A group of brave cat lovers climbed Wales’ Snowdon mountain in challenging conditions to raise money for cats

The first live fundraising event organised by Cats Protection since September 2020 took place on 21 May, marking the long-awaited return of in-person challenges.

The team of #CatChampions at the top of Snowdon 

Battling against wintry weather from the outset, a group of determined supporters were guided safely up the Watkin path of Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, before descending via the same route.

Cat-loving hiker Llaura Hughes was pleased to be back in the great outdoors and enjoyed having the chance to get together with fellow walkers.

“We had very windy and wet conditions but achieving the distance we did despite the elements, and with a smile on our faces, was a great experience!” said Llaura.

The Snowdon team braving the wet weather

“I felt extremely proud to be doing something to support cats along with like-minded individuals who I would never have met in real life if it wasn't for this challenge.”

Preparations are now underway for our Ben Nevis trek on 23 July, Scafell Pike on 17 September and Slieve Donard which is set to take place on 15 October.

Paul Hannant, who manages our Dereham Adoption Centre, summited Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest peak, last year and raised £566 for the centre.

Paul and the team on top of Slieve Donard

“Slieve Donard is such a pretty hill. It’s rare that you actually get to climb a mountain from sea level – I even paddled in the sea before and after I went up,” Paul explained.

“It was the fourth of the four nation’s highest peaks for me, so was a nice tick on my list!”

Intrepid hikers on the Slieve Donard trek

For those who missed the recent trek up Wales’ highest peak, there’s also the opportunity to join Team Cats to take on Snowdon on 24 September.

All treks are led by an experienced guide so you are free to concentrate on the climb, enjoy the stunning scenery, or think about all the cats you are helping by taking part!

Registration costs just £25 and participants are asked to pledge to raise £150 which will go to help the cats and kittens in our care. Find out more or sign up now.