Early Spring in the Black Mountains
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Join Outdoorlads for hiking in the incredible Black Mountains. Early spring in this region should present us with brisk sun, daffodils, newborn sheep and possibly a bit of snow!
Our accommodation for the weekend will be a basic but comfortable bunkhouse with a large lounge (wood-burning stove with logs included), full kitchen and comfortable bedrooms.
The weekend plans are:
- Friday - plan on arriving after 16:00, find a bed, and get settled in. Dinner will be a "Build Your Own" Taco Bar with all the fixings!
- Saturday - after a nice cooked breakfast we will head into the Brecon Beacons National Park for a hike.
- Potential routes may include this 12km Dragon's Back Circular, with a maximum elevation of 810m; or we will attempt to Tame the Dragon on this 15.5km hike, along much of the same trails as the Dragon's Back route. For those interested in a shorter route, this 7km Mynydd Troed Circular reaches a maximum elevation of 608m, along a relatively level route. All three routes leave right from the hostel.
- For the cyclists among us, the Lon Las Cymru train is less than a 20 minute ride from the hostel; the Talgarth - Gospel Pass loop starts right outside the hostel.
- Dinner is of course included and will be determined later.
- Sunday - breakfast will be a leisurely affair, as there is no hurry to depart. We will all pitch in for the usual "hostel clean-up" and can leave at any time.
Please note that the bunk beds do not have ladders, so a bit of agility may be required. Additionally, no bedding is provided so you will need to bring everything, including a bottom sheet for a standard sized single bed.
Please bring along whatever drinks and snacks you would like for the weekend; however please note that no food should be kept in the bedrooms, unless it is in a cooler. There is a small Co-op in Talgarth (8 minute drive) or in Crickhowell (15 minute drive).
Fur-babies are welcome at an additional cost of £10 per night; please email support@outdoorlads.com to book and note that no more than 2 dogs are allowed.
OutdoorLads Foundation
Fancy coming along but having a difficult time of it (for whatever reason), and/or finding it hard to justify the expense? Apply for a place on this event through the OutdoorLads Foundation! Nobody apart from staff members will know and we don't need lots of financial info from you either. To apply through the Foundation, you'll need to complete a very short form, which can be found along with more information here.
Photos: Photos provided www.unsplash.com and used by OutdoorLads with full permission.
What to bring
You will need to bring your own bedding (sleeping bag, pillow, sheets and duvet, etc.). There is no bedding provided! Creature comforts from home (teddy bear, etc.) are always a good idea!
Boots: As we will be hiking in the Black Mountains, full hiking boots are a better option than mid-ankle walking shoes. The weather in early March may be wet so waterproof boots are very highly recommended.
Socks: Merino wool socks provide the best moisture-wicking but almost any decent walking sock from an outdoor shop or even good quality cotton or wool socks will provide a number of affordable "quick-dry" options.
Walking Trousers: There are several styles of affordable walking trousers. It is always worth trying them on to make sure they fit comfortably, a webbing style belt is often useful, as well as zippable pockets and should be water-repellent.
Waterproof Trousers: As above, many outdoor shops all stock an excellent selection of waterproof trousers. It is recommended that you have a pair just in case the weather turns.
Base Layer: A breathable base layer should be chosen in order to let sweat escape from the body. This could be a cheaper sports top or you could go top of the range with a merino top. Cotton t-shirts are best avoided as they can become damp and uncomfortable as our bodies heat up when hiking.
Other Layers: On top of your base layer, you can have a variety of options such as a micro fleece, a fleece jacket or a rugby/sports top. Having one or two additional layers gives you flexibility when the weather is changeable – the more layers, the more flexible you can be in adapting to the weather.
Waterproof Jacket: Good waterproof jackets can range from £30 to over £300! At a minimum, the jacket should have fully taped seams, an adjustable hem, elastic cuffs and at least 1 inside pocket.
Hat: A good hat (that covers your ears) like a wool beany provides warmth and wicking properties.
Gloves: A lightweight pair of moisture wicking gloves should be sufficient.
Rucksack: For day walks a 20-30 litre capacity rucksack should be sufficient for carrying the essentials. Ideally it should have padded waist straps, several outside pockets and a rain cover.
Map & Compass: If you want to learn to be a leader or you just like to know where you are, then you can bring a map that covers the area - OL 13 (Brecon Beacons National Park) is the best for the area. It is best to bring your map either in a map case or purchase maps which are waterproof.
Food & drink
All dietary requirements will be catered for, provided you have recorded your requirements accurately on your profile. Once everyone has signed up I will work on finalising the menu for the weekend!
Friday night taco bar: Plan on all the fixings to make wonderful tacos or nachos
Saturday breakfast is of course included in the cost of the event and will be something to sustain us throughout our hiking! Of course all standard options will be available, in addition to a cooked breakfast of some sort.
Saturday lunch will need to be brought from the hostel for the hike, as there are no pubs along the proposed routes.
Saturday dinner: This is, of course included in the cost of the weekend, and will be decided upon later
Sunday breakfast will be a relaxed affair as there is no hurry to depart.
Tea and coffee, included in the event cost, will be available throughout the weekend.