45th Across Wales Walk
6 September 2008
visitors
to this site since April 1998:
45th Across Wales Walk6 September 2008
|
|
Welcome to www.acrosswaleswalk.co.uk
Latest News: 12 June 2008
2008 Across Wales Walk
EVENT FULL. Any further applications received will be placed upon a reserve list.
==============================
Details of the 45th Across Wales Walk, which takes place on 6th September 2008, can be found below.
If you are seeking details of Newtown Rotary Club's Across Wales Charity Walk which takes place on 21 June 2008 then please follow this link.
Stuart.
| The Across Wales Walk
is proud to support the |
 |
| "Working to secure greater recognition for the unique landscape, environment and heritage of the Cambrian Mountains" | |
This page provides all the necessary information for those wishing to take part in the 45th Across Wales Walk.
Route and checkpoints
For further general information, please select a category from those on the left.
Is it possible to cross Wales in one day by foot?
Yes, and for the last forty four years West Birmingham Hostelling Group have organised the Across Wales Walk: an event now recognised as one of the regular classics of the challenge walking calendar.
How far is it, where does it start and finish, and how long will it take?
Nominally the route is 45 miles long from the English border at Anchor near Clun in Shropshire, to the Welsh coast at Clarach near Aberystwyth. How long it takes is up to you: the record time is 7 hours 22 minutes for the pre-1996 route and 8 hours 8 minutes for the post-1996 route, both of which were achieved through running of course! However, the average completion is usually around 14 hours in which time one comfortably finishes the event in daylight. Note that the event has an 18 hour time limit.
Who can take part, and what is the route like ?
The Across Wales Walk is open to both walkers and runners. Whilst we welcome those attempting completion in fast times, the event is not a race. To comply with The Adventure Activities Licensing Regulations 1996, entrants under 18 will be required to provide a declaration from a parent or guardian to enter and must be accompanied throughout the event by an adult nominated at the time of application (two under-18s per adult maximum). Should the nominated adult retire, the accompanied under-18 entrant must also retire unless another participant will accept responsibility for them in writing.
The recommended route traverses paths, tracks, unclassified roads and open country, including Plynlimon at 2467 ft. Almost every type of terrain is encountered: tarmac, rough track, forest, farmland, open moorland and bog. Invariably this is negotiated under the full extremes of British weather in September: snow, biting wind, sweltering heat and heavy rain have all featured in recent years. Not surprisingly therefore, the event requires strength, stamina and endurance: it is recommended that participants will have recently completed a one-day challenge walk of at least 30 miles before attempting this event. Also note that the ability to navigate over a variety of terrain using a map and compass, in both inclement weather and the hours of darkness, is an essential requirement. Whilst there are other tougher events, The Across Wales Walk is not recommended as an introduction to challenge walking!
So what's so special about the Across Wales Walk?
Well the Across Wales Walk is a linear event starting and finishing at two points separated by approximately 45 miles of magnificent Welsh countryside. Though the actual walk takes place over an 18 hour time limit, the whole event extends over a full weekend:
So in addition to being a superb walk in its own right, the event is a great opportunity to meet other members of the challenge walking fraternity and, basically, have a great time! We believe this is why so many people return year after year..but don't take our word for it - ask previous entrants!
What does it cost to enter the 45th Across Wales Walk?
The basic package for 2008 is £44. Further optional meals, additional accommodation, badges etc are available at extra cost.
OK....I'm interested in taking part. What do I do now?
We suggest you explore this site, read the reports on previous events, examine the route, see the legal stuff below and, if you're still interested, then we would welcome your booking in accordance with the instructions provided.
An Amazing Weekend in Wales: just ask any previous entrant!
Whilst the organisers, West Birmingham Hostelling Group, will take appropriate steps to ensure the safety and welfare of participants and their possessions, no liability can be accepted for loss, injury or illness however this may arise. Entrants participate in the event entirely at their own risk. Refreshments available during the event may be of commercial or home-made origin, potentially presented under adverse conditions, and are therefore offered in good faith but without guarantee. The organisers reserve the right to:
suspend participants who, based upon the judgement of the organisers, are unfit to continue or are likely to exceed or have exceeded the closing times of checkpoints.
suspend or curtail the event due to inclement weather or other conditions posing excessive risk.
disqualify participants not adhering to The Country Code, the instructions of the organisers, essential equipment requirements, applicable bio-security precautions, or the spirit of challenge walking events. On disqualification, any obligations of support to entrants, whether implied or otherwise, may be withdrawn by the organisers.
cancel the event at any time if, due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g. fuel supply crisis, recurrence of FMD, low demand etc.) running of the event is not operationally viable. Under such circumstances, the Organisers will make best endeavours to advise entrants using e-mail, mobile text message or phone using details provided by entrants at the time of application.
To see to a map showing the location of Clun, try this link.
Entering Clun from Craven Arms (B4368) after the chapel on the right, turn right into Ford Street. Turn right again at the T-junction. The hall is on the left (137/302811) before the Youth Hostel.
Please park closely together and away from the playing field - both the hall and the playing fields are used for other events during the weekend.
On arrival, please register and receive your checkpoint control card.
There are no cooking facilities available to participants, although we will do our best to provide tea and biscuits on arrival. Bar meals are available at The Sun Inn and the White Horse Inn. Chicken/pasta or vegetarian specials have been requested at a reasonable price, in addition to the normally available fare.
The simple accommodation comprises the floor of the hall - please bring an airbed or 'Karrimat' and a sleeping bag; sleeping is mixed, non-segregated. Alternatively participants may erect tents on the playing field but these must be taken down before leaving Clun in the morning.
Lights-out is strictly at 10:30 p.m. and late arrivals must use the designated area and maintain silence. Mobile phones, pagers, beeping watches and all other alarms and similar devices MUST be disabled within the hall after 10:30.
Reveille will be at 03:15.
A light breakfast of tea or coffee with toast and marmalade will be available.
By 3:45 a.m. areas of the hall will be designated for walkers' own food and equipment to be transported to CPs 2 and after, and for Aberystwyth Halls. Please note that:
Note that equipment cannot be transported between checkpoints. We will do our best to ensure that walkers equipment is secure however we cannot accept any liability for damage or loss of equipment or possessions at any stage during or after the event.
At approx. 04:15 a.m. participants will be directed to cars, minibuses or coaches for the journey to the starting point of the walk.
The description of the route will be sent on confirmation of booking and is available on the Maps and Navigation page. Maps showing this route will be available for reference on the evening before the event. Participants are free to vary the route but all checkpoints must be visited. Locations and opening times of checkpoints areas follows:
Locations and opening times of checkpoints are as follows:
CP |
OS Explorer (Landranger)
|
Location |
Open time |
Close time |
Section (miles) |
Total (miles) |
Start |
214 (136) |
Anchor Bridge | 0500 |
0510 |
- |
0 |
1 |
214 (136) |
Llwyn-Madoc | 0600 |
0830 |
8 |
8 |
2 |
214 (136) |
Cefn-bach | 0745 |
1130 |
8 |
16 |
3 |
214 (135) |
Hafren picnic site | 0930 |
1430 |
9 |
25 |
4 |
213 (135) |
Nant-y-moch dam | 1100 |
1800 |
7 |
32 |
5 |
213 (135) |
Bont-goch (Elerch) | 1200 |
2030 |
6 |
38 |
Finish |
213 (135) |
Clarach Bay | 1300 |
2300 |
7 |
45 |
Checkpoint control cards must be carried throughout the event and, importantly, must be presented on arrival and departure from CPs 2 to 5 (CP 1 and Finish present on arrival only). The use of control cards is the prime means of tracking the safe progress of participants and therefore these procedures must be observed.
Liquid refreshments and biscuits will be provided at all checkpoints; cups will be provided. Soup will also be available at CPs 3 and 4. Participants are reminded that their own food may be forwarded to all checkpoints with the exception of CP 1.
***Exemplary discipline in respect of the closing of gates must be maintained throughout the event. ***
For the safety of participants, the following items must be carried:
Note that the organisers reserve the right to carry out kit checks before and during the event.
The last two miles of the event traverses an often busy stretch of road leading to resort of Clarach Bay which is narrow and potentially dangerous after dark. The use of high visibility clothing and torches by participants completing the event after dusk is strongly recommended.
The use of GPS navigation receivers is allowed as an aid to safety but not as a substitute for map, compass and appropriate navigation skills. Co-ordinate data for the route is available: see page on Maps and Navigation).
In case of retirement from the event not at a checkpoint, please:
Following retirement, entrants will be transported to Aberystwyth at the earliest opportunity.
In case of emergency, contact the appropriate emergency service and, if possible, contact event control as above.
Walkers will be transferred from the finish to the University halls by minibus or car. On arrival, room
keys should be obtained from reception. Note that rooms are
single with shared bath, shower and toilet facilities.
Click
here for link to Penbryn Halls Web Site.
Refreshment facilities are usually limited to those provided by
vending machines, although the Cwrt Mawr Bar is also
available for those with the energy to make it up the steep hill!.
Meals, freshly cooked to order, comprising a choice of fried fish, vegetarian spring rolls or a burger, each with chips, selection of salads and bread or rolls, dessert and either hot or cold drinks may be booked in advance at an additional cost of £8 per person. Served 5 - 11pm. Please indicate your preference on the booking form.
Note that additional rooms for friends and family following the event are available at an extra cost of £20 per person, inclusive of breakfast. Further meals are also available as above.
There is no official 'lights-out' but participants are requested to keep noise to a minimum after 10:30 p.m.
A choice of full or Continental breakfast will be available in Branwen's between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m.
Participants are requested to clear their rooms before 9:30 a.m. and, importantly, hand-in their room keys to reception at the earliest opportunity. NB Lost keys will be charged for.
At 9:30 a.m. there will be a ceremony in Branwen's Upper Dining Room at which certificates will be presented. Badges will be available for purchase at this time.
At approx. 10:30 a.m. participants will join either minibuses or a coach for the return journey to Clun.
- Stuart Lamb, 42 Hunt End Lane, Hunt End, Redditch, Worcestershire. B97 5UW
Further information is available as follows:
On acceptance of the booking, participants will receive a letter or e-mail of acknowledgement, a map showing the location of The New Memorial Hall, Clun and a description of the recommended route, if available.
IMPORTANT: Revised closing date and reserve list procedures
Closing date for bookings is 20 August 2008 but early booking is strongly advised as the event is usually over-subscribed, often within a month of release of details. A 15 place reserve list will be maintained by postmarked date of receipt of full applications with payment.
During July and August the ability of the Organiser to respond to communications will be limited. Accordingly, cancellations and allocation of reserve places will not be processed, acknowledged or confirmed until the week following the closing date.
Cancellations received by telephone, e-mail or letter before the closing date will be refunded less £2 to cover administration expenses. Unfortunately, no refunds can be given for cancellations received after this time.
We look forward to seeing you on the event this year.
Stuart Lamb
Organiser of the 45th Across Wales Walk on behalf of West Birmingham Hostelling Group.
Guest book provided by 
with thanks.
Web counter provided by 
with thanks.
Organised by West Birmingham
Hostelling Group.
Comments and queries to: Stuart
Lamb
All material Copyright © 2008 and may not be reproduced without permission.
