Brecons Training Weekend

I’ve never been to Wales, so the thought of a weekend away to somewhere new was very appealing. I knew that we would be going to walk, do some “serious training” and to get an idea of what we would face on the real “challenge” in July.

Due to various reasons (the ash cloud being one of them) there were only 4 of us able to go to the Brecons. Julia and I sat in the back of the car, chatting, taking in the scenery and looking forward to the Costa stop we were promised on the way! The landscape changed dramatically as we entered Wales; conversation in the car seemed to stop and we pointed and raised eyebrows at the various hills we saw.

Our accommodation for the weekend was a “bunkhouse” – typically suited to larger groups (slept up to 20) so we had plenty of room for just the 4 of us. It was basic, but at the end of the day all we needed was somewhere to eat and sleep.

After dumping our bags and grabbing a quick sandwich, we headed off for the first walk of the weekend. After a couple of false starts when the beeping of the “sat nav” didn’t agree with Caroline’s map – we set off. Caroline and Rachel striding ahead like true professionals, and Julia and I still trying to get to grips with our walking poles!

Gentle rolling hills and a babbling brook were quickly replaced by sharp inclines and we were reduced to practically crawling up on our hands a knees to join a path (Caroline said it was a shortcut)! I was pleased that we weren’t going to climb to the top of the first mountain – but walk the path half way up – what a result!! Well – in a word NO. The path was very narrow and with an almost sheer drop in places I soon discovered I am terrified of heights !! Not a good start.

But I must admit when you are up there – the view is amazing and what a sense of achievement. That first walk got us to the top of the highest peak in the Brecons – Pen Y Fan. In all just over 6 miles – back to the bunk house for a shower, food and lots of sleep!!

Day 2 – well this was what we were here for. A circular route taking in the main peaks – Corn Du, Pen Y Fan (yes we did it again), Cribyn and Fan Y Big. Once again Caroline managed to find the most challenging route up the side of the mountain – no path in sight until we got to the top. Reminder to Caroline – DO NOT attempt to take a photo of me whilst on hands and knees up the side of a mountain – I need all my concentration and I definitely can’t look up!

The day consisted of walking round a horseshoe shaped ridge – climbing and dropping back down again during the course of the day. Stopping for coffee and lunch to restock the energy levels. The weather was amazingly good – clear and lots of sunshine, but very windy. I found the best way to tackle my fear of heights is to just to put my head down and climb. Only stop when you get to the top on a very large plateau and then just admire the view.

The route was over 13 miles in total (we were told it was going to be 12!) – the sight of the car at the end was a truly welcome sight. Back to the bunk house for another shower, more food and a glass of bubbles to celebrate our achievement.

I hope I am now a little more prepared for July. I must admit I really had no idea what I was in for when I accepted the challenge. Yes I can walk 17 miles – but this is not just walking. We had aches where we didn’t even know we had muscles!

So here’s to the challenge - wish us luck.