I’ve just had 4 days in the Brecon Beacons assessing a Gold DofE exped for Ascot School. The group were well prepared and ready to depart at 8am in the morning, with clearing forecast for their first day over the eastern side of the Black Mountains. they left the beautiful Llanthony Priory with heavy rucksacks. They headed over Bal-Mawr and Twyn Talycefn, a route which I mostly followed – but couldn’t resist a detour up Lord Herefords Knob. Some great place names in the part of Wales! The weather was absolutely stunning!
Looking out over Wales, during Ascot Schools Gold DofE exped
The second day saw them back up over the western side of the Black Mountains, over Waun Fach before heading down to camp at Cwmdu. I took in a longer run, seeing them at several points, and finishing over the ridge of Pen Allt-mawr, one I’ve not done before but would thoroughly recommend. A spot on day again weather wise!
Checking out the awesome Autumnal colours as we assess the Gold DofE group..
Day 3 of the Gold DofE exped saw more of a valley based day walking through some lovely farmland and forests, canals and rivers, over the beautiful bridge at Llangynidr and over to the edge of the Talybont reservoir…
The final day was a big one, an east to west traverse of the whole Pen y Fan range. The early rain cleared to another stunner! Cold but clear, we had perfect conditions. I ran across to spot the group and explored some of the quitter cwms in the area, and met up with them every so often. Summits visited included Fan y Big, Cribyn, Pen y Fan and Corn Du. I met the group for handshakes and photos on the summit of Pen y Fan, the views were as spectacular as I’ve ever seen them up there, so the students were treated! A successful Gold DofE exped, with lots of memorable moments, and hopefully one which inspires the students to get out in to the hills again!
Stunning views over the Brecon Beacons during the Gold DofE exped
The team on their Gold DofE exped nearing the summit of Pen y Fan