Ep.4 - Failing Pen Y Fan

Ep.4 - Failing Pen Y Fan

Never Underestimate Any Mountain

Never underestimate any mountain. This is the lesson my friend and I learned on this trip. Pen Y Fan stands at only 886m, and we rather ignorantly went into this hike confidently calling it a 'hill'.

What Pen Y Fan did was let us get close, bend us over, and spank us back out the way we came. But what a perfect place to fail on; low altitude, no sheer drops (that we got close to), local terrain, easy to navigate back to where you came from... and more as I explain in the podcast.

Pictured above, is Matt lying in the snow - completely fragged - and above his knee, on the horizon, is Pen Y Fan in the distance.

It Was All Going So Well

We start on the night before. I drove over to Matt's house and ready to do Pen Y Fan the next day, followed by Snowdon the day after.

We googled 4 main ways to do the route, and decided on doing "The Tough One" - the classic horseshoe hitting 4 peaks in the area.

We went shopping, got our food and extra water bottles, packed up our gear and hit the hay, ready for an early start. Thinking I had the right car park ready to go on Google Maps...

What Went Down

"We had no map and when we arrived swiftly discovered that we had left all of the food at home, 2 and a half hours away."

So, if you type 'Taf Fechan car park' into Google Maps it will not provide you with the right car park for this. So as you can imagine, nothing went right from the moment we left. Although we didn't realise this until later.

It's worth noting: we still had a blast. An awesome day. So everything from now, we were 98% of the time smiling. But it did go very wrong.

We arrive at the car park and start following the instructions. We had no map and when we arrived swiftly discovered that we had left all of the food at home, 2 and a half hours away. With the shorter December days we didn't want to drive back to civilisation, so we cracked on with just two army style ration packets (one of nuts, the other raisins).

We then began the walk (from the wrong car park) and we realised we had left the water in the car. Matt had his camel/hydration pack which holds 2.2L so we just decided to press on, even though we could never see how much we had left. Everything we did from now, water was rationed.

It doesn't help our simple and uneducated minds at the time that the horseshoe circles around a small reservoir, and that there is a larger one next to it that we decided was the correct one from the map. In addition, I recently went back with my daughter and found the correct reservoir to be empty, so who knows how long that had been and if we even would have seen it.

We pressed on, and after back tracking when lost in boggy woods, decided to just cut up the hill side and force our way on to the ridge; we'd have to get there anyway, right?! In doing so, we had to jump a river in high flow. Not exactly signs that we were on the right path...

We pressed onwards up the hill side through undulating grass which was threatening to twist our ankles at any second, sucking the energy out of us. Acknowledging we were likely - almost definitely - not on the correct trail. We then cut up a further hill side to get on to the ridge (video at the top).

Always Take The Right Way, Not The Easy Way

I explain further in the podcast, but what ensues is us doubling our, trying to take shortcuts, draining our energy while dehydrated and not eating anything.

Although fun, we messed up in a big way. At one point, we finally received 3G and loaded Google Maps, and we had been heading the wrong direction! So, instead of heading up the ridiculously windy ridgeline, we decided to walk the inside of the 'bowl', shortening our distance and staying out of the wind. Instead of choosing the right way, we chose the easy way... which was not easy. We drained our energy on more undulating grass, and had to reclimb the ascent on a steeper slope.

Pulling The Plug

Eventually we sat, drained, filled only with a little bit of water and some raisins and nuts. Using our newly acquired, state-of-the-art 3G we checked our timings. 2 hours to Pen Y Fan, 2 hours until sunset, 1.75 hours to the car.

We decided to head back, in sight of Pen Y Fan. So close, yet so far.

It's a good thing we did, including Matt falling asleep by a river for 5 minutes, it took us 2 hours.

I want to listen, now!

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other platforms; just search “Between The Mountains”!

If you enjoy the show please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!

If you really enjoy the show please check out our Patreon site here. Supporting through Patreon really helps cover costs and allow to invest more time into the quality!

To come on the show or work with me, please email on: btmtravelpod@gmail.com

Join in with the community. Instagram/Twitter/Facebook and our new Facebook Page to share your own photos and videos here

https://betweenthemountains.org/

Jaksot(130)

Pip Stewart | Adventure, Acceptable Risk, and the Essequibo River | Ep.124

Pip Stewart | Adventure, Acceptable Risk, and the Essequibo River | Ep.124

https://linktr.ee/betweenthemountains  Very excited to present Pip Stewart on this episode! We dive deep into what adventure means to us and how it defines us, the Essequibo River, the line of acceptable risk, parenting, and just so much more! I hope you enjoy! https://www.phillippastewart.com/  https://www.instagram.com/pipstewart/  ------------------------------------------- If you enjoy the show please: Subscribe/follow so that you don’t miss another episode; Share with a friend;  Leave a rating on iTunes; and Leave a rating on Spotify (press the three dots). If you really really enjoy the show then: Simply buy me a coffee. All of the above helps the podcast to grow as much as possible! You can get in touch with me on btmtravelpod@gmail.com or using any of the Social Media links: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook /

29 Huhti 202253min

Ashly Winchester | Positive Mindsets, ’Failing’, and FKT’s | Ep.123

Ashly Winchester | Positive Mindsets, ’Failing’, and FKT’s | Ep.123

https://linktr.ee/betweenthemountains  This episode's guest is Ashly Winchester, and it's an inspiring one! Ashly has an incredible mindset mixed with both passion and experience of the outdoors and landscapes.  Ashly also runs her own podcast, Women of the Wild, which I can personally say you'll absolutely love!  https://www.instagram.com/ashly.winchester/ https://womxnofthewild.com/  ------------------------------------------- If you enjoy the show please: Subscribe/follow so that you don’t miss another episode; Share with a friend;  Leave a rating on iTunes; and Leave a rating on Spotify (press the three dots). If you really really enjoy the show then: Simply buy me a coffee. All of the above helps the podcast to grow as much as possible! You can get in touch with me on btmtravelpod@gmail.com or using any of the Social Media links: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook /

15 Huhti 202250min

Adri Brownlee | From 7 Summits to 14x8000 Metres | Ep.122

Adri Brownlee | From 7 Summits to 14x8000 Metres | Ep.122

https://linktr.ee/betweenthemountains  Cast your mind back to when you were 19/20/21 years old; what were you doing? For me, I was crawling my way through an undergraduate degree on a diet of alcohol! For this episode's guest, Adriana Brownlee, she had already climbed Elbrus, Killimanjaro, Aconcagua, completed the Welsh 3000's - not to mention the National Three Peaks at age 9! Now, Adri has grown her goal to being the youngest person to complete all 14 8000 metre peaks. With Everest, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri already in the bag, we talk through her already huge experience and her down-to-Earth mindset talking all things mountains (+ the normal waffle from me). I hope you enjoy! Follow Adri as she completes all 8000 metre peaks: https://www.instagram.com/adri.brownlee/  ------------------------------------------- If you enjoy the show please: Subscribe/follow so that you don’t miss another episode; Share with a friend;  Leave a rating on iTunes; and Leave a rating on Spotify (press the three dots). If you really really enjoy the show then: Simply buy me a coffee. All of the above helps the podcast to grow as much as possible! You can get in touch with me on btmtravelpod@gmail.com or using any of the Social Media links: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook /

9 Huhti 202237min

Nikki Love | Training Your Mind for 63 Marathons in 63 Days | Ep.121

Nikki Love | Training Your Mind for 63 Marathons in 63 Days | Ep.121

https://linktr.ee/betweenthemountains  This episode's guest is the brilliant Nikki Love. We talk about Ireland, Australia, mindset, marathons, inspiring kids, and - ultimately - kids inspiring us. Oh, and climbing good trees! I hope you enjoy: https://nikkilove.co.uk/  https://www.instagram.com/nikkiloveruns/  https://nikkilove.co.uk/shop/  ------------------------------------------- If you enjoy the show please: Subscribe/follow so that you don’t miss another episode; Share with a friend;  Leave a rating on iTunes; and Leave a rating on Spotify (press the three dots). If you really really enjoy the show then: Simply buy me a coffee. All of the above helps the podcast to grow as much as possible! You can get in touch with me on btmtravelpod@gmail.com or using any of the Social Media links: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook /

23 Maalis 202247min

Matt Pycroft | Fear, Fatherhood, and Transformative Moments in Adventure | Ep.120

Matt Pycroft | Fear, Fatherhood, and Transformative Moments in Adventure | Ep.120

https://linktr.ee/betweenthemountains  This episode's guest is Matt Pycroft, founder of Coldhouse Collective and host of the top-rated The Adventure Podcast. But these aren't the only things that define Matt. As we explore Matt's experience, background, and views, his self-awareness and honestly lead his answers from pivotal moments in his life to the level of subconscious influence his own preferences could have on his work. From tales of adventure to exploring mindset, I'm confident you'll love this episode. https://coldhousecollective.com/  https://pod.link/1446862825  Unfortunately - and a long story made short - we had some internet issues which led to our own audio being fine (we recorded on our own ends separately), but some small background noises happening throughout the call at times as we had to chat on WhatsApp video call; things like my headset microphone tapping or hearing me laugh in his audio. Perhaps I'm overthinking it, but I hope it's not a bother for you all. ------------------------------------------- This episode is also supported by Sidetracked Magazine. If you love stunning photography and breathtaking stories that inspire, you absolutely must sign up for their free Field Journal Newsletter and consider subscribing to their magazine:  https://www.sidetracked.com/  ------------------------------------------- Lastly, Between The Mountains is now presented with the British Adventure Collective! I'm super excited to announce this partnership! More information is to come on Instagram and in the next episode. https://www.britishadventurecollective.com/  ------------------------------------------- If you enjoy the show please: Subscribe/follow so that you don’t miss another episode; Share with a friend;  Leave a rating on iTunes; and Leave a rating on Spotify (press the three dots). If you really really enjoy the show then: Simply buy me a coffee. All of the above helps the podcast to grow as much as possible! You can get in touch with me on btmtravelpod@gmail.com or using any of the Social Media links: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook /

18 Helmi 202244min

Isaac Kenyon | Using Fear to Grow, and Adventure to Change | Ep.119

Isaac Kenyon | Using Fear to Grow, and Adventure to Change | Ep.119

https://linktr.ee/betweenthemountains   This episode's guest is Issac Kenyon. We talk about his adventure background and upbringing which covers both internationally and here in the U.K.!  Truly brilliant, positive, and inspiring chat with Isaac, you can follow his links here: https://www.isaackenyon.com/  https://climateexplorers.co.uk/  https://www.instagram.com/isaac_kenyon/   ------------------------------------------- If you enjoy the show please: Subscribe/follow so that you don’t miss another episode; Share with a friend;  Leave a rating on iTunes; and Leave a rating on Spotify (press the three dots). If you really really enjoy the show then: Simply buy me a coffee. All of the above helps the podcast to grow as much as possible! You can get in touch with me on btmtravelpod@gmail.com or using any of the Social Media links: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook /

4 Helmi 202252min

Jamie Ramsay | Adventuring For Fulfilment and Lessons Learned | Ep.118

Jamie Ramsay | Adventuring For Fulfilment and Lessons Learned | Ep.118

https://linktr.ee/betweenthemountains   This episode's guest is Jamie Ramsay. We delve into an inspiring episode discussing why Jamie adventures, his biggest lessons learned, tales of adventure, and more! https://www.instagram.com/jamieisadventuring/  https://www.youtube.com/c/Jamieisadventuring    In addition, this episode is also supported by the brilliant Sidetracked Magazine. Check them out here: https://www.sidetracked.com/  ------------------------------------------- If you enjoy the show please: Subscribe/follow so that you don’t miss another episode; Share with a friend;  Leave a rating on iTunes; and Leave a rating on Spotify (press the three dots). If you really really enjoy the show then: Simply buy me a coffee. All of the above helps the podcast to grow as much as possible! You can get in touch with me on btmtravelpod@gmail.com or using any of the Social Media links: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook /

22 Tammi 202239min

Nick Morris | Trekking Through Nepal, Knoydart, and More | Ep.117

Nick Morris | Trekking Through Nepal, Knoydart, and More | Ep.117

https://linktr.ee/betweenthemountains  This episode's guest is the brilliant Nick Morris. Such a pleasure to speak with him and talk about climbing, motivations, inverse clouds, Nepal, Knoydart, and more!  Check him out here: https://www.nicksoutdooradventures.com/  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpA8eaEWBXA&feature=youtu.be  https://www.facebook.com/Nicks-Outdoor-Adventures-408558876606407/  https://www.instagram.com/nicks.outdoor.adventures/  ------------------------------------------- If you enjoy the show please: Subscribe/follow so that you don’t miss another episode; Share with a friend;  Leave a rating on iTunes; and Leave a rating on Spotify (press the three dots). If you really really enjoy the show then: Simply buy me a coffee. All of the above helps the podcast to grow as much as possible! You can get in touch with me on btmtravelpod@gmail.com or using any of the Social Media links: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook /

7 Tammi 202255min

Suosittua kategoriassa Yhteiskunta

olipa-kerran-otsikko
siita-on-vaikea-puhua
aikalisa
sita
kaksi-aitia
rss-ootsa-kuullut-tasta
i-dont-like-mondays
poks
antin-palautepalvelu
kolme-kaannekohtaa
ootsa-kuullut-tasta-2
yopuolen-tarinoita-2
mamma-mia
rss-murhan-anatomia
terapeuttiville-qa
free-opa
rss-palmujen-varjoissa
sunnuntaibrunssi
viisaat-naiset
gogin-ja-janin-maailmanhistoria