The Crickhowell Walking Festival 27th Feb. – 6th March 2016

The Crickhowell Walking Festival has been running for nine years and is one of the most well organised festivals of it kind in the UK (if we are to believe what our customers say). I have been involved most years as a walk leader and enjoy walking with new people, although many of those walking with me come back year after year.

Reaching the summit of Corn Du, Brecon Beacons

Reaching the summit of Corn Du, Brecon Beacons

This year I led the eastern section of the Beacons Way from west to east, a distance of 49 miles of mountainous country spread over four days. Last year I did it from east to west. It is always a gambol organising a festival such as this with the unpredictability of the Welsh weather but we have always been lucky with only the odd inclement day. This year has been no exception, although the days never turned out a badly as the forecasters predicted. I don’t know whether it is health and safety, the “Nanny State” or the haunting fear of not predicting the 1987 hurricane, but we are issued with so many weather warnings relating to heavy rain, freezing temperatures, snow, high pollen counts, rising UV levels, it is lucky that we dare venture out of our houses at all.

Standing firm in the strong winds on Crug Mawr

Standing firm in the strong winds on Crug Mawr

As a result, on my third day of walking I had seven people not show up because of what the forecasters had said. Yes, it was windy. Yes we did have some squally snow showers. Yes, it was cold if you stood still for long enough, but it was wonderful to feel the elements, the wind on you face, trying its best to knock you sideways off the path, the flakes of snow driven hard into your face like needles into a pin cushion. What is wrong with that? It is part of the rich tapestry of experiences that make life worth living. As I pointed out to my diminished group of walkers, any discomfort that we experience will only last a few hours, a discomfort that will turn into cherished experience as we sup a warming cup of tea or a refreshingly well-deserved beer at the end.

Glorious spring scenery in the Black Mountains

Glorious spring scenery in the Black Mountains

In the four days that I was walking you could not have asked for a more diverse range of conditions from one day to the next. The so-called “severe” day was bracketed with two days of sporadic Spring-like sunshine, warm enough to enjoy a relaxing lunch stop.

In addition to the 92 walks, which cater for all abilities with distances ranging from 2 – 19 miles, from flat valleys walks to multi ascents and descents, there are a number of events to help visitors appreciate the area more, to teach them how to take themselves off into the hills with confidence, and to entertain. The star attraction this year was Kenton Cool, eleven times summiteer of Everest, including the ‘Everest Three Peaks’ in one climb (Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse). Wow!

It really is an excellent festival that involves everybody in the town and brings in visitors at what would be a normally quiet time of year. Why not try it for yourself next year – February 26th – March 5th 2017!

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