The Challenge

Snaking through Eryri, from the great Afon Dyfi in the south to the Irish Sea in the north, is the Snowdonia Way long-distance trail.

I have chosen to undertake the challenging Mountain Route in August 2024. In nine stages, it traverses many of the highest ranges in the national park over its 200km course.

On its way between the historic towns of Machynlleth and Conwy, it visits many panoramic summits, including iconic giants like Cadair Idris, Glyder Fawr and, of course, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) itself.

This is an arduous high-level, long distance hike which I plan to complete in 9 consecutive stages. I will be reaching the summits of more than 40 mountains and clocking up a total elevation of 40,000 ft (12,200m). For a fun context, Everest is 30,000ft high.

Yes. It's true, I do a lot of hiking but this is not a walk in the park. This is going to be tough, mentally and physically. Day after day (for 9 days) I will be hiking for around 8-10 hours, in mountainous terrain, on my own and often wild camping in remote locations.

I am also 52! I'm no spring chicken and I expect this to hurt! Lots.

I would really love your support both for the challenge itself and for my chosen charity, Mind Over Mountains.

My Journey

Personal experience has taught me how important the outdoors can be in restoring and sustaining my mental health.

For me, hiking and climbing mountains is a way to prioritise my wellbeing, challenge myself, focus my mind, re-build the self-confidence I lacked for so many years, gain independence and positive belief in myself.

I truly believe that the mountains have healing powers. They certainly helped me through a very difficult part of my life and continue to have a restorative effect.

You can find out a bit more about me any my personal journey in nature over on Instagram. @wildandfree.wales

The Charity

Mind Over Mountains is an ambitious and innovative mental health charity that enables people to thrive through therapeutic outdoor experiences.

They enable people to restore and sustain their mental health and wellbeing through a highly integrated practice that brings together walking in nature, mindfulness, and professional coaching and counselling.