When it comes to fundraising, there is truly no mountain high enough for HallCraft – and that now includes Mount Snowdon.
Tipping out at 1,085 metres or 3,560 feet above sea level, Snowdon is the highest mountain in England and Wales.
Last Friday, HallCraft director James Hopcraft made it to the summit to raise much-needed funds for the automotive charity Ben.
James wasn’t alone. He joined forces with fellow independent garage owners and automotive professionals as they set out to conquer 13km of rocky paths, steep climbs and the predictably unpredictable British weather.
The Iconic Snowdon
Snowdon— known in Welsh as Yr Wyddfa — is one of the UK’s most iconic peaks. Situated within Eryri National Park, the mountain attracts hundreds of thousands of walkers every year thanks to its dramatic ridgelines, glacial lakes and panoramic summit views.
Last week, let’s just say the views were better at lower levels as the rain and clouds closed in to make this an unforgettable challenge for the team, many, including our James, who were fairly new to such a challenge.
“As we set off from the Midlands at 6 am for a three-hour drive, it appeared perfect. A clear blue sky and maybe even some hopes of sunshine, an opportunity to take in the views everyone talks about,” James explained.
Demanding Route
“I’m told you can see across Wales, England, Ireland, and even as far as the Isle of Man on a clear day. However, the closer we got to the starting point, the clearer it became that it might not be so clear on top as the sky darkened and the inevitable happened. It started to rain.
“Our spirits weren’t to be dampened. Everyone was enthusiastic, and we had the right kit and, more importantly, we were doing this for a terrific course, so we set off heading for the Pyg Track, one of the most popular but demanding routes.”
The Pyg Track is one of Snowdon’s most popular yet demanding routes, which begins at Pen-y-Pass. The trail quickly climbs through rugged mountain terrain, offering spectacular views over Llyn Llydaw and the surrounding Snowdonia landscape.
Snowdon Challenge
It is well known for its steep rocky sections and the constantly changing scenery, and is favoured by experienced walkers seeking to combine the challenge with the natural beauty produced by volcanoes in the Ordovician period, with the main peaks sculpted by glaciation.
“The weather didn’t put us off, we made it to the top of a wet and windy Snowdon after an exciting scramble to the summit,” James added.
“I was with a group of terrific people, and the spirit was high, though it was a real challenge, particularly given the weather.
Miners Path
“I understand there are six main paths to the summit as well as the famous mountain railway, which takes visitors all the way to the top, so when we got there, there were lots of tourists from all over the world, who were certainly not dressed for the weather.
“It’s the first time I’ve done it, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. One of the lads pointed out the famous Crib Goch ridge route, and I will definitely check that out. I was in total awe of the place. Everything about it. We jet off on holidays abroad and sometimes don’t appreciate what is on our doorstep.”
After photos at the summit, the team descended via the Miners’ Path. In contrast to the harsher terrain of the ascent, the Miners’ Path winds alongside tranquil lakes following the historic route once used by miners working in the area’s copper mines during the nineteenth century.
Ben Fundraiser
The combination of the two routes created a memorable circular journey showcasing some of the very best scenery Snowdon has to offer. Ideally, when it’s not cloudy and raining!
For James Hopcraft and the other garage owners taking part, the climb was about far more than reaching the summit.
The event was organised by The Blend 2025/26 to raise awareness and funds for Ben, the charity dedicated to supporting people working in the automotive industry.
Life Changing Support
Ben provides life-changing assistance covering mental health, financial hardship, wellbeing and family support for automotive workers and their loved ones across the UK.
The trek highlights the strong sense of community which exists within the independent motor trade, with competitors and colleagues coming together to support fellow industry professionals facing difficult times.
Through determination, teamwork and a shared commitment to giving back, the group successfully completed one of Britain’s most celebrated mountain walks while helping raise valuable funds for an important cause.
The target for this fundraising effort was to raise £9,000, and you can support James and the team by donating via this link: https://giving.ben.org.uk/pf/theblend-2025
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