The weather on the day was fantastic, clear and sunny, but not too warm. Great conditions for the hike ahead. I was, however, doing this one solo. My four legged companion not able to join me due to the full swing of lambing season in the Black Mountains. I got my boots on, checked in and set off. First stop was Blorenge. Standing at 561m, this would be the second highest climb of the day, yet it was to be undertaken inside the first 3 miles of the challenge. Not a lot of time to get into a rhythm and break the legs in.
This was to prove a tough climb, having to tackle the Blorenge North face, climbing to the left side of the punch bowl. It was very steep and the going underfoot was slippery, but all the walkers were having the same fun. I made it to the summit just past the 1 hour mark of the challenge. I stopped briefly to take a photo and grab a snack then set off West down hill.
On the way down, I found myself walking behind a group from Pontypool. I couldn't help but laugh at some of the banter in the group and started chatting. After that we stayed together for the rest of the walk. I think joining with them actually got me round the course as I think I may have struggled on my own, especially with underlying concerns about the old knees. They were great and I can't thank them enough for letting me join them.
We were making good time and stopped for a food and toilet break. Stomachs full and bladders emptied we then set off for the next checkpoint at Glangrwyney Bridge. A few miles before the checkpoint there was a cake stall, a big one. How could we refuse. Chocolate, Lemon Drizzle, Victoria Sponge, so many to choose from, and with tea and coffee to wash it down with. After a brief stop we carried on towards Glangrwyney Bridge where we filled up with water and I made an essential sock change.
View from the Blorenge, looking towards Sugarloaf on the left and Skirrid Fawr on the right.
View of Sugarloaf summit climbing the plateau.
The next checkpoint was the summit of Sugarloaf, at 596m, our highest point of the day. Although high, the climb was gradual and phased, unlike the all in one steep ascent of Blorenge earlier in the day. Climbing onto the plateau gave an impressive view and close look at the summit. This was the point that the participants on the 3 other routes converged with the Gold Route, creating a pedestrain rush hour. Ascending the peak it was noticeably windy, but the sunny conditions allowed for some fantastic pictures and views of the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons.
Group photo on Sugarloaf.
We'd now climbed 2 out of 3 peaks and covered half the distance for the day. The next checkpoint was The Crown pub at Panygelli. We duly stopped and took on refreshments following our descent from Sugarloaf, and another change of socks for me.
Tearing ourselves away from the delightful confines of the pub, we began the next stretch towards Skirrid Fawr. This was relatively straightforward and easy, crossing field tracks and utilising lanes to reach the checkpoint at the bottom of Skirrid Fawr. At 486m, Skirrid Fawr was the smallest of the days climbs, but by no means easy. The route of the walk meant we had to climb the steep northern face. Although this was a short distance, the climb was very steep and after 15+ miles in the legs it was not looked forward too. The consensus was to get it over with, last climb of the day and all that. It was tough and it hurt, but after what seemed an age we made it to the summit and our last checkpoint before the finish. It was the windiest of the 3 peaks we'd visited that day, no doubt due to the isolated nature of Skirrid Fawr and it's unshielded sides.
View from Skirrid Fawr looking North-West.
Selfie on Skirrid Fawr. A very tired face.
360 degree panoramic from Skirrid Fawr
All that was left to do now was get down off Skirrid Fawr and back to Abergavenny. This was a relatively uneventful stretch of the walk, following roads back to the start point. This provided some relief to the legs, but not to our feet, which were now starting to burn. 45 minutes later we walked into the St Johns Hall to collect our certificates for completing the challenge and our tokens for well earned teas and biscuits. I would like to thank the Pontypool group - Fay, Pip, Lucy, Stacey, Craig, Sam and Emma for letting me tag along with them and making me laugh all the way back.
Hopefully this will raise some money for FOND.
