Wales YFC News

For my year as County Chair, I decided to set myself a challenge to raise funds for 3 charities that provide vital services for members of our community in times of need. These charities were Cancer Research UK, The Samaritans and SANDS.

Last Autumn planning began. I had to think to myself what sort of challenge would suit me. Now running was most definitely out of the question to start with and so was cycling as I am not much of a Bradley Wiggins, even though I did play him in a one plus many years ago on drama week. This narrowed it down and I decided to go with a walking challenge but it needed to be big and bold to make it a proper challenge in my mind and what could be bigger and bolder than walking the length of a country over 7 days, that country being Wales. This wasn’t just the length of Brecknock, ohh no that would be too easy. So over the autumn training started, I say training, a few walks to blow the cobwebs out before settling back down for winter and then try and fit six months’ worth of training into the same amount of weeks.

Soon enough the week was upon us. On the evening of Monday 14^th April, we packed our bags and headed up to Llandudno, the starting point for our week. Full of anticipation and energy at that point, we were ready and rearing to go. Tuesday morning came around and we started. Just 2 of us headed out from Llandudno seafront with 24 miles ahead of us that day and over 100 miles throughout the week.

We headed into the Snowdonia hills full of enthusiasm but this was short lived. Blisters came almost instantaneously; 4 seasons were seen in one day and 24 miles took it’s toll.

Day 2 took us from Pentrefoelas to Bala. Unfortunately this day was cut short due to the weather. After 2 large climbs, strong wind, heavy rain and freezing temperatures, we called it a day after 12 miles. After speaking with some locals, it sounds like this was definitely the best decision as the second half of that day could well have had been harder than the first.

Day 3 brought us back into Powys. Starting at the top of Montgomery just outside of Dinas Mawddwy, we headed south through the valley towards Llanbrynmair and eventually staylittle. The sun had come out that day and made it a little more bearable with the 14 mile trek and a 4 mile steep climb to finish the day.

Unfortunately at the start of day 4 my walking partner got sick so had to pull out. He had managed the first 3 days and between us we got through it but we had to insist that he stayed home for this one. Luckily we had fresh legs joining us for the day. Thanks to Sharon and Bryony for getting me through the first half of the day from Llanidloes to Newbridge, even though we got soaked through within 5 minutes of the start. Unfortunately as we came into Rhayader, I pulled a muscle in my leg and could not walk any further, fear not though as super Meg turned up to save the day and carry one to Newbridge as a trio and get the miles completed for the day.

Day 5 was the home leg of the challenge. We started off in Newbridge and made our way down towards Builth. Was great to see members not just from Brecknock but also Radnor taking part. Following Builth we climbed towards the Epynt taking on refreshments at the Noyadd before taking on tumbledown and Cwm Owen. Unfortunately, the injuries sustained the day before were still playing up and would unfortunately do so for the rest of the challenge, but still I made it 16 of the 21 miles, so was very happy. I wasn’t nearly as quick as the fresh few who joined in Builth, but we ploughed on and made it to see another day.

The penultimate day saw us conquer the beacons and leave Powys. There was a point where I didn’t think that I would be able to complete this day as injury already sustained was playing up quite a bit, but a phone call later with Baden and we came up with a solution. A shorter day, starting further up the Gap Road and not taking on Pen Y Fan was the way forward. The sun came out to surprise us as we travelled through the Gap and down the other side. It was all downhill from here.

The last day was heading to Cardiff at a fair pace. We were well under the original target but hitting 100 miles personally in the week and 116 as a group was a massive achievement. Massive thank you goes out to those who joined on the final day, not just from within county but members of Gelligaer YFC, who didn’t have to join but did so to provide support as we made our way through Glamorgan. My legs had given up with 5 miles to go and without everyone’s support that day I’d probably still be stuck in Cardiff. This challenge could not have been completed without the support of other walkers throughout the week as well as my parents who provided vital food and drink. I really can’t thank everyone enough.

Thank you to everyone that donated to the challenge. Every penny is going to the 3 charities equally and I’m sure it will all be put to great use. To donate, please click on the following link: https://www.justgiving.com/team/brecknockchairschallenge2025?utm_medium=TE&utm_source=CL&fbclid=IwY2xjawJtsG1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHhDSvEBD9onKeWvy9oZPse2JSHYQ2-ycitzbk7R0e73G8xsoPx-XrZDCMpXE_aem_D_TQZbWnvLJCCdTNt4BTpg