Weekend: Sea to Summit Snowdon

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1 Snowdon United Kingdom 1,085m

2 Trek and cycle beautiful Welsh landscape in our Weekend Sea 2 Summit Snowdon Challenge. Escape the everyday cycling 40km through Snowdonia National Park, before summiting Wales highest peak. Everything s organised professionally with an expert leader guiding you all the way. You just have to be reasonably fit and open to adventure. After a pick up from Llandudno Junction train station, you ll spend a relaxed Saturday evening in the walled medieval town of Conwy for an event briefing and a chance to get to know the team. Sunday morning, the challenge starts at Conwy Castle cycling alongside the tidal Conwy River and into Snowdonia s heart. The roads are quiet and weave through amazing Welsh countryside to the foot of Snowdon. Here, you ll stop for a rest and a packed lunch with the National Park as your backdrop. Refueled, you ll swap bikes for hiking boots to climb Snowdon. The 3-hour, 820m ascent trek begins on the main path to Pen Y Pass then joins the Miners Path, zig zagging up to Bwlch Glas before reaching the summit.for stunning views across the North Wales coastline. Descent via the Pyg Track ends with a deserved glass of bubbly at the finish line. This is an affordable, accessible weekend designed to expand horizons and leave you emotionally refreshed for Monday.

3 Snowdon United Kingdom 1,085m Physical - P2 Prolonged walking over varied terrain. There may be uphills and downhills, so a good solid fitness is required. Expect to be able to do a 6 to 8 hour walk over undulating terrain with a few punchy uphill climbs carrying a pack up to 6kg in weight. Technical - T1 No technical skills are needed. A good steady walking ability only is required. Please note that the grading system used is a rough guide only.

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5 ITINERARY DAY 1 : Saturday Evening Arrive early evening in the medieval and walled market town of Conwy where you will stay overnight after receiving a full event briefing and the chance to meet your team of leaders and support crew. A pick-up service is available from Llandudno Junction train station on request. DAY 2 : Sunday Our challenge begins today at the Conwy Castle. You will be cycling in teams with your very own dedicated and qualified cycling leader, You will leave the coast and pedal alongside the tidal Conwy River heading into the heart of Snowdonia. Cycling along quiet and undulating country roads you will experience the amazing scenery of the Welsh countryside leading you the way to the foot of Snowdon. (Cycling distance 40km) On arrival at the base of Snowdon you will have the chance to enjoy a packed lunch with the back drop of the National Park. From here you will swap your bikes for your hiking boots to start the ascent of Snowdon Your trek begins on the main path to Pen Y Pass, where you will then join the Miners Path.The path then zigzags up to Bwlch Glas giving some iconic views of Snowdon before reaching the summit. The trek to the summit will take approximately 3 hours and involves 820 metres of ascent. On summiting you will have the chance to enjoy the breath taking views of Snowdonia National Park and the North Wales Coastline. You will then descend via the Pyg Track which will take approximately 2.5 hours. You will be greeted at the finish line with a well-deserved celebratory glass of bubbly. On completion of your challenge you will be transferred back to Conwy. (Walking 5.5hrs)

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7 KIT LIST Bags & Packs Base layer Rucksack 15-25L rucksack with a good waist belt. To carry your own spare clothing, water, camera, and all your personal kit including, snacks and water and a whistle for safety provisions This is the layer closest to the skin and its principal function is to draw (wick) moisture and sweat away from the skin. You can also get thermal base layers for use at higher altitudes that provide an additional insulative layer while still drawing sweat during times of high exertion Kit bag Lower Body Preferably a soft duffle bag for clean clothes Waterproof trousers Dry stuffsacks Waterproof trousers can be of lighter weight than the top A waterproof dry bag or equivalent to keep phone, camera etc Trekking trousers These tend to be polyester so they dry quickly after a shower and weigh little in your pack. Consider perhaps a pair with detachable lower legs as an alternative to shorts Headwear Warm headgear This can be a warm hat, beanie, balaclava, anything to reduce the heat loss from your head Upper Body Fleece Jacket or Wind stopper A full zip version is easier to put on and has better ventilation than a pull over style Cycling shorts 3 pairs or better still 1 pair for each day of riding as washing is difficult at hotels. Spend more to get more padding so you can sit easy at night! Feet Socks Waterproof jacket Change of socks Breathable waterproof jacket that has a good hood Gloves A pair of thin liner gloves you can keep on the whole time if you need to Walking boots Well broken in boots/walking shoes, suggest boots in preference over shoes/fell trainers as with tiredness comes weak ankles. Also walking in dark doesn t afford good foot placement

8 KIT LIST Cycling shoes and over shoes Medications Assuming you have cleat pedals, otherwise trainers or similar Personal first aid kit Technical Equipment Bike (available to borrow from 360) Please bring paracetamol, brufen, some plasters/compeed etc for your feet to help prevent blisters, antiseptic cream/ointment/wipes, rehydration salts (ie. dioralyte) and anti-histamines Bring your own bike if you are intent on not hiring one of ours Personal medication Helmet Keep this in your daypack Don t forget your cycling helmet! Misceallaneous Hydration Camera Water bottles / bladder Bring plenty of spare batteries and memory cards 2 litres of water in bladder or bottles Head torch Toiletries Bring spare batteries Wet wipes biking Snacks Useful for degreasing your hands after putting your chain back on or after lunch Bring snacks/energy food for your entire challenge Alcohol gel Trekking poles Alcohol gel must be used diligently at all times to help avoid any sickness being shared within the group These tend to be a personal preference but help with your stability and can dampen the pressure on the knees coming down hill Nappy sacks Ear plugs For waste and rubbish. We pride ourselves in leaving no trace while travelling, so please ensure you carry all your rubbish with you including toilet tissues and dispose of it appropriately where rubbish bins are provided For protection against the inevitable snorers! Bike lights Bring spare batteries

9 KIT LIST Contact lenses / glasses Contact lens wearers should consider bringing glasses, as the dry air and dust plus the difficulty with cleaning, can cause problems with using contact lenses Documentation Travel insurance Copy of own travel insurance details. And relevant contact numbers. We have a partnership with True Traveller and would recommend that you contact them when looking for travel insurance for your trip with 360. However, it is vital that you ensure that the insurance cover they offer is suitable for you, taking your personal circumstances (items to be insured, cancellation cover, medical history) into account. Many other insurance providers are available and we do recommend that you shop around to get the best cover for you on the expedition you are undertaking. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance for your intended trip. To include medical evacuation and coverage up to the maximum altitude of this trip.

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11 FAQ'S Food and Water Health and Safety What food and drinks are included? What happens if I fall ill, can t keep up or there is an emergency? At lunch time you will stop and have a light yet energy filled picnic. Dinner and breakfast will be either at the hostel. Water and snacks will be provided throughout. Please let us know prior to departure if you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies. Accommodation What is the accommodation like? On arrival in Conwy we will be staying in hostel style accommodation. We can offer up grades on request, subject to availability at an additional cost. The mountain leaders well trained and experienced and managing situations on the hill should they need to get outside assistance for example mountain rescue they all carry mobile phones and also radios for communication with the minibus drivers. The mountain leader will always keep the group together for maximum safety on each peak and set a sensible pace for all to achieve this challenge. However if your struggling you must be honest with yourself and the leader remember the top of the mountain is only halfway! Any tips to remember whilst trekking? Here are a few tips to remember while trekking: Hydration is important. Drink plenty of water Eat plenty to keep energy Trekking poles are a great way to support the knees and provide stability Honesty, if you are feeling unwell at any point please let someone know, we want to make sure everyone remains fit and healthy whilst trekking.

12 FAQ'S Kit What about other equipment/clothing? What advice can you give on bikes? You will need to bring your own helmet so that the fit will be perfect. You will not be allowed to ride unless you wear a helmet. We recommend you bring your own gloves too. They are an essential piece of kit that will relieve strain and abrasions in the event of a fall. You must also bring your own padded cycle shorts and stiff soled sports shoes are recommended if you are not wearing SPDs. Please refer to the kit list for more details. We strongly recommend that you ride a road or hybrid bike, rather than a mountain bike, for this challenge due to the distance involved plus the route is along on well-surfaced roads. It s important that you ride the bike you have been training on so you are used to it. Although training in the gym is useful, there is no substitute for getting out in all weather conditions and getting to know your bike including the range of your gears. Bikes can be hired for a cost which includes a helmet. The Challenge What are the group sizes? What type of footwear should I be wearing? The choice of walking footwear is incredibly important and should not be decided on price alone. The terrain is uneven and can be very rough so it is vital that you use a pair of strong canvas or leather boots with good ankle support, not trekking trainers, for your challenge. Not only the boots but the socks that you wear are also very important and it is worth investing in some good pairs of socks that do not blister. Wearing your boots and socks during your training period on and off the hills will inform you of whether they are suitable for the challenge. Trainers are ideal for cycling. Our maximum size group is 40 with a minimum of 10 people per group. Who will be leading the group? We employ experienced and fully qualified mountain and cycle leaders to accompany and lead you. They are First Aid trained and have extensive experience in leading in the mountains. They will be ultimately responsible for your safety during the challenge. They will be carrying full safety equipment and mountain first aid kits with them.

13 FAQ'S What if I have problems with my bike? How many breaks will be taken during the trek and for how long? Our support vehicles will carry a range of spares along with a full tool kit. However, it is impossible for us to carry spares for every eventuality so it is vital that you check your own bike is in good working order before departure. It is a condition of travel that you supply your own helmet and wear it at all times while cycling, with the straps done up! The timing of breaks is quite liberal and there will be scheduled breaks for 5 minutes, the exact times and places of your breaks will very much depend on the weather and the wellbeing of your group. When ascending and descending in order to maintain a healthy and steady pace. What information can you give on the trek? The Weather The trekking section of the challenge will take place on Snowdon it s a steady climb to the summit taking around 3 hours, followed by the descent taking around 2.5 hours to Pen Y Pass. The trek will be led by qualified local mountain leaders. What is the weather likely to be like? How fit do I need to be? The mountain weather in the U.K. can be very changeable, it can be glorious sunshine down at the base but be wet and windy on the summit. It is not uncommon for it to change from clear blues skies to rain and fog in moments. It is important to follow the advice we give and carry the correct kit (please see kit list). Training and a good level of fitness is definitely required. This is a tough challenge! As much preparation and training you put in beforehand the better chance of success you have.

14 FAQ'S Insurance Training Do I need special insurance for this challenge? Any tips on training? You must carry individual travel insurance to take part in the challenge. We cannot take you on the mountain without proof of insurance. The ideal training for the Sea 2 Summit Challenge is getting out there and actually training on your bike or in the hills walking. However, if you do not have the luxury of living in the hills or time to go out, then the stairs at home (or an office block of flats with lots of stairs) are a great place to start training. Remember to use the walking boots that you will be walking in after the first month of training to get them worn in. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance for your intended trip. To include medical evacuation and coverage up to the maximum altitude of this trip. Your insurance details are requested on the booking form, however this can be arranged at a later date. 360 Expeditions will be requesting your insurance details 8 weeks before your departure. If you have never cycled before, this ride is still achievable with the correct ride preparation. Start at least 3 months ahead of the ride with some short distances at weekends and whenever you can during the week. 5-10miles is not a great distance and will help your bottom and legs get used to it all. By 3 months prior to departure, you should be able to take on some long rides, up to 30-40miles in a day, and if you live in a flat area it is well worth getting out and finding some hills. If you cannot maintain a steady average speed of 9 miles per hour you are unlikely to be able to complete the cycling.

15 FAQ'S General What do you do to protect the environment? We limit the impact we have on the surrounding environment by remaining on the paths at all times so as not to cause further erosion on the mountain. We will ensure that all rubbish is disposed of responsibly and take all rubbish away with us.

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17 TRAINING PROGRAM To begin 6 months prior to the expedition where possible. MONTH 1 OPT 1 1. CVS: Cardiovascular exercise which is low impact such as swimming, cycling, cross trainer, rowing. 2. Weekend walk should be done over undulating terrain. Only a light rucksack needs to be carried. 3. For specific exercises it is worth doing static squats and heel raises on a regular basis to improve leg muscles prior to the trip. Static squats are especially useful to help protect the knees. Please remember that it is still important to have a well balanced workout using a variety of muscle groups. 4. It is worth winding down and resting in the week leading up to the trip, doing several light walks to keep things going. 5. When walking going at a pace of a brisk walk with a light sweat and enough to feel breathless is recommended 2 x 30 mins weekday walk 1 x 1 hour weekend walk 1 x 10 mins CVS 6. It is important you seek medical advice prior to starting any training program, especially if you are not used to regular physical exertion All the best with your training. 1 x 30 mins weekday walk 2 x 1 hour weekend walk 1 x 10 mins CVS MONTH 2 OPT 1 2 x 45 mins weekday walk 1 x 2 hours weekend walk 2 x 10 mins CVS OPT 2 1 x 45 mins weekday walk 2 x 2 hours weekend walk 2 x 10 mins CVS MONTH 3 OPT 1 2 x 45 mins weekday walk 1 x 2 hours weekend walk 2 x 10 mins CVS OPT 2 1 x 45 mins weekday walk 2 x 2 hours weekend walk 2 x 10 mins CVS MONTH 4 OPT 1 6. During the program, rather than step up suddenly each month (example, going for 3 one hour walks each week during the weekdays in April to 3 one and half hour walks suddenly in May) it is better to build up gradually each week so there isn't a large transition (example, going for 3 one hour walks during week 1 in April, going for 3 one hour and ten minute walks during week 2 in April, going for 3 one hour and fifteen minute walks during week 3 in April, going for 3 one hour and twenty minute walks during week 4 in April) OPT 2 3 x 1 hour weekday walk 1 x 4 hours weekend walk 3 x 15 mins CVS OPT 2 2 x 1 hour weekday walk 2 x 4 hours weekend walk 3 x 15 mins CVS MONTH 5 OPT 1 OPT 2 3 x 1.5 hours weekday walk 1 x 5 hours weekend walk 3 x mins CVS 2 x 1.5 hours weekday walk 2 x 5 hours weekend walk 3 x mins CVS MONTH 6 OPT 1 3 x 2 hours weekday walk 1 x 6 hours weekend walk 3 x 30 mins CVS OPT 2 2 x 3 hours weekday walk 2 x 6 hours weekend walk 3 x 30 mins CVS

18 Why 360? 1. Experience: We employ sought-after leaders. We know remarkable individuals make or break expeditions. 360 leaders pack huge enthusiasm, true expertise & dedication on every expedition. It s not uncommon to find yourself trekking Kilimanjaro with an Everest summiteer as your guide. 2. Standards: They re high. From office to support in country to supplying fresh tasty food (very important!) Value for money is key. You get what you pay for, and so does the crew. All our Sherpas, porters, cooks, even four legged team members, are treated & paid fairly. Powered by TCPDF ( +44(0) Organisation: Out in the field & out of your comfort zone, emotionally & physically, you need total support. Our meticulous office staff have wide field experience & ensure everything s covered for a seamless experience: detailed information prior to departure, practical tuition when out, gathering feedback on return. Absolute attention to detail means we re ready for all eventualities. Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty & well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out & loudly proclaiming Wow! What a Ride! 360-expeditions.com