BLACK MOUNTAINS ROUNDABOUT

See also the new challenge walks website at www.challengewalks.org.uk

A 25 mile mountain marathon in the Brecon Beacons National park, organised jointly by Brecon Mountain rescue Team and Newport Outdoor group (YHA). (See our section "YHA links" for a link to the Rescue Team's home Web page.)

WALK DATE: SATURDAY 14th April 2012, pre-entry returns closing date 31st March 2012.

THE IDEA. To raise funds for the Brecon Mountain rescue Team by staging a marathon walk taking in the highest points of the Black Mountains of South Wales. To read Sally's account of BMR '98, click here.

ON-LINE NOW AVAILABLE! To do this, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer (a download link is available from our website home page). To get the entry form click here.

THE HISTORY. In 1982, the Brecon Mountain Rescue Team and Newport Outdoor Group came together to organise this magnificent challenge. Since then, the profits have raised over £30,000 for the Rescue Team. We see many familiar and many new faces each year. You are all welcome.

DESCRIPTION. The BMR takes the high road from Crickhowell. Passing Llanbedr, you climb 8 miles of whale back ridge - so very characteristic of the Black Mountains - to reach Waun Fach, the highest point in the range. From here, it is down hill to Pengenffordd , with cold drinks when you arrive. Mynydd Troed is a 1000 ft climb, followed by Mynydd Llangorse, dropping again to lower altitudes and more drinks at Pentre. You have done 20 miles by now and you're about to hit the wall - 1800 ft of it - before you top Pen Allt- Mawr, breeze along the ridge to Pen Cerrig-Catch and down, down all the way back to Crickhowell.

You will need the tea, squash, biscuits and showers provided. You will need to sit down. You may need more tea...and then more tea!

WARNING. The route is 25 miles and involves 6,500 ft of ascent. This is a serious undertaking, particularly in bad, or very hot, weather.

ENTRY FEE: ADULTS ONLY (over 18) £10.00 in advance (£15.00 on the day).

Cheques payable to Newport Outdoor Group (YHA)

Pre-entries MUST be received by 31st March 2012.

Entry and enquiries to:-

Newport Outdoor Group, PO BOX 848, Newport, Gwent. NP20 9JG.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL ENTRIES AND ENQUIRIES ARE TO INCLUDE A SMALL STAMPED ADDRESSED ENVELOPE.