Meet the UK’s Toughest 24-Hour Hiking Challenge… and Our Team Tackling it
We love a challenge. And if it raises funds for the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation? Well, count us in.
To prove it, a team of elite trekkers from the Exodus office is taking on the Welsh 3000s Challenge this summer, said to be the toughest 24-hour hike in the UK.
It’ll be a test of fortitude, attitude, and stamina, all with the aim of raising £2,500 for the foundation.
What is the Welsh 3000s?
It’s a strenuous test of body and mind. To complete it, our team must summit all 15 peaks over 3,000ft in Wales… in the space of 24 hours.
They’ll cover approximately 29mi on foot, ascending roughly 14,000ft – equivalent to scaling the Empire State Building ten times.
If that’s not hard enough, they’ll also be tackling rocky terrain and scrambling across the ‘knife-edge’ ridge of Crib Goch.
Meet the Team Taking it On
Name: Danny Bell, Walking & Trekking Programme Expert
Years with Exodus: 11
Favourite adventure: The Alpine beauty of the Tour du Mont Blanc carries a special place in my heart
Top hiking tip: Look after your feet – a good foot cream works wonders for me at the end of the day
Name: Vaughan Sheward, Customer Operations Team Leader
Years with Exodus: 4
Favourite adventure: Cycling the Lake District of Chile and Argentina
Top hiking tip: Walk in comfortable, reliable footwear and pack extra socks in case it rains
Name: Elliott Brown, Customer Operations Executive
Years with Exodus: 4
Favourite adventure: Kilimanjaro Climb Rongai Route
Top hiking tip: On Kilimanjaro, they say “pole, pole” (slowly, slowly). It’s not about how fast you get there – make sure to have fun on the way!
Name: Lewis Salt, Tour Leader Manager
Years with Exodus: 2
Favourite adventure: Classic Dolomites Hikes – Premium Adventure
Top hiking tip: Start slowly, then stop after the first 15 minutes to let your heart rate settle, adjust your equipment, and check you have everything!
About the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation
The Exodus Foundation turns adventure into meaningful impact, supporting grassroots projects across the world that help both people and nature thrive in harmony.
From protecting endangered primates in Vietnam to empowering female entrepreneurs in the High Himalaya, it works hand in hand with local communities to create lasting change in the places we explore.
Every penny they raise goes directly to these vital initiatives – so if you’d like to support the team, click below and help make a difference to communities around the world.
How to Choose a Hiking Trip That Challenges You… Not Breaks You
No matter your fitness levels, Exodus has a hiking adventure to challenge you.
Whether you do it for charity, personal glory, or you’re working up to something bigger, picking an adventure that pushes you – but doesn’t break you – will show you just how much you can really achieve!
Here, Walking & Trekking Programme Expert, Danny Bell, answers the key questions you need to consider when choosing your next hiking adventure.
What makes a hiking trail challenging?
Steep elevation gain, technical terrain, high altitudes, extreme weather, and longer distances will test most people. But the truth is: challenges are personal. So, what makes a hiking trail actually challenging is your own fitness levels and abilities. Some find a flat coastal walk tricky, others can scale a mountain with no problems.
How can I safely push myself on a hiking trip?
It’s good to get out of your comfort zone but it’s also important to know your limits. Therefore, training hikes before the trip are key. They provide an unpressured environment to test your fitness levels and abilities. Once you get to your hiking trip, you’ll know exactly how to safely push yourself.
What should I consider before choosing a hike?
Ask yourself: Will I be comfortable trekking these distances and ascents, day after day? If not, are you confident you can train yourself up to the required level in time for the trip? Sometimes, booking an adventure well in advance is a good idea, as it gives you sufficient time to prepare.
How do I choose the right hike for my fitness level?
Most small-group adventure operators like Exodus will provide an overall difficulty level of the trip (in our case the Activity Level), so you should have a good understanding of the fitness levels needed. Also make sure you carefully read the daily distances, ascents, and descents for your chosen hike and are confident you can complete these.
How do I know if a hike is too difficult for me?
It can be hard to perfectly replicate a hike’s conditions when you live in a different environment. So that’s why, wherever possible, you should test yourself against similar distances and elevations. That at least gives you an indication of whether you’re up to the challenge.
How can I enjoy a challenging hike without burning out?
Fuel and hydration are key, so make sure you have high-energy snacks, plus energy gels if needed. Also consider your water intake. Do you need to carry enough water for the whole hike or will there be places to fill up along the way?
Should I attempt ‘bucket list’ hikes as a beginner?
Some of the traditional ‘bucket list’ hikes, such as the hike to Everest Base Camp, can be more demanding, so it is important you train correctly for these. Build up the miles in your legs and get comfortable over longer distances. The more comfortable you are, the more fun you will have.
How can I progress to more challenging hikes?
Get training! It’s all about getting your body fit enough for more demanding challenges. I love training when I have a goal, so I recommend targeting an adventure you can’t currently manage. Then, build up your fitness until you can get there.
