News: Blog – Three Peaks Challenge

Kate’s Blog for the Three Peaks.

I was planning a solo Bank Holiday walk, and toying with the idea of climbing Tryfan or the Glyders. But my gut instinct (and some subtle, but kindly hints from teammate Brid) told me that this hike probably wasn’t a great idea to tackle on my own, so I opted for a route closer to home. I’d already walked a section of Offas Dyke Path twice, from Bodfari back to Cilcain, so this time I’d start where I’d finished, and carry on south, to Llandegla.

I set my alarm for an early start, with the aim of getting to Llandegla’s community café in time for coffee (and hopefully cake). However, in my haste to set off, I realised halfway down the lane that I’d forgotten my map! I considered turning back for it, but decided that I felt confident following the (as it turns out, very well-marked) signposts, and had a back-up OS extract on my phone if I needed it. The weather was good too, with sunshine and scattered cloud, and a light wind. I marched on towards my first ascent, Moel Famau.

This historic route is 285km long, spanning the entire length of the Wales/England border. It traverses eight counties, and two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley that we call home. The Iron Age hillforts provide some short but steep climbs, and reward walkers with views across to Eryri (Snowdonia) in the west, and Liverpool and Manchester to the north and east.

As with any journey, there were some lessons learned along the way. I have been practising using walking poles for my recent training, and was especially grateful for them when descending Moel Fenlli. I couldn’t decide if I was grateful that there was no one around to witness my almost-tumble, or concerned that it could have been a while until someone found me! I also encountered a large herd of cows on the other side of the Clwyd Gate, who started to show interest in me as I crossed their field. I gave them a wide berth and celebrated my survival with an energy gel (once I’d climbed the stile, of course)!

Rounding a bend in the path near the end, I was greeted by a very welcome sight, my family walking to meet me. We followed the brook back to the village together, and bundled into the lovely community shop, where we tucked into toasties and coffee (we also bought cake to take home – it would have been rude not to!).

This was a great route to walk, I covered almost 21km (and 930m elevation). One day I’d love to walk the whole path.