WITH 95 Snowdon hikes already under his belt, Sion Owen — known as hike_addict on Instragram — is aiming to complete five more ascents in one go and hit the summit for the 100th time to raise money for the special school Ysgol Y gogarth which welcomes pupils with a wide spectrum of additional learning needs.

After a 10 year relationship ended in 2019, Sion was in need of a new hobby. With the magnificent mount Snowdon practically located in his back garden, Sion pulled on his walking boots and started to explore Wales’ highest mountain. Soon, he was addicted to hiking and all Snowdon had to offer.

“Snowdon is a 15 minute drive from my front door,” explained father of two, Sion, whose two children attend Ysgol Y gogarth.

“At the time I wasn’t in the best place so I started hiking as something to focus on and to aid my mental health. I needed something I could do on my own, too, and hiking seemed like the perfect hobby.

“The first day I climbed Snowdon the conditions were horrendous, but I loved the challenge and really felt like I’d achieved something. After this first hike, I would go up at least once a week after work. In the summer nothing else can compare; in the evenings I’ve usually got the summit to myself and the views are second to none. I aim to get to the top in under two hours now and I’m constantly looking to improve my own time.”

Sion’s choice of charity is close to his heart.

“Both my children have autism and attend Ysgol Y gogarth; the money will go towards a bike track for the school.”

Sion will be aiming to complete the final five hikes in 24 hours with two friends he’s met through social media, Oliver Broome (first_ultra92) and Peter Harris (Type1_adventurer)

“I was annoying all my friends by posting my hiking pictures on my personal Instagram page, so I created hike_addict,” Sion said. “I was able to connect with those who would appreciate the views and It gave me a place to be. It’s grown from there and I’ve met lots of like minded people along the way. It’s a great space to support each other and connect with those same personalities and characters who are into the same stuff as you.

“I was discussing the hike with the guys and as I can only climb Snowdon for the 100th time once, I wanted to make it special and raise money for a cause close to home,” said Sion.

Sion first started hiking in 2019 and has since become addicted to getting out in the mountains

Hitting the summit five times in one day will require careful planning, and Sion’s team is still deciding on which routes to take to the top.

“We’ll do a variety of paths, including the Watkin Path, the Rangers Path and the Pyg Track, but we haven’t quite confirmed exactly which we’ll take yet.”

Snowdon has become a second home for Sion, who got 43 ascents under his belt during lockdown.

“I have also completed the Crib Goch scramble, the hardest route to the summit of Snowdon. With the help of a mountain leader, I crushed my demons and had the time of my life. I trained hard and was more than ready for it, and now I’ve been out and done it solo a few times. There was no feeling to describe how good it feels to be 100% confident in your own abilities.”

Sion is confident in his fitness levels ahead of his mammoth hike, but he still ensures he’s enjoying long days in the mountains with plenty of uphill hiking hitting multiple summits in one day so he’s as prepared as possible.

“It’s finding a balance between what’s sensible and what’s overdoing it so you prevent injuries,” said Sion. “I’m excited but slightly nervous about the weather, which is hard to predict. I’ve spoken to the team and we’ve set out a few possible days to set off, just in case the conditions are really treacherous.

“We’ll be prepared with new gear and food/water at the bottom of each climb, so this takes some planning.”

KEEP UP WITH SION

Instagram: @hike_addict

Donate: Go Fund Me