Blog

Clock Change Goggins Challenge, October 2025

1 Comment

We did it!
Thirteen runs, four miles, every four hours for 48 hours: one extra run this time because of the clock change. It was my second Goggins Challenge, and Neil’s first full one (but he’d already ran 8 out of 12 runs with me back in May so he knew what he was getting in).

Compared to the one in May, this one was colder, darker, muddier, and mentally harder. Nine of the thirteen runs were in the dark, and the temperature dropped to around 2 to 3°C overnight. The first two runs were in pouring rain.
But it was also one of the most memorable weekends, thanks to the people who joined, the community that cheered us on, and the cause we ran for.

💜 Running for Hope

Neil and I organised and completed this challenge as a self-supported fundraiser in aid of The Lily Foundation, which supports families affected by mitochondrial disease, who are facing challenges most of us will never fully understand. We ran it for #TeamHope. In honour of Hope, our friend Caroline’s daughter, and for all the children like her living with this rare condition.

Together, so far we’ve raised £957, double our combined targets. The generosity and encouragement from friends, family, and fellow runners was overwhelming (in a good way).

We even got a mention in the Swindon Link Magazine and the Seven Fields parkrun report, which felt like a lovely nod to everyone involved.

The runs

Friday
6:00pm – Run 1
10:00pm – Run 2
Saturday
2:00am – Run 3
6:00am – Run 4
The exception: 9:00am – Run 5 (@ Seven Fields parkrun + 1 mile)
2:00pm – Run 6
6:00pm – Run 7
10:00pm – Run 8
Sunday
2:00am – Run 9
2:00am – Run 10
6:00am – Run 11
10:00am – Run 12
2:00pm – Run 13

The route

Apart from the 09:00 Saturday run which was Seven Fields parkrun, we started from the Orbital shopping park and did the same 4 mile route all weekend.

🏃‍♀️ The Stats

Here’s what 48 hours of running looked like for me:

  • 13 runs completed
  • Total distance (each): 85.73 km / 53.27 miles
  • Average run duration: 50 minutes (all run lasted between 44 and 54 minutes)
  • Average heart rate: 134 bpm
  • Total calories burned: 6,082 kcal
  • Sleep: about 8h50 in total, spread across nine naps
  • Recovery: six yoga or stretch sessions between runs

💬 Most asked questions

🗓 How do you prepare for it?

I planned all the elements I could control.
Knowing the start times, I planned when to eat, when to stretch and when to rest. Then adapt.
I had to adapt for example after the 18:00 run on Saturday as my eldest child needed a lift to a friend’s house 14 miles away. I didn’t stretch nor sleep after that run, but I made a protein smoothie to have on the way to get my recovery fuel in.

My tip? Make it a routine: each run followed the same rhythm: run, stretch, refuel, wash, nap, repeat.
The only exception was the 02:00 runs (BST + GMT) where we ran back to back so no time to stretch or go home to refuel. For nutrition, a gel did the job in between runs.

🧺 Laundry

One of the most recurring questions I get is how do you cope with your running kit? Do you have to have a lot ready?
I had 4 main running outfits. I used a simple “wear one, wash and dry two” kit rotation that worked perfectly for keeping me fresh(ish) through the weekend.
The hard part is when it rains or overnight with humidity, having to dry gloves and hat. Thankfully I also have a shoe drier for my running shoes which I’d only tried twice before. That worked well and helped between the first couple of runs. I used my trail running shoes on one of the runs and again at the SevenFields parkrun.

🧘 Recovery and movement

I added short yoga/mobility/foam rolling sessions between runs. I did 6 of them as sometimes I ended up prioritising sleep instead, usually lasting 7–16 minutes. Those little moments of stretching, breathing, and resetting helped enormously.
My legs stayed tight but functional, and it made the whole challenge feel more sustainable.
I only took painkiller (paracetamol) once, on Sunday morning before the 10am run and that was mostly because of the chaffing pain.
On Sunday evening after the challenge I went for a sauna session where I alternated cold baths and sauna for just over 1h. That really helps my recovery.
I was able to move without too much tightness on Monday morning, even up and down stairs.
I also had booked a sports massage with Cheryl from EH Sports Therapy and Massage for Monday lunchtime as Kev  was on holiday. Cheryl was great! Highly recommended if you ever attempt this sort of madness!

🍲 Food and fuel

Another recurring question is “what do you eat”? and “do you have time to cook?”

Meal prep made everything easier. I kept things simple:

  • Rice and veg pots, overnight oats, or toast with peanut butter and banana for pre-run meals
  • Protein smoothies with banana, pesto pasta with chicken, or scrambled eggs on toast for recovery
  • Hydration with a lot of water and plenty of herbal tea
  • I didn’t have any coffee

It wasn’t gourmet cuisine, but it worked. 

🧠 The Hard bits

The 02:00 runs were the worst. When you’re exhausted, it’s cold and dark, and your brain is trying to convince you to stop, you really find out what mental toughness means. Having company and distraction for those early hours made all the difference.

There was a near-miss when I nodded off on the sofa before a run, without an alarm…thankfully I woke up in time!

Not a “hard bit” but a little-known fact: you can’t set alarms between 01:00 and 02:00 during the clock change from BST to GMT. They automatically shift forward by an hour…

On Saturday afternoon, Gem asked me to look after her car key…and I forgot and took it home! Her phone battery had run out so I couldn’t get in touch. Thankfully Neil drove the key back to Gem and all was fine! Phew.
That’s what happen when your brain is not working – don’t trust me 24h into a challenge!

The only real mishap was mine of the challenge… promising my work colleagues I’d wear a Wonder Woman outfit if I reached £500 in donations. I did… and soon regretted it when the shorts caused painful chafing from the 14:00 Saturday run onwards.
Every run after that hurt( a lot). Lesson learned!

📣  Special mentions

First of all I want to thank all who kindly donated to the Lily foundation on our fundraising pages. Such kindness and support was incredible!

Special-special mentions:

I wouldn’t have done this if it wasn’t for Neil! This one was his idea, at a parkrun while chatting a few months ago…then I got onto planning mode.
Neil had just run a marathon the previous weekend and absolutely smashed this challenge – I seriously don’t know how he does it. After the challenge, as I went off to relax in a sauna and do nothing, Neil went off for a driving lesson with his girlfriend.
No rest – just grit. And he has a Half Marathon to run on Sunday!

Across the weekend, 29 people joined different runs. Seeing familiar faces appear at all hours gave every run its own spark of energy.
Gabriel ran 9 runs with us, but he also ran extra and his own runs when he couldn’t join so he’s completed the challenge too. Very impressed by his stamina and doing this with a young family and newborn makes it especially hard: Well done Gabriel!

A huge shoutout to Dennis, who we didn’t know before the weekend but who joined the challenge via Strava, and completed nine runs, completely solo, in horrible weather in Swansea. Absolute superstar 🌟

Next shoutout is for Caroline, who joined 9 of our runs. She’s incredible and I have learned a lot from Caroline – she kept us going with jeffing on the last runs too. I think she deserves an Allstars Allstar award!

Now I hope I haven’t forgotten anyone (if so, message me – my brain wasn’t always functioning and I relied on photos to remember some of this)…

James did 4 laps with us before going on holidays – fab support! Then Claire J, Iain, Julie and Thoko each did 3 runs with us. That’s 12 miles!

Andy, Davina, Jade, Jess, Sean, Vicky joined us for two runs each, and Claire H, Dionne, Gem, Gill, Hannah, Lorraine, Mark, Michelle, Nish, Rachel D, Tim, Vi and Yvette all joined us for a run. Thanks so much all!

And of course, a nod to our four-legged supporters: Mabel and Milo who joined a run each, and Percy at the start of at least 5 runs, bringing smiles on our faces every single time 🐾

Special prizes

The “reporter prize” goes to Gem and Jade for their brilliant photos and updates : they made our weekend look far more glamorous than it felt! Special thanks also to Andy and Claire J, who captured great moments along the way. My own photos were pretty dreadful, so I’m very grateful for theirs.

The “spy prize”, taking photos and videos when we didn’t expect them to even be there: Francesca & Lucia and then Andy B on Saturday night.

A “hug prize” goes to Rachel and George, who gave us much-needed warmth and energy before our last run of the challenge, having both completed a half marathon earlier that day and both got PBs.
And a heartfelt thank you to Claire H, Nicky S, Andrea, Danny, Umesh, Sam, Caroline, Nigel, Dionne, Davina, Kev and others who kept messaging encouragement through the tough hours; those small check-ins meant more than you can imagine.

💡 Lessons and takeaways

We learned (or confirmed) how important planning is, not just for logistics, but for peace of mind. Having meals prepped, sleep windows mapped out, and kit ready meant one less thing to think about when exhaustion set in.

Another tip is just company – whether is for cheering on, distraction from the discomfort, or someone to be there because our brain isn’t quite working…friends are the best!

The biggest learning this time was Jeffing (run/walk intervals). Caroline used (and then lent me) her Gymboss timer and suggested we try it, and honestly, it saved the day on Sunday. It helped maintain pace while managing fatigue, and I’ll definitely experiment with it more in training.

❤️ Gratitude and recovery

The support throughout the weekend (hugs, messages, surprise visits, running buddies, and donations) meant the world to both of us.

After the final run, five of us headed to the pub for a much-deserved hot chocolate, and I followed that by an outdoor sauna recovery session. It was the perfect way to end a cold, slightly sleep-deprived but deeply satisfying 48 hours.

We’ll probably need a few more days to fully recover, but our hearts (and legs) are full.

Clock Change Goggins Challenge: completed.
 For Hope, for The Lily Foundation, and for everyone who helped us through the darker miles. Big love to all💗💜

https://www.justgiving.com/page/aurelie-team-hope

https://www.justgiving.com/page/neil-houghton-4

ARC12 recce on the South West Coast Path: Godrevy to Porthtowan

Leave a comment

I registered a while back for the Arc of Attrition running event in January 2026. It’s a running event on the South West Coast Path in Cornwall, with different distances: 100 miles, 50 miles, and 25 miles. For 2026, they’ve created a shorter version, ARC12, which is 12 miles (nearly 20km).

I had a free weekend this weekend, so I decided to get my tent in the car and booked the campsite on Thursday for Saturday and Sunday. The campsite will also be the event finish line in January.

The aim was to recce the route and prepare mentally. I was originally going to hike it, but decided instead to try running it to see if I could complete it within the 4-hour cut-off time. Whether I managed it or not, it would be a valuable recce: a chance to learn what to do, what to expect, and where the challenges are.

I did it in just under 3h40…

After a long drive to Cornwall (accidents on the roads etc) and late Friday arrival at an eco campsite in Porthtowan (called Mount Pleasant Eco Park), I pitched my tent in the dark and sat back to watch the stars. It was a peaceful start to what turned out to be a spectacular impromptu weekend.

Saturday morning, I weighed up whether to make the trek to a parkrun (very tempting – I dislike missing out on a parkrun tourism opportunity) , but public transport options were awkward and slow, so I opted out.

Instead, I caught two buses (the 315 and then the T2) aiming to get to Godrevy. Unfortunately, a lorry blocked the final approach, so the bus driver kindly dropped me… further up the road and I hiked the extra bit to the start of the recce…

As it was nearing noon, I stopped at the Jam Pot café by St Gothian Sands for tea and eggs on toast. Absolutely lovely. Worth noting: no toilets at the café, and the ones near the beach and lifeguard hut had no running water to flush or wash. Not ideal.

I hiked on to the other side of the “Red River” before reaching the start of the run.

From the National Trust car park at Godrevy, I set off on my run (or fast-hike if you think running needs to be a certain pace) along the South West Coast Path just after 12.30pm.

Well fuelled and hydrated, I set a good pace early on. The first 4km felt really great, though I had a niggle at the back of my right ankle that I had pre-taped. My cap wasn’t surviving the breeze either, but the sea air was so refreshing it made up for it. I was having fun!

The terrain was kind and the views absolutely stunning. I took frequent photo and video breaks because it was just too beautiful not to capture. I was ahead of my target pace, knowing the back half had more hills, so I pushed a little early on. I passed the 9km mark around Portreath about 25 minutes ahead of my splits.

Then came kilometre 9 to 10… an utter joke. I possibly took the wrong path down into the Carvannel Downs area, but even the correct trail would have been steep, rutted, and not remotely runnable. It’ll be very tricky in winter. Noted for ARC12: this will be a walking section.

Energy dipped badly just before Portreath when I realised I’d forgotten to eat. Took a gel at that point (10k in) & another at 15k to carry me through.

By 15km I was flagging. The temperature was still in the high 20s, and the steps were brutal – far too tall for comfortable climbing. I’m short ….My legs just don’t stretch that far! The pace dropped and I basically crawled, but I saw the payoff of all those gym sessions: split squats, step-ups, posterior chain work. I kept moving.

Now I’m back at the campsite with my birthday book (finally cracking it open!) and tomorrow I’m off to Newquay to meet a friend for a swim and brunch.

At 17km I passed Sally’s Bottom (always a snigger! ) and pushed towards Porthtowan. The steps were still challenging but I got through them.

Took a break, turned my phone data on (checking social media), and then carried on. The path beyond was full of loose stones – hard on the feet, no flow. I walked, jogged, walked again. No rhythm. I wasn’t having as much fun at that point. But I knew I wasn’t far.

Still, I was about 20 minutes ahead of my estimate finish time on the Garmin. With 2.5km left, I allowed myself to walk the last hills and still aimed to come in under four hours.

Total distance: 19.79km, with 516m of elevation gain. Not a fast run, but a solid effort in the heat, and brilliant ARC12 recce.

Happy 12 miles 😊

Fuelling breakdown: Before the run I had tea (~500 ml) and eggs on toast, totalling around 336 kcal and 31 g of carbs. During the run, I drank about 1.5 litres of water and 500 ml of Tailwind, which added another 200 kcal and 50 g of carbs. I had three energy gels throughout the effort (288 kcal, 69 g carbs). After the run, I refuelled with a Quaker porridge-to-go bar (139 kcal, 21 g carbs). All in, during the run I consumed approximately 819 kcal and 152 g of carbohydrates, and drank about 2 litres of fluids. I’m happy with that fuelling effort for a 3.5-hour coastal run in summer heat.

A fab spontaneous weekend and a great reminder of how glorious the Cornish coast can be (if I needed one). This route is not just for running: it’s a beautiful walk, too, and I highly recommend it for anyone up for a bit of a challenge and a lot of views.

Rambling on Together: Walkers Hill, Milk Hill and canal loop

Leave a comment
Route

Walkers Hill, Milk Hill and canal loop – 16 km circular with paragliders and White Horse views

I meant to write this blog post weeks ago but somehow time flew. Better late than never.

This was our “Rambling On Together” walk on 27th April, in Wiltshire.

This was a walk I did with Gary and Johnny on a warm, sunny day that offered everything I could hope for – stunning views, plenty of wildlife, and great company.

It was also the day after I first noticed some pain in my right knee. I wasn’t sure how I’d manage the walk, but with the help of hiking poles, it didn’t hurt at all on the day – a relief and a small win.

We set off from the Pewsey Downs car park and climbed onto the ridge before descending towards the canal. The walk along the towpath was peaceful and scenic. We made a welcome coffee stop at Honeystreet Café, which was just the thing for a short break in the sunshine.

We were treated to lots of wildlife throughout the walk. A couple of fields were full of large rabbits, and just a short while later, two deer crossed the path right in front of us. There were birds everywhere, and we passed plenty of cows and sheep, including some newborn lambs.

The climb back up through Alton Barnes and Alton Priors was steady and rewarding. We passed Walkers Hill (260 m) and the striking chalk figure of the Alton Barnes White Horse, before continuing up to Milk Hill (295 m) – the highest point in Wiltshire.

The views across the Pewsey Downs were absolutely breathtaking. We were lucky enough to see dozens of paragliders launching from the hills, catching the thermals and drifting above us. To top it all off, we saw biplanes flying in formation overhead just as we were making our way back to the car park.

As always with Gary and Johnny, there was plenty of laughter and easy conversation. It really was a special day – one of those walks that stays with you.

Alton Barnes White Horse

Goggins’ 4x4x48 challenge summary

1 Comment

23 May 2025, 17:00 – 25 May 2025, 14:00
12 runs. 48 hours. 48 miles. One unforgettable challenge.

Friday after the first run (5pm)

The challenge

Inspired by David Goggins’ 4x4x48 format, I ran 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours, starting at 5pm on Friday and finishing at 2pm on Sunday. Each run was 4 miles (approx. 6.5 km), with a total running distance of 78.37 km / 48.7 miles over 12 runs.

This challenge was part of, and the final challenge, of a series of 5 events in May 2025.

📢 Initial announcement

  • 🕒 Total running time: 9h 43m
  • 🐢 Average pace: 7:25 min/km (11:57 min/mile)
  • 🥱 Total naps: 8 naps, totalling 6h 55m
  • 🚶‍♀️ Walked (to/from runs): 11.59 km / 7.2 miles (3h total)

Time breakdown over 48 hours:

  • 🏃‍♀️ Running: 20.2%
  • 🚶 Walking: 6.2%
  • 😴 Sleeping: 14.4%
  • 🧠 Awake (not moving): 59.1%

Runs info

Longest: 55min 34 sec – 5am Sunday (a lot more walking needed due to fatigue, sore knees, and (sorry TMI) stomach not being too strong at that point.

Quickest: 44min 46 sec – 9pm Friday (fresh legs, excitement of the start on the second run)

Least enjoyed: 1pm on Saturday when I tried the route in reverse – loathed the experience! The hills felt so much harder and also I was sleep deprived which affected my experience.

The route

I used the same route for 11 of the 12 runs but on one occasion (1pm Saturday) did it in reverse:

The 4 mile loop

On Saturday at 9am, the route was Seven Fields parkrun and an added mile around the field to reach 4 miles.

Seven Fields parkrun

Fuel & hydration

A massive part of getting through the challenge was fuelling well and listening to my body. I didn’t use gels or electrolytes, just real food, water, and gut instinct were my guide.

🥗 Total meals/snacks: 22

  • Protein smoothie made with almond milk, vegan vanilla protein powder and a frozen banana (some had berries in too) – 6x
  • Porridge with berries & honey – 3x
  • Granola (basically a homemade flapjack crumbled) with Greek yogurt & fruit – 2x
  • PB & banana on toast – 2x
  • Pasta & pesto chicken – 2x
  • Flapjack – 2x
  • Chicken & rice – 1x (one leftover because I didn’t fancy it on Sunday morning)
  • Omelette with toast (+ avocado once) – 2x
  • Scrambled eggs on toast – 1x
  • Bag of salted peanuts – 1x

☕ Drinks

  • Water: ~5 litres
  • Coffee: 2
  • Tea: 2

Kit, care & maintenance

  • 👕 6 tops, 2 shorts, 4 leggings
  • 🧦 4 pairs of running socks
  • 👟 1 pair Brooks Ghost Max 2
  • 🧢 1 cap, 1 winter hat
  • 🎽 1 race belt (with QR code!)
  • 🧵 KT tape (braline chafing): ~180 cm

  • 🛁 Showers: 12
  • 🧺 Laundry: 5 loads during, 1 post-challenge

  • 🧘‍♀️ Rigorous stretching and foam rolling after every run
    💥 No DOMS – just minor chafing by the end (sory TMI!)

Community support

It may have been a solo challenge, but I was never alone. 💚
I really didn’t expect this wonderful level of support, people generously giving some of their Bank holiday weekend time to join – you are all legends!

👣 Total of 33 running buddies joined me

  • Most frequent: Neil H (8 runs) is an absolute star for running 8 back-to-back legs with me, Paul A (4 runs)
  • 3 runs: Elliot, Hannah, Neil C, Rachel
  • 2 runs: Adam, Barbara, Iain, Jade, Stacy, Thoko, Tim, Yvette
  • 1 run:Ali, Andrea G, Ben, Dan, Dionne, Gem, Hayley, James, Kim, Lorraine, Lucy, Marichu, Norja, Rod, Sam P, Suzie, Ulen, Umesh, Victoria.
  • Not to forget: Milo 🐾

    I hope I haven’t forgotten anyone but please let me know and I’ll correct it here.
    Also at the start / finish line and en-route: Lucia (on plenty of occasions), Dionne, Sally and Paul H, Leigh, Paul A; shout-out to you!

💰 Donations

  • £1,120 raised (186% of target!) by 79 supporters at the time of writing this report.
  • All for the Prospect Hospice , helping local families with end-of-life care and grief support.
  • It’s not too late to donate: https://www.justgiving.com/page/aurelie4x4x48
  • Top donors: Clothilde, Neil & Michelle, Rob L 🙏🙏🙏

Moments & memories

  • 🦡 Best run: 1am Saturday – spotted a badger in North Swindon!
  • 🌅 Best time to run: 5am runs: bird song, peaceful dawn, completely empty and silent Thamesdown Drive.
  • 😂 Fun moment: Probably teaching French swear words on a 5am run.
  • 📸 Most awkward: Having to thank people for taking pictures of my backside… as people scanned the donation QR code on my bum at parkrun
  • 🌟 Proudest:
    • Someone told me I’d inspired them to train for an ultra
    • Another person ran two runs with me – having never done more than 5k before
    • Seeing the amazing community of people around me rally for such an important cause.

If anything I do shows others what’s possible, then I’m deeply proud and humbled.

Reflections, questions & advice

📋 Planning tips:

  • Spreadsheet with run times, meals, and pre-prepped labelled food: I didn’t have to “think” between runs as I had a plan!
  • Choosing runs to fit with best daylight hours: for this using UK May bank holiday for daylight hours: around 04:40–21:40
  • Used Seven Fields parkrun for my Saturday 9am run whch was great fun!

✅ Lessons learned:

  • I thought I’d get bored: didn’t happen. The breaks were full of eating, showering, napping. That’s what surprised me the most about this challenge – I completely underestimated this aspect.
  • Fuel flexibly: sometimes I swapped meals because I felt like something else.
  • I didn’t need supplements or gels, just real food was enough for 4-mile runs.
  • Hydration and mobility work (stretching & foam rolling) made recovery smoother.
  • Rest well after. I don’t plan to run until Tuesday evening (over 48h after finish) and that will be a gentle short run, likely around 5km.
  • But keep active afterwards: gentle walks or maybe also swimming if you can/ feel like it: listen to your body!

🧠 Advice for future 4x4x48 runners:

  • Plan everything, then stay flexible
  • Prep food in advance
  • Don’t underestimate how tired you’ll feel
  • You will be sleep deprived!
  • Schedule rest time
  • Embrace the weird moments: they’ll be the best memories
  • Would I do it again? I’ve been asked this a few times. I don’t think so unless it’s to support someone else doing it. I weirdly enjoyed it a lot but it feels to me like a one-of-a-kind challenge. I’ll definitely do other crazy things, though! Watch this space!

If you’re thinking of trying it, consider therapy! but, you absolutely can!
Its one of the hardest thing I’ve done in my life. Definelty not easy, but it’s entirely possible. If I, an overweight middle-aged mum, can do it, so can you.

Physical outcomes

  • Weight gain: +400g (likely glycogen + water)
  • Body fat: ↓ 1.3 percentage points (≈3.8% drop) on home scales though so may not be that accurate
  • No injury or DOMS – planning, recovery, and fuelling worked!

The power of community

One of the biggest factors in being able to take on five challenges this May, including this final 4x4x48, has been the strength of the communities around me. I haven’t done this alone.

The support, motivation, and shared experience I’ve found through Slinn Allstars running club, the 6am Training in Swindon crew, and The Longevity Games have been truly instrumental. Yes, they’ve helped improve my fitness, but more importantly, they’ve provided connection, encouragement, accountability, and advice when it mattered most.

Even four weeks ago, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to complete this challenge. A sudden knee pain/injury had me doubting things but thanks to Kev Tonner at Swindon Injury Clinic, I had the support I needed. His guidance, stretches, and recovery advice made all the difference. I’m incredibly grateful, because without that help, this weekend might not have happened.

Being surrounded by people who move, challenge themselves, cheer each other on, and show up (especially early in the morning!) makes a huge difference. It’s a reminder that staying active isn’t just about physical health. It’s also about being part of something, showing up for each other, and finding strength in the collective. I wouldn’t lie if I said this hasn’t also benefited my mental health massively.

If you’re thinking about starting something, or pushing your limits, find your people. Join a local group, try a parkrun, sign up for a class, or meet a friend for a walk. You don’t need to go it alone; in fact company is twice as fun.

Movement is medicine, and community is what helps you keep going. 💚

I often tell myself, “I can do hard things.” But really, the truth is:
We can do hard things, together.

Rambling on Together: An Extended Waterfall Adventure

Leave a comment

12 April 2025
Distance: 15.88 km
Elevation Gain: 420 m


Route: Dinas Rock → Pull Berw → Sgwd yr Eira → Sgwd y Pannwr → Sgwd Isaf Clun Gwyn → Sgwd Clun Gwyn → Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf → Sgwd y Bedol → Sgwd Gwladus

A week ago today, a group of us (Kerry, Gary, Johnny and I) embarked on an early morning adventure, setting off at 06:30 and arriving at Dinas Rock before 09:00, with a brief coffee and convenience stop in Merthyr Tydfil.

The plan was to walk an extended version of the Four Waterfalls Walk, and it delivered as we saw over 10 waterfalls.

We started the walk with a steep couple of climbs!



Our journey began with  Pull Berw, a serene introduction to the cascading wonders ahead.

The path to Sgwd yr Eira was both challenging and rewarding.

We witnessed some smoke and flames, along a ridge in the distance – wildfires. It’s sobering reminder of nature’s fragility.

Walking behind the curtain of water at Sgwd yr Eira was a highlight, offering a unique perspective of nature’s power.
Then we faced the 170 steps back up the path that tested our endurance.



The trail continued to Sgwd Isaf Clun Gwyn, where a steep scramble added an element of adventure.

Lunch at Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf provided a moment of respite, accompanied by the soothing sounds of flowing water…until a lot of families arrived and we felt it was time to move on.

We then left the Four waterfalls area and headed onto the Elidir trail.

A delightful detour to Clyngwyn Farm Bunkhouse and Café offered a sweet treat. I had an ice cream. The misspelt “Barra brith” on the menu brought a chuckle(I need to learn not to correct people on spelling in their own language!), but the warm hospitality and delicious offerings made it a memorable stop.

The next stretch, past some farms and along a stream up to Pont Melin Fach didn’t feature waterfalls but was really pleasant and picturesque along the steam.

There started the new streak of Waterfalls – we saw the sixth waterfall of the day: Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf. And then so many that we stopped counting…


A surprise awaited us at Sgwd y Bedol—a lone swimmer embracing nature in its purest form! We didn’t need these sights! I’ll spare you the photo of the man to keep his privacy… But to be fair I don’t think he had any concerns about keeping himself private at all!

The final stretch led us to Sgwd Gwladus, where we once again walked behind the waterfall, just after an unexpected slip reminded me of the trail’s unpredictability. I didn’t get hurt. Just my ego bruised!

The Bannau Brycheiniog never ceases to amaze. Each waterfall, each path, and each unexpected moment contributed to a day filled with laughter, awe, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

I’d been there twice before but each time it feels different and looks different, depending on the seasons and the company.

Sharing this experience with Kerry, Gary, and Johnny made it all the more special.

Next walk will be more local.

Avebury and the Ridgeway with Sam

Leave a comment

📍 Avebury + Ridgeway + West Kennet Long Barrow (12.6 km)



Some  hikes aren’t just about the distance or the views—they’re about the people you share them with. Last wednesday’s midweek wander through the Avebury countryside was exactly that: a day of sunshine, open skies, and soul-restoring friendship.

I took a day’s leave to walk with my best friend Sam, and it turned out to be one of those perfect spring days where everything feels a little bit lighter.

It started with Sam having given me a bag of snacks – homemade trail mix with similar contents we had on the Clarendon Way! My favourite!!

The Ridgeway gave us big skies and long views, Silbury hill sanding still in the landscap,, West Kennet Long Barrow quiet and ancient in the sunshine, and the company—well, that was the best bit of all.

Sam and I met through work at Cranfield University ten years ago this month, and somehow that early connection grew into something much deeper. She’s seen me through a lot over the years, and time with her, especially walking with her always brings comfort, laughter, and the kind of honest conversations and laughter that only happen with someone who really gets you.

We even had a moment of classic  hilarity—spotting a wooden post and thinking it was a deer(To be fair, from a distance I thought it was a pheasant…)! But straight after we did see deer!

These are the good days: fresh air, shared stories, and the kind of company that reminds you you’re never walking alone.

We had refreshments at the National Trust café in Avebury and started thinking about our next hike together !

Grateful for every step.

And just like that, after a few days of daily posts, I’ve caught up on my 2025 hike reports.

We’re planning two group hikes in April  open to my friends, and I have a busy month of fitness challenges in May which I’ll post about too.

From Dragon’s Back to Dragon Hill: A Chilly but Beautiful Ramble

Leave a comment

📍 Ashbury to Uffington White Horse, Oxfordshire

Fresh from the wild ridges of the Dragon’s Back the day before,  I headed out again —this time to Dragon Hill and the iconic Uffington White Horse. Definitely a winter walk, the sun didn’t make an appearance at all and the wind was biting at times,  but the company and views more than made up for it.

We went around Wayland’s Smithy too on the way back.

This was a special one: Thoko asked me to take her on a hike, as she’s not used to hikes, and she absolutely smashed it.

That climb wasn’t easy—especially with the wind — but she powered through. It was a real joy to walk and chat together.

We were treated to the sight of majestic red kites soaring above Dragon Hill, adding a touch of magic to an already beautiful route.

A quieter, gentler pace than yesterday’s mountain adventure, but no less rewarding.

It’s such a gift to share these landscapes—and to see someone discover their own strength along the way.

Rambling on Together: Epic Dragon’s Back in Bannau Brycheiniog

Leave a comment

📍 Dragon’s Back, Bannau Brycheiniog, Cymru



Over a  week on and I’m still buzzing from this one—an absolutely epic day out on the Dragon’s Back! We went to Hay-on-Wye for the Riverside parkrun first which was really lovely.

This hike was everything: tough, wild, a bit cold at times, and utterly breathtaking.

We set out with high spirits and solid legs, and by the end we’d tamed the ridges and conquered the peaks. The climbs were no joke, especially up to Waun Fach (811 m), but every step was worth it for those views.

It felt like we were climbing for the first five kilometres. From the ruins of Castell Dinas (450 m) to the sweep of the Black Mountains from Pen y Grib (493 m), this route delivered in every way.

It was the third organised walk from the series but the second attended by friends.

As for the first one, I planned the route on paper maps, GPS Garmin device and OS Maps app. I sent a kit list, admin instructions including elevation and overall hole description, as well as a timed itinerary, and everyone was prepared. I also provided the customary flapjacks.

The company was brilliant (thanks Gary, Johnny and Gary!), the weather held, and the landscape felt like something straight out of a fantasy novel.

Being there, at the top of those hills brings me such joy I don’t know how to put it in words and pictures can’t show it either… it’s somehow awe for nature we are with, a sense of insignificance and impermanence that makes me feel free from daily worries. It just fills my happiness tank!

I haven’t stopped smiling since. This was a hike that reminded me why the mountains are my happy place.

Highlights:

  • Sweeping ridges  with huge views
  • A proper leg-burner with rewarding climbs (yes, it’s a positive!)
  • Sunshine, lovely friends, and moments of pure joy

Already planning to return. If you’re up for a challenge and love wild beauty, Dragon’s Back is calling!!

Diolch yn fawr! Hwyl!

Solo Recce for Marlborough Downs Challenge 20

Leave a comment

📍 Marlborough • West Woods • Vale of Pewsey • Avebury


Distance: 34 km / 21 miles
Time on feet: 6h38

I planned this as a hike but ended up Jeffing it. I started at dawn and was worried, mid February that there wouldn’t be sufficient daylight but I was back in Marlborough in good time, before sunset.

I’d opened this up as a group recce for the MDC20, but it ended up being a solo effort—just me, my backpack, and a very long mostly muddy trail.

I still planned the route on map, Garmin device and OS Maps app, as if I was with a group and I had to plan for food& drinks for the day as there was no “support”.

Not quite a run, not quite a hike—definitely a trail slog. I set off from Marlborough, wound through West Woods and Gopher Wood, dropped into the Vale of Pewsey, and finally reached Avebury, after a few more hours on my feet than planned.

The weather was dry but windy and cold with occasional sunshine.

I went off-course three times. But here is something to make you smile…while lost just before reaching West Woods, I got a Facebook notification… for a navigation course, happening in West Wood, that day, at that exact moment. Thanks, universe, I did laugh out loud at the irony of the moment.

I really enjoyed walking by the wansdyke in the woods. I had the place to myself and it felt really special. I took my time admiring the trees.

Conditions check:

  • Mud: Abundant and clingy.
  • Wind: Brutal—especially between Marlborough and Avebury.
  • Fuel: Flapjacks carried me. Gels tolerated.
  • Hydration: Minimal—too cold to drink properly.
  • Vibes: Somewhere between “What am I doing?” and “Actually, I’m doing it.”

The aftermath..

  • Sore shoulders for days from the backpack.
  • A blister in the middle of my back. Yes, really.Yuck, I know.
  • Legs coped, spirit wobbled, but I didn’t break.

And here’s the thing: I’ll have to do it again in May for the actual event. No question.

But I’ll need to be faster to make the cut-off time. If it’s as muddy on race day, I might be staring down a DNF—so fingers crossed for a dry spell and fewer detours next time.

At that point I was just glad I got it done. It’s definitely a beautiful route and I hope to enjoy it more next time.
One step closer. Onwards and upwards.

Slowly catching up on the hikes write up – this was five weeks ago.

Next time, I’ll mention Dragon’s Back – epic!

In the meantime here is my photo dump from the Marlborough Downs:

Adam and Eve

Rambling On Together: Liddington Hillfort

Leave a comment

Our first Rambling On Together group hike of 2025 took us from the Richard Jefferies Museum to the Ridgeway, Liddington Hillfort and back—a lovely 17 km loop with pretty views, and great company.

I was joined by Johnny and Gary and, miraculously, avoided the rain! We had grey skies in this first day of February but it remained dry. It was chilly at the summit of Liddington Castle (275 m), but the views more than made up for it. We tucked into lunch and hot drinks up top, with homemade flapjacks keeping us going.

Along the way we spotted red kites, and even caught sight of a deer (you might just make it out in one of the photos). The Curly-Wurly Bridge also featured of course, and there was no shortage of good chat.

This was the first of the hikes I’m sharing with friends to join as a group.

I planned the route, shared a kit list and organised timings and I’m happy how it worked out. I’d also brought homemade flapjacks for the group.

Here’s to many more miles ahead.

I am posting this eight weeks later and we’ve hiked again since. I’ll share in the next post.