Snowdonia for Science | Classic Snowdon Climb

Timetable

You will be welcomed at registration by the PCR team, and start meeting other excited walkers and feel that pre-challenge buzz! You will be introduced to your Mountain Leaders for the all-important safety briefing, before getting laces tied and taking a group photo to mark the start of the day ahead. 

Then it’s time to set off into the mountains!

• 07:30 | Arrival and welcome at the registration point
• 08:00 | Challenge begins! You will be out in the hills for around 6-7 hours
• 18:00 | All hikers are likely to be finished by this time
• 18:00 to late | Celebratory after-party with evening buffet and awards

Fitness level

The Classic Snowdon Climb is tough so you'll need an adventurous spirit and an open mind. The more you exercise before the challenge, the more you will get out of the big day.

Guided challenge

You will be accompanied from start to finish by fully qualified Mountain Leaders, who are highly experienced, knowledgeable and entertaining! The leaders will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group, whilst ensuring you have fun on your challenge.

They will be carrying full safety equipment and mountain first aid kits at all times and will be in radio communication throughout. There will be approximately one Mountain Leader per 12 participants for that small-group feel and optimum mountain safety.

Training

This challenge is a great adventure that will have you trekking up and down the highest mountain in Wales at a mighty 1,085 metres, therefore requiring a good level of fitness. The ideal training for this challenge is hill walking or stair-climbing. Most training should be part of an ongoing lifestyle, but if this is not the case then you should begin training at least one month prior to the challenge and gradually build up.

Kit

Remember to train in the clothes, equipment and especially the boots that you will be wearing on the challenge in order to get them worn in.

It is important that you come prepared with the correct kit for this challenge including:

• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof trousers
• Footwear should also be waterproof and most importantly should have good grip (sports trainers are not suitable)
• Warm layers, including a hat and gloves

Event HQ

The Royal Victoria Hotel
Llanberis
Caernarfon
Gwynedd
LL55 4TY
UK

The Royal Victoria Hotel is nestled in the foothills of Snowdonia in the idyllic lakeside village of Llanberis and has been welcoming guests for over one hundred years. The hotel has been the base for the Snowdonia for Science challenge event for many years, offering adventurers comfortable and affordable hospitality for their challenge.

There is plenty of parking available. Parking at the hotel is free for residents but there is also a large car park next door which charges a fee.

Overview

Hiking the highest mountain in Wales and England is a significant and exciting challenge.

• Ascend via the Snowdon Ranger path
• Reach the summit at 1,085 metres
• Descend via the Llanberis path

The route takes you up the valley away from Llanberis, before joining up with the Snowdon Ranger path and hiking to the famous mountain peak itself. From here you will descend via the beautiful Llanberis path to the finish and a warm welcome back at the hotel.

Sustainability summary

• The challenge organisers are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism. On this challenge, in particular, they always liaise with the rangers at the Snowdonia National Park to ensure minimal impact on the local environment.
• Leaders care passionately for the environment and will be keen to talk to you about how you can do your bit to conserve the local area and enhance your experience. Acting responsibly adds to the enjoyment of the challenge.
• Hikers are encouraged to support the local organisations who maintain the excellent footpaths used.
• All participants are encouraged to support local businesses by spending extra time in the local area, booking overnight accommodation or going out for a meal in one of the excellent local pubs after the challenge.

Included

• Your place on a full-day exciting challenge
• Qualified and experienced Mountain Leaders
• Full back-up support including first-aid qualified staff and first-aid supplies
• Risk assessment and emergency management planning
• All the information and support materials you need, including kit list, fact file, Q&As, health notes, travel tips and more
• Fitness training plan and advice
• 15% off Cotswold Outdoor, Snow and Rock, and Runners Need
• Free PCR t-shirt and other charity branded merchandise
• On-to-one support and advice from PCR's expert fundraising team and access to resources and materials throughout
• Drinking water and some snacks
• A glass of bubbles and medal at the finish line
• After-party at the Royal Victoria Hotel
• Opportunity to win the annual fundraising trophy

Not Included

• Travel to/from the event
• Food and drink during the challenge
• Personal hiking gear (boots, clothing etc)
• Travel insurance
• After-party drinks and buffet (at the heavily discounted price of £15 per person)

Why support PCR?

Did you know that prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men?

1 in 8 men in the UK will be diagnosed in their lifetime, and that increases to 1 in 4 for black men. Prostate Cancer Researchis determined to provide a better future than this; what is needed is breakthrough treatments, and research is the only way this hope can be turned into reality. That’s why PCR funds world-class scientists and their pioneering research to fight for the best possible chance and outcomes for men.

Patient focus is crucial. People with prostate cancer are involved every step of the way to ensure your fundraising powers research that is important to them, whilst also spear-heading innovative projects with patients at their heart. For example, it is known that diagnosis is an overwhelming time for many, with important choices to be made and real consequences to understand. That’s why Prostate Cancer Research is launching a brand-new website next year, providing clear and accessible information about treatment options and side effects, based on hundreds of real stories from people who have experienced prostate cancer themselves.

Join this challenge and you'll be supported in your fundraising every step of the way, with an expert team on hand throughout and access to loads of materials and ideas to help.

Together, we can create a world free from the impact of prostate cancer.

14-17 year olds must be accompanied by a responsible adult throughout.

Option 1: Minimum sponsorship

• Registration fee £40
• Fundraising target £350

You will be required to pay the non-refundable registration fee of £40 at the time of booking and raise £350 sponsorship for Prostate Cancer Research.

• At least 80% of the minimum sponsorship (£280.00) must be submitted 4 weeks before the challenge (by 20/05/2023)
• The remaining 20% (£70.00) must be submitted within 4 weeks of completing the challenge (by 15/07/2023).

If you have raised the necessary funds, Prostate Cancer Research will then pay the balance of your expedition costs. The charity benefits by keeping the remaining sponsorship money.

Option 2: Flexi option

• Registration fee £40
• Contribution to challenge costs £100
• Fundraising target £100

You will be required to pay the non-refundable registration fee of £40 at the time of booking, and 3 weeks before departure (27/05/2023) you will be required to pay a second contribution of £100 towards your challenge costs. You will also need to raise a minimum amount of sponsorship, (£100) for Prostate Cancer Research.

• At least 80% of the minimum sponsorship required (£80.00) must be sent to the charity 4 weeks before departure (by 20/05/2023)
• The remaining 20% (£20.00) must be submitted within 4 weeks of completing the challenge (by 15/07/2023).

The charity benefits by keeping every penny of your fundraising.

Entry fees

The walk up and down Snowdon is invigorating and the place is stunning. The sense of achievement is beyond belief and it is a really great way to help eradicate prostate cancer. Jonathan Chorlton, two-time Snowdon challenge participant

The leaders were magnificent. The young Welsh lad had an amazing knowledge of Snowdon and the surroundings. Jon, Gray and Kev

Most enjoyable walk. I thank you for the opportunity to assist in this vital work, getting up from the chair and boring comfort zone into a healthy and challenging experience with my grand daughter.

Its really enjoyable to meet up with old friends and make new ones, especially in such spectacular surroundings. The walking fraternity are always great to be around and the atmosphere at these events is always first rate. John

There was no doubt that this was a truly amazing experience. Every corner had a new view, and another challenge. Getting to the peak was the ultimate, knowing then that the monies raised would truly be safely donated. Lee