Across Wales Walk

Saturday 24th June 2006 saw the re-introduction of the Across Wales Walk. This was a highly enjoyable day which involved walking 45 miles, which as the name suggests was more or less the width of Wales. Walkers gathered in Newtown at 2am, many of whom probably wondering why they weren’t staggering home in an inebriated state like those on their way home from a night out Newtown’s Crystals Nightclub.

Despite waiting on a bus, which was elongated by a loud pop (apparently coming from the suspension), we were driven to Glandyfi and had started our walk at 4am. I was accompanied by my eldest brother (Happy Birthday Brian I’ve entered you in a 45 mile walk!) and three other friends.

From left: JQ, Ian, Brian, Kean, Barry

As the day wore on we were increasingly grateful that we had managed to drag ourselves out of the local pub at around 10pm in order to get a couple of hours shut eye before the big walk.

It was still dark for the first hour or so. That along with a distinct lack of insect repellent led to what could only be viewed by the resident midge population as Christmas come early. The first hour also saw us tackle a steep incline, which was an accurate indication of the remainder of the course. We followed Glyndwr’s Way as far as Trefeglwys, where after 16 miles we stopped for a long awaited cooked breakfast. Another much appreciated feature of Trefeglwys was the presence of toilet facilities. Shy I’m not, but there are occasions when a tree just isn’t up to the task. Anyway, refreshed and satisfied we continued on our way. Unfortunately, after breakfast there was little to motivate us other than the thought of a night out on the lash in Newtown once we’d completed the walk.

After 26 miles we stopped in Llandinam where we provided with a great lunch, as well as some much appreciated foot care from St John’s Ambulance. Much appreciated guys and apologies for what may well have been the smelliest feet known to man. With only 19 miles left to walk on our tired legs and blistered feet, we ascended another tremendous hill.

My dinner at Devil’s Elbow was accompanied by a couple of Ibuprofen to soothe my aching legs. We then walked a further 10 miles before finishing in Kerry at 7:45pm (after 15h45m!). Despite the pain and hard work we all agreed that it had been an enjoyable experience that we will probably repeat next year. However, woe betide the next person who says “Only half a mile to go and it’s all down hill from here!” In the last mile and a half of the course we were told this no less than three times, each followed by a steep incline. Grrr!

Thanks very much to everyone involved with organising or helping out – it was a fantastic event. And thanks very much to Barry’s mum for meeting us at various locations with whatever supplies we may have required. If you’re free next April there may be an opening on my personal support team. If anyone else is interested I haven’t had any applications for the ‘Manky Foot Masseuse’ position yet.

This was without a doubt the hardest physical challenge I have attempted to date. It is a small relief to know that this is not too dissimilar to the longest section of the MdS. Whether I could’ve done another hundred miles in the same week I very much doubt. Still, that’s what training is for...