News: Three Peaks Training Day – The Snowdon Double

Three Peaks Training Day – The Snowdon Double

“A sunny Thursday in May…”

Kate and I left Cilcain at 6 a.m. for Snowdon. Our challenge? Climb Snowdon twice in one day. This was a full-day recce to test different routes, trial gear, and push our fitness and mental stamina. We weren’t racing—this was about strategy, strength, and preparation for our upcoming Three Peaks Challenge in support of Ysgol Y Foel.

We arrived at the Pen Y Pass car park, laced up our boots, and set off at 8 a.m. up the Pyg Track. I was gobbling down a jam sandwich while chatting away with Kate, but quickly realised that eating, walking uphill, and breathing at the same time is quite the challenge! The morning was fresh and misty, with the sun just beginning to break through. The path was quiet, apart from a few early risers already descending from the summit.

We made steady progress and reached the top in a speedy 1 hour 40 minutes. After catching our breath, snacking, and grabbing a drink, we headed down toward the Miners’ Track. It was my first time using trekking poles (borrowed from Sean), and Kate brought hers out too.

As we descended, we chatted about possibly taking a dip in the lake on our second round—if the weather warmed up! The flat section of the Miners’ Track felt like a theme park queue: every corner teased us with the promise of the end, only to reveal another loop.

We reached the car in 3 hours and 14 minutes—superb! After a well-earned 45-minute break with tea, rehydration drinks, and food, we geared up for Round Two.

Back up the Pyg we went! It was still breezy, but the sun had definitely warmed up, especially on the uphill stretch. We kept our poles out for the ascent this time. Along the way, we bumped into people we’d seen earlier—some thought we were lost, others were just confused by our “laps of Snowdon!” We explained we were training for next month’s Ysgol Y Foel Three Peaks Challenge.

The views were stunning—crystal clear, stretching for miles. It was quieter on the track, which made for peaceful climbing. It’ll be a different story on challenge day (a busy Saturday), but that might help distract us from the tired legs!

We reached the summit slightly slower this time and had to queue for that essential summit photo. We took a lovely snap for a young couple from South Africa with their 8-month-old baby—supermum alert!

After refuelling with an overpriced Coca-Cola (and fighting off some very bold seagulls going for our sandwiches and crisps), we descended via the Pyg again—so, no lake dip this time!

The descent was full of laughter and chatting—we felt relaxed, knowing we’d done what we came for. A mountain rescue helicopter hovered and landed on the Miners’ Track below. We’re not sure if it was a training exercise or a real emergency, but it reminded us to always respect the mountain, no matter how familiar the route.

We arrived back at the car feeling exhilarated. We completed the second round in 3 hours and 40 minutes—very respectable! We hiked over 1,600 metres of elevation gain and covered 24 km in a total moving time of 6 hours and 45 minutes. A quick change, and we dashed off to a team planning meeting at the pub.

It was a fantastic training day, and our legs felt strong. Less than six weeks to go now!

If you can, please share our fundraising page far and wide. All funds raised go to Ysgol Y Foel PTA to help purchase new outdoor equipment for our children.

Thank you!