Bangor to Bethesda 10.3km/325m

A nice easy start alongside the Ogwen river...nice and flat as we leave the coast behind on our journey towards the mountains. The going is pretty gentle, with a few hills that aren’t too taxing or steep, and the terrain easy underfoot. An interesting start that will warm you up nicely for greater challenges ahead!

Leg 2 - Bethesda to Llanberis 11.6km/360m

This section sees you climbing up to the village of Mynydd Llandegai, taking in a mixture of minor roads and pleasant riverside paths. Next, we cross the wild moor of Gwaun Gynfi - then easy paths to Parc Padarn, Llanberis and the heart of the Welsh Slate Industry.

Leg 3 - Llanberis to Nantlle 15.6km/580m

Climbing out of Llanberis, a mixture of lanes and tracks takes you over the lower slopes of Moel Eilio and down into Waun Fawr. Then, a lovely section below the towering mountains of Mynydd Mawr and the Nantlle Ridge...and a section through the Nantlle valley with outstanding views to Checkpoint 3 at the village of Nantlle. Toughest leg of the day...but just a couple of short ones to go!

Leg 4 - Nantlle to Rhyd Dudu 8.2km/260m

A relatively easy leg, along the bottom of this beautiful valley - which sees relatively few visitors. A climb towards the end and a section through some forestry has you at Rhyd Ddu village and the final checkpoint, in no time!

Leg 5 - Rhyd Ddu to Croesor 15.6km/510m

With over 50km in the legs, you probably won’t appreciate this toughie if a leg to finish day 1...but it is incredibly beautiful. Waymarked trails and forestry paths beneath the Hebog Ridge, and Beddgelert is reached easily before the climbing begins shortly afterwards and the village of Croesor marks the end of day 1! 

Location