A team of determined mothers from Ysgol Y Foel in Cilcain, North Wales, have successfully completed one of Wales's most demanding mountain challenges, finishing the Welsh 3000s in 17 hours and 29 minutes peak-to-peak. Their efforts have raised more than £1,600 for their children's school, with funds designated for new IT equipment.
Challenge details and route
The Mums on the Mountain team began their ascent at 5:30 am on Saturday, June 20, choosing a favourable weather window after heavy rain the previous night. Their first summit was Crib Goch, where slippery rock, low cloud, and poor visibility created a nerve-testing start. However, as the team progressed, the mist lifted and the day turned to blue skies and sunshine, enabling them to push through all 15 peaks.
The Welsh 3000s Challenge requires reaching every mountain in Wales higher than 3,000 feet within 24 hours. The route links three major mountain areas in Eryri (Snowdonia) – the Snowdon massif, the Glyderau, and the Carneddau – covering approximately 29 miles and just under 4,000 metres of ascent. The 15 summits include Crib Goch, Garnedd Ugain, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Elidir Fawr, Y Garn, Glyder Fawr, Glyder Fach, Tryfan, Pen yr Ole Wen, Carnedd Dafydd, Yr Elen, Carnedd Llewelyn, Foel Grach, Carnedd Gwenllian (Garnedd Uchaf), and Foel-fras.
Support and fundraising
The team was supported by two checkpoint crews during the day, allowing them to refuel, replenish water supplies, and keep moving. Careful fuelling and hydration were essential, with the mums eating regularly and drinking several litres of water to maintain energy across the full challenge. While other teams were spotted on the route, the mountains were largely quiet, with wild horses, mountain goats, and birdlife providing memorable moments. The challenge has raised more than £1,600 for Ysgol Y Foel, with donations still coming in. The funds will support new IT equipment for the school, enhancing learning resources for pupils.
Quotes from participants
Jana Nekulova, PTA Chair at Ysgol Y Foel and a member of Mums on the Mountain, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have completed the Welsh 3000s in 17 hours and 29 minutes peak-to-peak. It was a huge physical and mental challenge, especially starting on Crib Goch in slippery conditions and thick mist, but the team kept going and supported each other every step of the way. We wanted to raise money for our children’s school, but also show them that ordinary mums can take on big, ambitious challenges. Knowing the teachers and children were following us on the tracker gave us such a boost, especially on the uphill sections when we really needed it. We hope it inspires the children to be brave, resilient and willing to give things a go. A huge thank you to everyone who donated, followed our progress and cheered us on.”
Mrs O’Neill, Headteacher at Ysgol Y Foel, said: “We are incredibly proud of our parents for completing such an ambitious challenge. Their commitment is a wonderful example of resilience, teamwork and community spirit, and the funds raised will make a real difference to the children’s learning.”
Background and future plans
Mums on the Mountain first formed in 2025, when a group of parents from Ysgol Y Foel completed the National Three Peaks Challenge in under 24 hours and raised more than £2,800 for the school. After taking on Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Yr Wyddfa in 2025, and now the Welsh 3000s in 2026, the team is already plotting next year’s challenge, with bikepacking among the ideas being discussed. Donations can be made via their JustGiving page, and the full route can be viewed on the live tracking map.
