The summit under the stars. Then savour the sunrise.
Under the cover of darkness, and with the encouragement of your fellow Weldmar supporters, follow the light of your headtorch to the 1,085m summit of Mount Snowdon, Yr Wyddfa. Enjoy the sunrise on your descent! Your endurance and determination will support hospice care in Dorset.
You’ll be joined by qualified local mountain leaders who will share their enthusiasm and advice with you all the way. Each step is worth it as you head ever higher into the mountain’s unique, mythical environment full of drama… enjoy your Snowdon adventure!
Dates: Saturday 20th / Sunday 21st March, 2027
Location: Mount Snowdon, Caernarfon
Distance and elevation: Approximately 14.5km (9 miles), 1,085m
Registration fee: £50 Minimum fundraising target: £400
Suitable for 16+
Everything you need to know
We will be guided along the lesser known but newly improved path from the village of Llanberis, through Bwlch Maesgwm, to join the top half of The Ranger Path. Starting the walk in the small hours of the morning means we arrive at the summit at approximately 6am – meaning that you can enjoy the sunrise and the growing light we we descend!
We’ll return via the Llanberis Path, which will bring us back to the village where we started – and where we can enjoy a celebratory breakfast!
How challenging is it?
The level of difficulty will be ‘challenging’, due to the following factors:
Night Climbing: Climbing Snowdon at night requires a headtorch as the only light source, which can be difficult to manage.
Weather Conditions: Visibility can be limited, impacted by unpredictable weather conditions such as rain showers, hail, and seasonal conditions.
Terrain: The mountain’s rugged terrain and steep sections can be demanding, especially when visibility is low.
How long does it take?
As this is a night-time ascent of Snowdon, and participants will have varying levels of fitness, hiking experience, and confidence on the mountain, we expect the round trip to take approximately 6–8 hours.
The team will walk at a steady pace with regular breaks to ensure everyone can complete the challenge safely and enjoyably.
Trip Itinerary
Evening of Saturday 20th March 2027
3:00pm: Depart from Weldmar Hospicecare and travel to Llanberis (arrive approx 9:00pm – 10:00pm). Make sure to get some rest before your big challenge!
Very early morning on Sunday 21st
1:30am: Arrive at the Padarn Hotel for registration and a pre-event hot drink.
2:00am: Event brief from your Mountain Leader team and kit check at the Padarn Hotel.
2:15am: Latest departure time, walking in silence and no headtorches through residential areas. Once on the Llanberis path the stars will appear, and you’ll start your challenge in earnest.
6:00pm: Arrival at Yr Wyddfa summit to greet the dawn.
6:17pm: Bangor Sunrise.
6:30pm: Depart Snowdon summit, back down Llanberis path in the morning light/Cut off time.
9:30pm: Estimated arrival back at the Padarn Hotel for breakfast.
What is and isn’t included
Included:
- Cotton supporter t shirt
- Return coach travel from hospice in Dorchester to Wales and back
- Support from Mountain Leaders for the duration of the challenge
- Welcome tea and coffee and access to small function room to rest and prepare when we arrive in Wales
- Celebratory Breakfast on completion of our challenge
- Keepsake medal – to commemorate the achievement.
Not included:
- No kit is provided, participants must provide items specified on the Kit List.
- You will be required to provide your own food and drinks for travel in addition to snacks for the hike.
- Participants will need to pay for own meal of choice at service stop.
Food
On departure day, we recommend that you have breakfast and a hearty lunch before we meet at the hospice in Dorchester to board the coach.
Along our way, we have factored in some comfort breaks, with a longer stop planned nearer to Wales for you to have some hot food (your own choice and cost).
We recommend you bring your own pack up of food too, both savoury and sweet. Try to choose complex carbohydrates and whole foods instead of overly sweet items – for example malt loaf, mixed fruit and nuts, cheese and ham, oat cakes, raw fruit bars, dark chocolate, filled wraps, pork pies or sausage rolls.
Ensure you pack separate drinks for the journey both up and back. We will again stop on our return journey at services on route .
For the hike, you would need to carry at least 1.5 litres of water, plus juice and/or hot drink.
To mark the completion of our challenge for Weldmar Hospicecare, we will return to the Padarn Hotel for our Celebratory Breakfast and hot drinks!
Kit List (includes downloadable version)
Make sure you pack according to the list. Remember that layers are the key, allowing you to adjust your temperature more easily. This list is the minimum requirement (not optional). You may be refused participation if your kit is not adequate for the weather conditions.
Equipment
- Rucksack – at least 25 litres
- Rucksack liner (or bin bag) to keep rain out!
- Trekking poles (optional) – highly recommended for tired legs on descent
- Suncream/sunglasses/sun hat
- Mobile phone in sealed plastic bag
- First Aid Kit – personal medicine/blister protection/painkillers/plasters
- Headtorch and spare batteries
Food/Drink
- 2 x 1 litre reusable water bottles (filled with water to start)
- Packed lunch
- Snacks / extra juice drinks
- Plastic bag to take your rubbish home
Clothing
- Base layer or T-shirt (not cotton)
- Walking trousers (not jeans)
- Fleece jacket or top
- Spare warm layer in rucksack
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers (separate to your walking trousers)
- Warm hat
- Warm gloves
Footwear
- Sturdy, comfy walking boots with ankle support
- Comfortable walking socks + spare pair
Leave at accomodation
- A full change of clothes including shoes
- More food and drink
Health & Fitness
To enjoy this event you need to be in good physical condition and able to withstand sustained activity over several hours, including steep ascents and descents.
We recommend you partake in active walking/running/swimming/cycling at least 3 times a week to fully enjoy this challenge.
We will cover rocky and uneven high-level terrain and your muscles and heart need to be used to working hard. Ensure you include any health and medical details on your booking form.
Weather & Safety
Regardless of the time of year, we may experience clouds, rain, wind, sun, and even snow! The temperatures can be much cooler on the mountain tops, so bring layers that you can add and remove easily.
Ensure you have all the required equipment as specified in the Kit List to protect you from unexpected weather conditions.
Your qualified Mountain Leader will carry all necessary group safety equipment. They will also be qualified in Emergency First Aid.
Any further questions? Get in touch
If you have a question that is not answered here, or would like an informal chat about this challenge, please contact fundraisers@weld-hospice.org.uk or call 01305 261800 in office hours.
Clare will be your first point of contact, and leading this exciting new trip.
Registration fee and fundraising
Pay a registration fee of just £50 to commit to a place on this exciting new event, and we’ll ask that you raise a minimum of £400 to support local adults who have a life limiting illness, and their loved ones.
You’ll get full support from our team of fundraisers!
They’ll not only guide you all the way with hints and tips on making sure you’re physically prepared for your challenge, but they’ll also be able to support and encourage you to meet your fundraising target.
Book your place here:
