A Walking Challenge
Yet another victim of this dreaded coronavirus is the wonderful Black Dragon Challenge. We had people staying in our self-catering cottages and also B&B in our Manor House… What a disappointment for everyone.
But just in case you missed it – they will be running it again, with the wonderful Brecon Mountain Rescue, in 2021.
The Challenge Route
The route for the Black Dragon Challenge takes the high road out of Crickhowell. Passing beside Llanbedr, you climb the 8 miles of whale-back ridge, which is such a characteristic of the Black Mountains and then you achieve Waun Fach, which is the highest point in the range. From here it’s lovely downhill to Pengenfford, where cold drinks will be waiting for you. Off you go again and Mynydd Troed is a climb of 1,000 ft, followed by Mynydd Llangorse, and then you drop again to lower altitudes and more welcome cold drinks at Pentre. By now you’ve done 20 miles and you’re about to hit the wall – 1,800 ft of it – before you top Pen Allt-Mawr. Then you can breeze along the ridge to Pen Cerrig-Calch, and finally it’s down, down all the way back to Crickhowell for well-earned drinks and refreshments.
Actually you have 3 options of varying length along the route:-
The Ridge Route is 19 miles and no refreshments
The Standard Route laid out above is 26 miles
The Endurance Leg (!) is 30 miles
Please remember that no dogs are allowed on this event as it coincides with the lambing season.
Most importantly, safety is an absolute priority and so there are some reasonable rules you have to adhere to:-
You must be over 18
You must have proper mountain kit and there will be a kit check at the start
You have to check in and out
If you want to leave having not completed, you must do so at a check point.
All sensible stuff to ensure you have a fantastic time and come home safe!
Hope to see you all here next year.
