Last time we went up Pen Y Fan in 2016 we had the epic route to ourselves and were baffled as to why so many people were at the top; we'd seen six people maximum on our way up and there we were drinking coffee and eating crème eggs with one hundred others.
One of our specialities is doing our research after the fact and it turns out we'd taken a hard but beautiful route, described as strenuous up an old drovers route and along narrow ridges. We spent the night in Bridgend (the glamour) and being too weak to move did some googling, apparently there is what they call "The Motorway" which explains it all, or at least all the other people.
We (George) have decided that we can't count previous climbs so (in line with challenge) we decided to walk up Pen Y Fan again on the day of the royal wedding because everyone will be watching the telly.
Hello all of South Wales. Although happily The George Inn in Brecon easily accommodated us for a delicious character building breakfast before our ascent, 1515 calories, or thereabouts. We didn't quite go the wrong way up a one way street but it was close, regular fans will know why I mention this.
Having battled every other car in Brecknockshire we found somewhere to park and set to with our best foot forward.
Let me tell you the easy route up Pen Y Fan is not easy. We didn't do the Motorway but up a hill on a footpath on the west side of the Storey Arms, down a hill, ford a stream, up a bigger hill, do the vertical ascent up Corn Ddu (I like over dramatisation), down again and up to the top of Pen Y Fan. By which time according to my Fitbit we'd burnt 2300 cals (that'll be a woohoo from me).
We relaxed in the sun, how lovely it all was. Even the presence of one hundred other people can't spoil the best views in South Wales. Although you can hear chitter chatter you can't hear traffic and it's a good climb so pats on the back are to be had.
I admit to some over dramatic lying down and waiting for the universe to bend on the way up (See Thoughts of a dying atheist) and a fit of pique when we had to walk down to walk back up. I'm a practical person and undulations do not float my boat.
Much discussion was to be had regarding the four higher county tops. Years ago I nearly died walking down Snowdon. I thought I would have to call Mountain Rescue. My legs had to be placed in to the car. It was three weeks before I regained my full mobility.
Having nailed Pen Y fan one felt the descent would be a piece of piss as they say. Please see earlier info re Snowdon. I have decided that I don't care how we get up Snowdon but we are catching the train down.
It was a lovely day and a lovely walk. I will never have to go up Pen Y Fan again which brings me joy as a non hill walker.
We watched highlights of the royal wedding whilst eating a hearty tea and it was emotional and happy.
I've said it before and I will say it again; when the sun is out you will never find a lovelier place than the British Isles no matter what you are doing.
I rest my case.
One of our specialities is doing our research after the fact and it turns out we'd taken a hard but beautiful route, described as strenuous up an old drovers route and along narrow ridges. We spent the night in Bridgend (the glamour) and being too weak to move did some googling, apparently there is what they call "The Motorway" which explains it all, or at least all the other people.
We (George) have decided that we can't count previous climbs so (in line with challenge) we decided to walk up Pen Y Fan again on the day of the royal wedding because everyone will be watching the telly.
Hello all of South Wales. Although happily The George Inn in Brecon easily accommodated us for a delicious character building breakfast before our ascent, 1515 calories, or thereabouts. We didn't quite go the wrong way up a one way street but it was close, regular fans will know why I mention this.
Having battled every other car in Brecknockshire we found somewhere to park and set to with our best foot forward. Let me tell you the easy route up Pen Y Fan is not easy. We didn't do the Motorway but up a hill on a footpath on the west side of the Storey Arms, down a hill, ford a stream, up a bigger hill, do the vertical ascent up Corn Ddu (I like over dramatisation), down again and up to the top of Pen Y Fan. By which time according to my Fitbit we'd burnt 2300 cals (that'll be a woohoo from me).
We relaxed in the sun, how lovely it all was. Even the presence of one hundred other people can't spoil the best views in South Wales. Although you can hear chitter chatter you can't hear traffic and it's a good climb so pats on the back are to be had.
I admit to some over dramatic lying down and waiting for the universe to bend on the way up (See Thoughts of a dying atheist) and a fit of pique when we had to walk down to walk back up. I'm a practical person and undulations do not float my boat.
Much discussion was to be had regarding the four higher county tops. Years ago I nearly died walking down Snowdon. I thought I would have to call Mountain Rescue. My legs had to be placed in to the car. It was three weeks before I regained my full mobility.
Having nailed Pen Y fan one felt the descent would be a piece of piss as they say. Please see earlier info re Snowdon. I have decided that I don't care how we get up Snowdon but we are catching the train down.
It was a lovely day and a lovely walk. I will never have to go up Pen Y Fan again which brings me joy as a non hill walker.
We watched highlights of the royal wedding whilst eating a hearty tea and it was emotional and happy.
I've said it before and I will say it again; when the sun is out you will never find a lovelier place than the British Isles no matter what you are doing.
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