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Hi King Offa’s Dyke
- Eventually a clearing in the cloud
On 11th-13th July 2008 thirty three happy hikers took to the hills of Wales in our Offa’s Dyke Challenge, raising over £17,000 for the hospice. Among them was David Prentice, here is his story:
Why do campfires bring out the hidden child in us? Whether it was the heady mixture of sun, alcohol and fresh air I don’t know, but the simplest things managed to ensure a large helping of hysterics. Sat around the campfire, we could see the windbreak that protected the natural urinal and every time somebody used it, that great schoolyard shout of “we know what you’re doing” rang out closely followed by peals of laughter.
At the initial briefing at our campsite in Cwmdu (Powys) we discovered that most of us had employed that brilliant trick of ‘selective reading’ when, the leaders Dave, Jen and Joe welcomed us to the Offa’s Dyke and Black Mountain challenge. As I glanced around, I was glad to note from a couple of startled expressions that they, like me, had not expected that!
- Would you like to share my portable wind shelter?
As we heard all about our next couple of days heading into the wilderness, a few of us started to think about more pressing comforts, like testing out the local pub! So the trip got off to a good start with Dave, Jen and Joe (again, like the rest of the weekend foregoing footwear) accompanying us on the 300 yard walk to the Farmer’s Arms pub. It was good to be able to get to know the leaders in a more informal (and neutral) environment before we headed up to the highest point of the trek at Pen Allt-Mawr, 2 hours or 719m (2,150ft) above sea level. It was truly breathtaking to stand at the trig point and look down through the wind and rain to the dots that our campsite had become.
- Team picture before the days start
After 40 minutes walking along the ridge (with the wind happily blowing away from the sheer drop), we headed down the other side towards the Mynydd Du forest before having to cross a stream. Being me, I had to find a different set of stepping stones to cross by – a good idea until I got to the other side to be faced with the thorn-encrusted bank reaching up to chin level! Rather than powering off ahead to a suitable spot for the rest of the group to catch up I stopped, found a couple of stones which (nearly) cleared the surface of the water and tested my boots for waterproof-ness while helping the others across safely.
After passing the forest and enjoying our packed lunch we started our second big climb of the day - over the weekend there would be three climbs to over 650m (about 2,000ft) - which was a long slog up the side of a valley before finally being able to look down and see our campsite for the night far below.
- Time to take in the views
I had thought that I had plumbed every possible depth on my travels, but it soon became apparent that there was a completely new level for me to explore. Joe had gone on ahead of us to dig the holes for the portable toilets that we were to allegedly use – although the chance to bathe in the cold river that ran through the campsite was a bonus. Then another fine meal cooked by the ever-amazing chef Ash – quite how he manages to produce a freshly cooked three-course meal out of the back of a marquee will never cease to astound me. After a spectacularly unsuccessful competition to prove ourselves as Ray Mears wannabes and get a campfire lit using a flint striker (we eventually cheated by using a lighter coupled with Vodka) we sat around sharing stories, jokes and games (and just why is it that people only listen to, or follow certain rules?) Like last year, Maggie, who like the star that she is works as a night auxiliary nurse at the Hospice, delivered another motivational message from one of her patients who thanked us for giving up our time to help them.
- Descending Hay Bluff to the finish
The Sunday morning rose bright and warm (although too warm I thought for the climb that we had ahead of us), but after a fine and hearty breakfast we headed out for the final climb up onto the ridge which would take us to Hay Bluff (passing the third point over 2,000ft) before we headed down to the coach home. Fortunately by the time that we had left the campsite, the weather had cooled a little for our acquaintance with King Offa’s Dyke. After walking the ridge we eventually arrived at Hay Bluff and began the descent down to the coach (which initially looked no bigger than an old Matchbox toy). Again, the responsible part of me kicked in and after helping Sarb down the uneven path, I headed back up to the top another couple of times to ensure that people got down safely.
For some, this weekend challenge was a real physical test, surprisingly, for me though the challenge has been mental; learning, like a parent I guess, to derive immense satisfaction from the success and achievement of others. Oh, and finally, my boots passed the waterproofing test.
If you have any further questions about Compton Hospice and Fundraising, please call 0845 225 5497 or contact us. We will do our utmost to help with your enquiry.
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