The best of Wales in trail running
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationEurope / Wales
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions71.49 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
In North Wales, Snowdonia National Park offers a unique Celtic-inspired landscape: impressive waterfalls, jagged ridges, mythical peaks, and perched lakes create an exceptional adventure playground. Over six days, we'll hike and run 133 km with 8,300 m of elevation gain , with stages ranging from 7 to 30 km , designed for trail runners with regular training. A challenging yet accessible trek, ideal for fully experiencing the spirit of trail running in the heart of the Welsh wilderness.
You will traverse the striking panoramas of the Nantlle Ridges , reach the iconic summit of Snowdon , discover the mineral atmospheres of Cwm Idwal and the Devil's Kitchen , before concluding the adventure on the ridgelines of Carnedd Dafydd and Carnedd Llewelyn , overlooking superb glacial lakes.
The highlights
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A legendary 133km route with 8300m of elevation gain
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Discovering the most beautiful places in Wales, Snowdonia Park
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From peak to peak, in the heart of the Welsh mountains: an adventure abroad
Photos
Sport
Level
Trail running
In figures
Trail and road running
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 18 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1050 m
Management
French
English
A trail running specialist to guide you and help you progress, at your own pace.
Program
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Arrival in Bangor & first warm-up (7 km — 300 m D+)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 1h30
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival at Bangor station in the mid-afternoon. After a short presentation of the trip, those who wish can participate in a "warm-up" outing to Aber Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Wales.
The trail climbs a verdant valley, allowing you to discover the area's unique Celtic atmosphere from the very first day. Check into your accommodation and enjoy dinner at your leisure in the town of Bangor.
Day 1 -
Caernarfon Castle & Nantlle Ridges (22 km — 1,100 m D+)
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 150km
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 22 km
- Positive elevation gain 1100 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Next stop: the famous Caernarfon Castle , a medieval fortress listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A short but inspiring stop before moving into a completely different world: the Nantlle Ridges , one of the most beautiful routes in Snowdonia.
The day alternates between gradual climbs, panoramic views over the Welsh valleys, and ridge sections where progress is steady. A great introduction to understanding the local terrain. Overnight stay at Pen-y-Pass, at the foot of Snowdon.
Day 2 -
Ascent of Mount Snowdon (18 km — 1,200 m D+)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 1200 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Next up is the iconic summit of Wales: Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) . The ascent takes place on well-marked but sustained paths, with increasingly clear views as you gain altitude.
At the summit, the view is exceptional in clear weather.
In the afternoon, an optional loop allows you to explore the foothills of the mountain range for those who wish to add a little distance. The day can be adapted to suit your fitness level and preferences.
Day 3 -
Cwm Idwal & Devil's Kitchen (20 km — 1,500 m D+)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 1500 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
High-mountain atmosphere today. We enter the natural amphitheater of Cwm Idwal , a spectacular glacial cirque surrounded by dark walls. The route then leads to the famous Devil's Kitchen , a rocky and mineral passage that truly gives the impression of entering a mythological setting.
After the outing, quiet time, then a short, friendly conference on preparing for the trail running/outdoor season: effort management, equipment, recovery, etc.
Day 4 -
Craig Wen and Gleision (20 km — 1,100 D+)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 1100 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A wilder day in the heart of the Welsh countryside. The trails wind between low moors, small peaks and rocky areas.
Craig Wen and the Gleision ridges offer an unobstructed view across the entire Capel Curig valley, an iconic area of Snowdonia.
A varied stage combining rolling sections, more technical parts, and sweeping panoramas. Overnight stay in Betws-y-Coed , a charming village surrounded by forests and rivers.
Day 5 -
Carnedd Dafydd and Llewelyn (16 km — 1,100 D+)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 1100 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Last day, and not the least. We explore the Carneddau massif, an immense territory of wide and wild ridges.
The route reaches two major summits: Carnedd Dafydd then Carnedd Llewelyn , with a plunging view over several glacial lakes – Llyn Ogwen , Ffynnon Lloer , Llugwy .
A final air crossing, perfect for ending the stay on a high note.
Return to Bangor in the early afternoon and end of the stay around 1:30 pm.
Day 6
Note
The mileage and elevation gain mentioned are only indicative. The guides may need to modify this program, particularly depending on weather conditions, the physical and technical level of the participants, or any other unforeseen event.
Accommodation
A variety of accommodations in the heart of Snowdonia
Access
Go to the starting point
Bangor station (North Wales) is well connected to the main cities of the United Kingdom. It is regularly served from London Euston , Manchester , Liverpool or Birmingham , sometimes with a change at Chester or Crewe .
From France, the easiest route is to take the Eurostar from Paris Gare du Nord to London St Pancras (approximately 2 hours 20 minutes). London Euston station is then easily reached on foot or by subway (approximately 10 minutes). From there, direct trains or trains with one change will take you to Bangor in 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours .
-> Recommended route: Paris → London St Pancras → London Euston → Bangor.
If you are arriving by air, the most convenient airports are Manchester (MAN) and Liverpool (LPL) . Both are well connected to the rail network, and the train journey to Bangor takes 2 to 3 hours .
For those arriving by car, Bangor is accessible via the A55 motorway, which runs along the north coast of Wales. Several free and paid car parks are available in town, particularly around the train station. Carpooling among participants can also be arranged to facilitate arrival.
Price details
The price includes
- supervision by a mountain guide specializing in trail running
- The incredible landscapes of Wales, a must-see for any trail runner.
- Accommodation and meals, from the morning of the second day of the internship until midday on the last day of the internship
- your transport and the transport of your luggage during your stay
The price does not include
- your first evening meal
- drinks and personal expenses
- your race snacks: cereal bars etc.
- cancellation and repatriation insurance
- your transportation to the meeting point and from the end-of-internship location
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Clothing to bring
Things to plan for the day
- A trail running backpack from 5 to 20 L
- A water bladder or water bottles on your pack (1.5 L minimum, 2.5 L recommended), to be adjusted on the morning of departure according to the weather and your needs
- A waterproof jacket (essential)
- A warm long-sleeved top
- Tights or long trousers in the bag
- Shoes and socks suitable for trail running
- A pair of sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm.
- A plastic bag for waste
- Your race snacks: bars, dried fruit...
- A little cash and your bank card
- A hat and thin gloves
- A survival blanket
Things to plan for your stay
- A change of clothes for the duration of the internship
- A toiletry bag and a towel
- Spare trail running shoes (especially for trips longer than 3 days)
- Your trail running poles (if you have them)
- An outfit for after the race
- A pocket knife
- Earplugs or earplugs
- A headlamp
- For multi-day trips, your luggage for the entire trip must fit in a single bag weighing no more than 15 kg.
