Maria’s Story – Doing Better! – Snowdonia Challenge 2018
It’s a few weeks now since the second Snowdonia Challenge in Betws-y-Coed. Three days where people come from all of the UK and further afield to walk 100km through some of the lesser known areas of Snowdonia National Park.
Yet again this was a fantastic three days and we are so proud of everyone that took part. Whether that’s for their determination to finish, their friendship and support for others, the amount they have fundraised for their favourite cause, or just for being there and doing the very best they could.
It was lovely to meet every single one of them.
A lot was learned from last year. For us it was mainly about the advice we gave out for footwear… and lucky we did as the weather this year was far more suitable to lighter weight walking shoes than heavy walking boots! Those that took part also learned a few lessons on what the event involved and what they needed to do to make it the best adventure possible.
One person’s journey.
You may have met Maria before. She took part in Snowdonia Challenge 2017 and inspired our entire team with her determination and positivity throughout, despite some struggles which she told us a little bit about in Maria’s Story.
Well, on completing the three days in 2017 she tearily told us “I’ll do better next year!”. Well, here is a little bit about her journey this year….
Maria, what made you want to take part in Snowdonia Challenge 2018?
I’m going to take the challenge again next year too with my husband and a friend from my school days that I havent seen since I was 16 because she’s been inspired.
What was different this year?

What did you do to train and prepare?
Who did you take part in the challenge with?

What was your favourite part of the challenge?
The sweets!!! Talk about going back to your childhood. Different sweets at every station that I used to have as a kid. It was quite exciting to see a water station ahead and wondering what was I going to have this time.
Oh and definitely having my husband by my side.
What was the hardest part of the challenge?
What’s your best memory from the weekend?
What advice would you give to someone thinking of taking part next year?
- Do lots of long walks and lots of hill walking with plenty of uphill and downhill.
- Get some good shoes that fit well (get them fitted properly) and wear them in.
- Purchase some Kinesiology tape to protect your feet from friction and help prevent blisters.
- We also have rucksacks that take a 3ltr water bladder, this is great for taking regular sips of water without having to stop.
- Take plenty of snacks with you to munch along the way, its a long way between water stations sometimes and little and often is better than waiting until lunch time and eating a big lunch (which you might not even feel like eating).
- Take time to look around you and take loads of photos, the scenery is a real treat.
- Enjoy the experience.
- Don’t wear 3/4 length leggings if it’s really sunny, you’ll end up with an unfortunate tan line!!!!
Maria and Russell decided to use their challenge to fundraise and raised £685 for Hope House.
If Maria’s journey has inspired you too then why not join us all for Snowdonia Challenge 2019