Welsh Three Peaks Challenge
27th August 2016

After a downgraded attempt of the Challenge on Saturday 20th August (raising money for Kilve Court Residential Center and arranged by Somerset County Council) to a Welsh One Peak Challenge due to strong winds I returned with my family to make a second attempt.  To make it a challenge for our family we decided to walk routes that we had not previously walked together before.  On Friday 26th August we left home at about 9:30pm after James finished work and crossed the bridge into Wales.  We camped overnight in the lay by at the base of Pen Y Fan and started walking at 6:18 the next morning.

We walked up to Pen Y Fan via Corn Du - lovely weather and views unlike our walk the previous week!

We scaled Pen Y Fan and were back at the car in 1 hour and 38 minutes (4.1 miles and 471 m of climb).  After a quick cup of tea we were on the road on the way to Dolgellau and on to the car park at the foot of the Pony Path.  We started to walk up Cadair Idris at 10:53.  We reached the Peak at at 12:23 - lovely views of Barmouth and the LLyn Peninsula on the way up.

We reached the car park at the base of the Pony Path in 2 hours and 53 minutes (5.87 miles and 752 m of climb).  Next stop Snowdon!
We parked up at the base of the Ranger Path and started walking at 3:20.  We experienced some of the local wildlife on the way up!

The summit was in sight for most of the upward climb but it became shrouded in mist just as we approached it.  We reached to summit at 5:29 but did not stay long admiring the views.

A big downhill walk took us back to the car park in 3 hours 51 minutes, reaching our camper by 7.11 pm (8.21 miles and 995 m of climb).

The Welsh Three Peaks Conquered at last in 12 hours 53 minutes.

We then stayed on the shore of LLyn Ogwen with a massive thunder and lightning storm hitting the surrounding mountains in the night before visiting Dave's dad in Whittle-Le-Woods the following day.

Frank's Bridge, Wales
13th - 16th August 2016

Saturday 16th August
Having decided to go away for a few days at the last minute whilst the children were at a Lake District Camp, we managed to find a last minute availability at Cwm-Edw, a fab little cottage in very quiet countryside.  With a balcony, 10 acres of land to explore and the weather forecast looking so good it had to be done!
We drove up the M5 and then around Gloucester,  A quick stop at the Hartpury Bee Shelter on route and a refreshment stop at Kington on the border and we were there!

The location was lovely for Billy - rolling country side with fields and a stream to play in.  The cottage was really well equipped with flowers and fruit on our arrival.  After our evening meal and a short drive, we went for a walk at the Water Break it's Neck waterfall at sunset.

Sunday 14th August 2016
We walked from the cottage today across farmland to Giant's Grave and Little Hill.  A lovely loop but Billy was unfortunately badly attacked by a big dog on a foot bridge along the road from Hundred House :( so it was a quiet evening keeping Bill settled before a visit to the vets the next day.

Monday 15th August
After breakfast on the balcony our first stop was Ddole Road Vets at Llandrindnod Wells.  What a great vets - very helpful and they could fit Billy in for the surgery he required that day.  Even though we didn't have Billy we carried on with the walk we had planned from the Lake to Shaky Bridge which was a lovely walk with fab views over the Cambrian Hills.

We then arrived back to the lake and walked to Rock Park but unfortunately the tea shop at the old spa building was closed on Mondays.  We then picked Bill up from the vets - he still wanted to play in the fields when we got him back to the cottage!

Tuesday 16th August
Home via Cardiff to pick the Children up from camp - to find that James' also had to have stitches to an injury to his arm whilst he was away - a summer of stitches for both the boys!