Having registered at Crickhowell High School, we set off at the 8am start time. A little bit unnecessary I felt, seeing as those who had registered when registration opened at 7am were then hanging around instead of making progress in the cooler conditions.
The first 5 miles was a gradual climb up to the summit of Crug Mawr, half on road and half footpath. the going was relatively straightforward and the cool conditions were well received. We made the summit of Crug Mawr in 90 minutes. Not bad going I thought!
On the climb upto Crug Mawr
Looking across to Table Mountain and Pen Cerrig-calch. To be tackled in the last 5 miles
Having made the checkpoint at Crug Mawr, the next checkpoint was 5 miles north along the ridge to Waun Fach. Along the way we'd take in the peaks of Pen Twyn Mawr and Pen Y Gadair Fawr. The going was a bit tougher underfoot. The ground was cut up and boggy in places, but we still felt like we were making good time. That said we were seeing noticeably less people than in the first 5 miles.
After waht seemed like an eternity, we finally reached the checkpoint at Waun Fach. We stopped to have a quick lunch before the descent to Pengenffordd. Anyone who has been to the summit of Waun Fach will tell you its a barren, awful place. It has been restored and managed in recent years, removing the need to bog hop from grass tuft to grass tuft, although the crater from where the Trig Point used to be still remains.
We took to the new footpath off Waun Fach, heading via Pen Trumau instead of Y Grib. This would save us about half a mile in distance and be and easier descent.
About halfway down to Pengenffordd it became noticeably warmer. We were out of the breeze and could now feel the sun that had been beating down on us the entire time. It was unbearable and couldn't have come at a worse time.
The highest points in the Black Mountains, Waun Fach and Pen Y Gadair Fawr
Looking South from Pen Trumau
We arrived at Pengenffordd hot, red and sweaty. I was out of water so was glad to be able to refill. It was then we were informed we had 2 hours to make the next 3 checkpoints. That was a kick in the proverbial! The first 2 were atop the peaks of Mynydd Troed and Mynydd Llangorse!!
Having filled up with water, we made hastily for Mynydd Troed. Then it happened. I hit the wall at the worst possible time. Halfway into the climb up Mynydd Troed's northern ridge. It wasn't a tough or long climb, but having already banked 14 miles on my legs under the heat of the sun I was out of energy. My heart rate soared to 180bpm as I struggled my way, step-by-step, up the ridge. All the time Faye was encouraging me, moving ahead to keep me motivated.
After what seemed like hours (but was less than 30 minutes) we reached the Trig Point marked with red welsh dragons. That left 90 minutes to make it to the summit of Mynydd Llangorse and then the road checkpoint at Pentre.
I was having a realisation. We weren't going to make it (well I wasn't). I was spent, my legs were heavy and felt empty, and I could feel the sun burn on my neck (how I forgot to put lotion on there of all places I'll never know) and the heat of the day had got me. I talked options with Faye. Even if we did by some chance make it in time, we still would have to climb Pen Allt-Mawr inside the last 5 miles and I didn't have the energy in me. The guy on the checkpoint mentioned that we could make a decision at the bottom of the saddle between Mynydd Troed and Mynydd Llangorse as the road the checkpoint was on ran right through our path.
We set off down hill and it was steep. I was struggling to control my legs and locked my knees out on a few occasions. This was one challenge walk that lived up to its name as a 'challenge'. Upon making the road I was honest with Faye. I was not going to make it up and down again in the time needed, and I wasn't going to attempt it and risk putting myself in difficulty. Faye agreed. We'd given it a good shot, but the Black Dragon had beaten us, me for a second time. We turned left along the road and set off on the final 2 miles of our day towards the checkpoint and a lift home.
View from Mynydd Troed over Llangors Lake and towards Pen Y Fan
Upon reaching the checkpoint, I was surprised by how many people had dropped out. The heat had obviously caught a lot of people out, and thankfully people made honest decisions to remove themselves from trouble, me included.
After 18 miles and 4,000ft of ascent, Faye and I were pleased to take a seat in the shade and wait for a lift. It had been a good effort, but a challenge much tougher than any I have undertaken. I may not have completed the challenge, I may never, but I did exhaust myself trying, and still managed 18 miles towards my 1000 mile target.
