Welsh 3000 advice

HI,

I'm new to these boards and would like some advice.

I will be in Snowdonia for a few days in the middle of May and intend to do the Welsh 3000 Challange solo, hopefully in a time of around 15hrs or so.

My initial idea was to stay at the YHA Pen Y Pass then go up Grib Coch for the early start. Ive done the ridge a few times and been up to the summit in the dark to watch the sunrise, so I am comfortable with the route.... but it seems the YHA's is fully booked that week... so that leaves me the camping option. I know people camp on Snowdon summit but since I am doing this solo with no support, I would have to carry too much equipment putting that option out the window. That leaves me with 2 options that I can think of. 1. Camp at Llanberis at LLwyn Celyn Bach and go up the Llanberis Path to start at Snowdon, or 2. Camp at Nant Peris / Gwastadnant, walk up the road to Pen Y Pass then up to Grib Goch.

 I will be leaving my car at Abergwyngregy, so getting back is not a problem

Any advice on pro's and cons with these options?

Many Thanks

Thanks Matt C, I didn't think of that. I'll check that out but I have a funny feeling that it might also be booked up as there are a few events happening the weeknds either side.

Weevil - I will go halfway down the Llanberis path then cut right straight to Nant Peris. I have to admit I am not went this route before but its seems a popular route with other 3000ers.

Rab, are you meaning the descent from Clogwyn Station down Cwm Glas Bach?

It's a good route, steep at the top section but it eases and makes a nice direct descent to Gwastadnant. It's important not to drop right from the Llanberis path too soon or you end up on steep ground with broken crags. Leave the Llanberis path just before Clogwyn station where it swings left through an underpass under the railway line. Nip around the fence that's steering you into the underpass and go another 20 or 30 m along the ridge and you'll pick up the signs of the worn path down into Cwm Glas Bach. It improves andbecomes more distinct after the initial section.

That's the one Matt,

 Your info is a bit more than what I had previously read so that will come in useful. Thanks again

Weevil -  Thanks for the suggestion. I did think of that as I have went those ways before but with doing it at night I would prefer a nice obvious path so I don't need to worry too much about navigating in the dark.

hmmmm...... that might just be the thing Kelvin. I hadn't though of talking to the campsite the day before and arranging to drop off my tent..... I will definately consider that.... cheers.  I should be ok for food and fitness as I've done a few multi-mountain hikes and marathons. With you doing it several times, do you find it easier to do Snowdon or Grib Coch 1st?

Very good point Kelvin about the noisey 3 peakers....... even if they are celebrating a bit prematurely since its not complete until they reach the bottom. (I never had the pleasure of celebrating that as it took me 24hrs30mins)

Thanks for the info Ron.... it looks like I should consider more with the Bivvi options.

One other question..... I am only used to crossing the CG ridge from East to West and over the pinnacles. I have read the is a path south of the 3rd Pinnacle used by trail runners. Is this easier? I never noticed it on my walks... but then I never looked for it before. Is it easy to spot?