It’s been 5 years since Team TVG have taken on an iconic physical challenge for charity, so in our 65th year it’s time to take on something mighty! In August 2019 we completed the UK’s National 3 Peaks Challenge, raising over £4600 for Trinity Palliative Care. In 2024, members of TVG and a few of our amazing tour operator partners will be heading out into Snowdonia’s mountains in a bid to raise funds for Reuben’s Retreat.
The Charity
Reuben’s Retreat is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting families facing the heart-wrenching experience of child bereavement or caring for a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening illness. Founded in memory of Nicola and Michael Graham’s son, Reuben Michael Graham, who tragically passed away in 2012, the charity provides a haven where affected families can access emotional and practical support. Nestled in the serene Peak District, Reuben’s Retreat offers counselling, support groups, activity and therapy days, and respite breaks within a loving and nurturing environment. Their mission extends beyond immediate grief support, aiming to rebuild family lives and support siblings, with a focus on love, compassion, and understanding. The charity is a testament to the enduring love of a family for their child and their desire to help others in similar situations.
The Challenge
23rd – 25th June 2024 • Yr Wyddfa (Mt Snowdon) to Tryfan to Foel Fras • 24 hours • 26.5 miles • Over 3000m of ascent
The Welsh 3000s Challenge is an adventurous and demanding mountain trek in Wales. It entails summiting all 15 (17 unofficially) peaks over 3,000 feet in Snowdonia within 24 hours. The total walking distance is about 30 miles, from Pen y Pass to Bwlch y Ddeufaen, with a significant elevation gain. The team will be tested to their limits on endurance, physicality and tenacity.
The challenge begins by hiking up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest peak in Wales, and wild camping for the night of 23rd June 2024. This eliminates around 3 miles of the full route, meaning that the team can begin with fairly fresh legs. At first light, on 24th June, the team will touch Yr Wyddfa’s summit and then head off on their epic route across the Snowdon range, starting with the terrifying and notorious knife-edge ridge (and grade 1 scramble) of Crib Goch. They’ll trek on to the rugged terrain of the Glyder range, heading up Bristly Ridge and onto iconic Tryfan. From there the team will drop down to Llyn Ogwen to grab supplies and head up into the Carnedds for the finish 20km push to the final peak of Foel Fras, and then down to meet their support team at Bwlch y Ddeufaen.
The team will aim to complete the challenge within 24 hours, although weather conditions can be unpredictable, which may add to the challenge.
How Does This Compare To Other Challenges?
Yorkshire Three Peaks – Approximately 39km with 1500m of ascent over 3 mountains – Can be completed in an average of 9 hours.
UK National Three Peaks – Approximately 35km with around 2800m of ascent over 3 mountains – Adding to the challenge is timing it with traffic to complete it in 24 hours, as there is around 4 hours of driving between each peak.
Welsh 3000s – Approximately 43km with over 3000m of ascent over 3 mountain ranges and 15-17 peaks – The challenge is to complete within 24 hours, and there is no transport between ranges.
How You Can Support The Team
The team attempting the challenge will be Jess Clayton, Layna McMoran, Jenny Jones, and Lisa Ramsay. Joining them will be Stacey Kirkpatrick from Reuben’s Retreat; Jenny Wade of Explora Journeys, Carrie Grant from Intrepid Travel, Danielle Radford from Celestyal, and Robin Griffiths from APT. Shannon Coulding, from Reuben’s Retreat, will drive the all-important support vehicle.
We are fundraising on JustGiving, and we would be massively grateful for any donations!
