What's Going On?
Keep up to date with our latest fundraising events
Big Welsh Walk
15th May 2021 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Are you up for the Big Welsh Walk 2021 #BWW
Join the Hospice and Life Size Models in climbing the highest mountain in South Wales and the horseshoe challenge and become a Hospice Trooper!
Building on the successful #BWW 2019, for our 2021 event, we have gone one better. We present you with the Big Welsh Walk or for those seeking more, the Big Welsh Challenge. Whichever route you pick, be sure to visit the Safari at the summit this year!
On Saturday 15th May 2021, teams of Hospice Troopers will be taking on the Big Welsh Walk scaling Pen-y-Fan and for those seeking more, the Big Welsh Challenge; the Horseshoe Challenge.
The Big Welsh Walk #BWW
The Big Welsh Walk involves climbing Pen-y-Fan, a strenuous mountain walk on well-made footpaths. As highest peak in South Wales, Pen-y-Fan stands at 886m (2,907ft) above sea level and overlooks breath taking scenery, rolling countryside and impressive mountains.
Perfect for friends, families and groups, our little troopers can get involved too. All children and young people aged 17 and younger must be accompanied by a responsible paying adult (18 years+) at all times.
Approximately 2 miles in length and can be achieve within 1.5-2 hours.
The Big Welsh Walk will depart from Pont y Daf, and at your leisure climb to the summit of Pen-y-Fan. You will have chance to admire the spectacular views, take a cheeky photo with those waiting to greet you at the top, before making your way back down the same path and returning to Pont y Daf.
The Big Welsh Challenge
A challenging upland mountain walk that takes you into the heart of the Brecon Beacons. You will be swept away by magnificent views stretching for miles in all directions… if the weather is good.
If you’re after a challenging but rewarding walk across wild Welsh moorland, and up rocky peaks that offer commanding views over the Brecon Beacons, the Horseshoe Ridge Challenge is for you.
The challenge takes you from Pont y Daf, up to Corn Du, Pen-y-Fan (grab a cheeky photo), across to Cribyn, followed by a welcomed descend down through the peaceful valley of Neuadd before you make your final ascend along the Graig Fan Ddu Ridge, and then return to Pont y Daf.
This will be a guided challenge and is only suitable for more abled and experienced walkers aged 16 years plus (16 and 17 year olds to be accompanied with a responsible paying adult aged 18 years plus).
Approximately 10 miles in length and can be achieved in around 6 hours.
Join us, be part of an g atmosphere and earn your right to say … “I was there; I was part of the team Hospice Troopers”.
Walkers are welcome to dress up in jungle theme attire and pose for photos on-route and at the summit…This is done so at your own risk.
If you would like to come on the adventure with us, then view the Terms and Conditions and click on the Walk this way to Register, we’d love to have you on board.
What you need to know
Location: Pen-y-Fan. Meeting point Pont Ar Daf Car Park (Pen-y-fan Base Camp). LD3 8NL
Date: Saturday 15th May 2021
Time: 9.00am
Big Welsh Walk individual entry £5.00 per person
Big Welsh Challenge individual entry £10.00 per person
Registration includes: Welcome pack, supervision from walking marshals, event kit list, bottle of water, Hospice of the Valleys Buff
Walkers will also be encouraged to raise £50 in sponsorship, which is the cost of one 2-hour home visit from a Specialist Palliative Care Nurse. Providing pain relief, managing symptoms and helping to reduce anxieties for our patients at their place of residence.
We are looking to raise a grand total of £5,000 which equates to 100 home visits from one of our Special Palliative Care Nurses = 100 patients being supported in their time of need.
To be sure to have the best experience, we recommend you do some level of walking prior to the event.
REGISTRATION OPEN NOW
Click on the foot print to Register 
Dogs welcome as long as they are kept under close control
Please note there are limited parking spaces available at Pont ar Daf
For more information about Pen-y-Fan and the surrounding area, please visit the National Trust Website
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brecon-beacons/trails/pen-y-fan-and-corn-du-circular-walk
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brecon-beacons/trails/brecon-beacons-horseshoe-ridge-walk
Photo Gallery
Related Events
Layne’s Story
The passing of a loved one can have a devastating impact and for one man in particular he was able to cope thanks to the care and support that Hospice of the Valleys was able to offer him and proved to be a vital lifeline.
As an only child Layne’s mother, Pat, was his life and they were extremely close. Pat lived next door to Layne and although she loved her own independence Layne visited at least three times a day.
One day while visiting his Mum Layne became concerned and following tests he received the devastating news that his Mother’s prognosis was terminal and no treatment was available. Layne was asked if he wanted support from the Hospice and at that point he had never heard of the charity or what we did, but he was relieved to be offered some help.
Pat was initially cared for at Layne’s home where she went to live following her discharge from Hospital, being visited by the nurses, physiotherapist and complimentary therapist. The Family Support Team also offered support as Layne was reaching breaking point and struggling to come to terms with his mother’s prognosis.
“The Family Support Officer was like a therapist and seemed to be able to answer all my questions and what he said made sense, he could feel and understand what I was going through. I felt close to the edge and in a really bad place but he encouraged me to attend Activate your Life sessions at the Hospice, this helped me to look at things in a different light, I was unable to change what was happening but learned to look at things in a different light and live for today. This put me in a better place to accept what was going to happen. I knew I wasn’t on my own, he really helped me and I can’t praise him enough” says Layne.
Pat passed away in January 2019 and although devastated by his loss the support that Layne received from the Hospice has enabled him to cope.
“The Hospice gave me the help and support I needed when there was no one else that I could turn to. I knew the Hospice were behind me 100% and for what they did I can’t thank them enough. People should have an insight into how my life was turned upside down and they helped put me back together again. They gave me the confidence to look after Mam giving us special time together.”
