Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure amidst the stunning landscapes of the Brecon Beacons? If you’re pondering whether to take on the Helen & Douglas House Brecon Beacons 10 Peaks Challenge, let Rachel, a fellow adventurer who conquered the peaks last year, guide you through seven reasons why this challenge should be on your bucket list:
1. Breathtaking Views
If you’ve been to the Brecon Beacons or Bannau-Brycheiniog before, then you’ll know that this alone is reason enough to visit. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure, then you’re really in for a treat. The views are breath-takingly beautiful and make the challenge of climbing to reach the peaks more than worth it. I’d seen the photos, but they really don’t begin to do it justice. Standing upon Pen y Fan peak at 886m, surrounded by panoramic landscapes and breathing in the fresh Welsh air, will leave you speechless.
2. Team Spirit
Whether you’re thinking of signing up with friends, family or as a solo-trekker, there is an incredible sense of camaraderie that very quickly develops between the whole team taking part. I loved chatting to different people throughout the day and learning about their motivations for doing the challenge. Each time someone was finding things a bit tough, there would always be someone there to lift them up and help them push through. It was a real privilege for me to take part alongside such a lovely and inspiring group of people.
3. Expert Guides
As someone with a poor sense of direction and an inability to read maps, the idea of getting lost somewhere on a mountain filled me with fear! I needn’t have worried though – the guide team clearly know the area inside and out and were in regular communication with each other in case anyone did need any assistance. They helped us keep to a good pace and having the team meet us at various points throughout the day so we could change socks and refill my pockets with sweets was invaluable!
4. Personal Challenge
When I signed up for the 10 Peaks, I was approaching 40 and ready for a personal challenge. For me, this trek encapsulated all the different aspects of a challenge I was looking for. While I wasn’t a complete couch potato when I signed up, I definitely didn’t have the stamina for 36km of rough terrain, so the physical side was something I really had to train for. But it was also the mental challenge. I committed to completing regular training, even when life was busy and it was a struggle to fit it in. I pushed through and didn’t give up when things were tough and through this journey, I learned a lot about myself.
5. Sense of Accomplishment
For me, this was a big commitment and easily one of the toughest things I’ve ever done. Getting to the end and being handed my medal made me immensely proud of myself and what I had achieved. It also gave me a huge confidence boost – after all, if I can do that, then surely, I can do anything?!
6. Escape from Everyday Life
Despite having the best intentions, it can be difficult sometimes to stop and take time for yourself. Knowing I had to train to complete the challenge meant prioritising finding the time to get out and get walking. And being out in the fresh air with no distractions is wonderful! I found I was sleeping better, feeling more energised and being out in nature really helped me clear my mind and put things I was worrying about into perspective.
7. Making a Difference
Finally, and perhaps most importantly for me, was knowing I was doing something positive that would benefit others as well as myself. I was incredibly touched by the sponsorship and messages of support I received in the run up to the event. I surpassed my fundraising target and knowing the difference that money would make to local families of terminally ill children was a huge motivation for me to complete the trek. While walking, I found myself thinking about the challenges that families can find themselves facing every single day. Knowing that the money raised could help these families to get through the toughest of times was a huge incentive.
Ready to embark on your own adventure and make a difference to the lives of local terminally ill children?
Learn more about the Brecon Beacons 10 Peaks Challenge and join Rachel and countless others in an experience that transcends boundaries and leaves a lasting impression on both heart and soul.