Mountain Moon Walk sees many giant steps taken in support of St David’s Hospice Care
A piper played as charity walkers began their Moon Walk ascent of Pen Y Fan and was again at the top to celebrate their achievement with Calon Lân at the summit.
The walk, which started in daylight and ended in moonlit darkness and in aid of St David’s Hospice Care, attracted some 650 walkers to tackle south Wales’ tallest peak at 886m (2, 907ft).
The event was supported by Basepoint Chepstow as part of the ongoing partnership with the charity that is currently in its third successful year. Basepoint Chepstow manager Ian Mitchell, said: “We’re delighted to have been offered the chance to support this marvellous event giving people the opportunity to climb mystical Pen Y Fan at night in the height of summer under the expert supervision of Brecon Mountain Rescue.”
Walkers gathered at Pont ar Daf car park, on the A70 between Brecon and Merthyr Tydfil, before undergoing a kit check by Brecon Mountain Rescue who also helped to marshal the event.
Sally Morris, St David’s Hospice Care community/events fundraiser, said: “This is the second time we’ve arranged a moonlight walk at Pen Y Fan. This year was even more successful than last. A powerful image is of people streaming down off the mountain in a line of head torches and glow sticks which made a wonderful sight. Walkers were both exhilarated and exhausted on their return and asking where they could sign up for next year.”
“We are indebted to the Brecon Mountain Rescue Team for their support for our event. They are a highly trained, dedicated team of volunteers, who have sophisticated tracking equipment. Their presence allows us to run this event with confidence, in the knowledge that any emergency would be dealt with swiftly and professionally.”