It began with a signup. A very popular signup.
With excitement brewing, and the promise of some very Welsh weather, the 44 successful signupers readied themselves for the 2025 edition of the BUMC Bannau Brycheiniog (formerly Brecon Beacons) walking day trip!
As usual, much drama occurred on the journey, starting with a certain member sleeping through his alarm (no names here!!). With the now 43 of us packed into MPVs and cars we headed off towards Wales, but only after Anna tried to fill an already full MPV with diesel (apparently Tom is to blame?).
The rest of the journey went well, if you don’t count the exceptionally narrow bridge and two vehicles ending up in Newport and Monmouth respectively!
With all of us eventually arriving at the correct car park, Tom’s masterful trip-leading capabilities were demonstrated as he split us into two groups. Matt’s suggestion of an even split (21.5 people per group) were thankfully ignored. With maps, first aid kits, shelters and waterproof trousers properly distributed, we headed off. The best group (led by Tom, Adam and Katie) went anticlockwise around the ridge, with our first summit being Fan y Big.
The other group (with Anna, Matt and Harry) went clockwise, with a gruelling ascent of the East face of Graig Fan Ddu first on the list. Somehow we had once again defied the odds and despite being in Wales in November the weather was fantastic!
Through a good turn of fortune, both groups met at the summit of Pen y Fan at lunchtime. Apparently it was too cold to eat lunch outside so Matt deployed an emergency shelter for a lucky 8 of the 43 trip attendees.
After lunch the walks continued, with both groups arriving back at the car park at about the same time. A 4 MPV and 1 car convoy quickly set out for a much-needed stop at the Abergavenny McDonalds.
Everyone made it safely back to Bath and (as far as I understand) went straight to bed!
This concludes another trip report. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading! Thanks to Tom and Anna (our walking secretaries), and all of the drivers for facilitating another fantastic trip.
Adam
BUMC Chair 2025/26