Coronavirus may have called a temporary halt to walkers climbing Mount Snowdon, but it can’t stop our incredible supporters rising to the virtual challenge - and we'd love you to join us too!

Eighty four intrepid climbers had already signed up to take part in our first Snowdon Sunrise Trek which was due to take place on Saturday 4^th July. The plan was to climb Wales’ highest peak and watch the sunrise together over the surrounding countryside.

Our fundraising team leader, Sarah Ritchie, explained that unfortunately the current restrictions on travel and social distancing means this year’s event has had to be cancelled.

“We have so many fantastic supporters who have already signed up for the event that we didn’t want to leave them without an alternative,” she said.

“So instead we are inviting everyone to join us for a Virtual Snowdon Stair Climb, by climbing to the height of Snowdon by using their own stairs at home."

Expert advice

Sarah wanted to make sure the challenge was as realistic as possible, so called in the experts at the Plas y Brenin National Outdoor Centre in Snowdonia to work out the details. They calculated that climbing Snowdon from the Pen-y-Pass car park is the equivalent of climbing 4,610 average stairs!

“The challenge can, of course, be done in your own time, but we are also encouraging everyone to consider doing it in the early hours of Saturday 4^th July when we would originally have been climbing the mountain,” adds Sarah.

“To create a real team spirit we have an event page on social media for the climb and are encouraging people to post photos of themselves climbing their stairs. We will also live stream a Snowdon sunrise for everyone who is with us.”

It costs £20 to register for the Virtual Snowdon Stair Climb and, because of generous sponsors petplace, every penny of the registration fee and any additional sponsorship will go directly towards helping to provide vital care and support to terminally ill local children.

Every entrant will receive a bespoke Snowdonia slate medal, a Snowdon Stair Climb 2020 water bottle and a £5 discount voucher for the 2021 Snowdon Sunrise Trek.

If you'd like to join in the fun, help local children and have a lock down experience to remember sign up today.

Sarah is pictured preparing for the ascent with her son Ollie