Advice please

Nalac said:

Living on the edge of the Brecon Beacons I certainly had a great choice of walking and this year I
plan to go further a field to experience the buzz.

I would like some recommendations on boots and waterproof jackets - at this time I will probably
tend to stick to when the forecasts will be fine but this is no guaranttee as I found out to my
cost one late summer trip up Fan Y Big! I would not like to spend more than £100 on a jacket

Don't then. If you can usually choose your weather, as I can, then lightweight waterproofs will do
the job fine. A lot of expensive waterproof jackets are overkill anyway, great for extreme
conditions but they often aren't. Better to get a decent windproof jacket and carry lightweight
waterproofs IMO.

I use a Craghoppers Pakka jacket, only cost me £50 IIRC, and a pair of Peter Storm overtrousers
which were around £20. I've used them in serious rain with no problems. I would recommend
overtrousers as well as a jacket, especially in the hills.

Paul
--
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[email hidden] said...

Quoted message said:

Living on the edge of the Brecon Beacons I certainly had a great choice of walking and this year
I plan to go further a field to experience the buzz.

Hello! You're in good company here - Paul and Bill are in the Swansea area; I'm in the Rhondda.
So... hello from the South Wales contingent! :-)
--
Fran If you need my email address please ask.

Hi Paul,

I hope you don't mind me butting in here. I'm hoping you may be kind enough to offer some advice
to me. A friend and I are hoping to take a trip down to Brecon Beacons soon. We have never walked
in the area before and was hoping you may be able to recommend a walk. Somewhere we could leave
the car, walk for the day and find somewhere wild to pitch the tent overnight. Walking back to the
car next day. We are both 32 and quite fit. we are well equipped (if you include the argos tent)
🙂 I have Memory Map at home on the pc and all the usual maps, gps etc. We'd be really grateful
for any advice.

Cheers

Ade

"Paul Saunders" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Nalac said:

Living on the edge of the Brecon Beacons I certainly had a great choice of walking and this year
I plan to go further a field to experience the buzz.

I would like some recommendations on boots and waterproof jackets - at this time I will probably
tend to stick to when the forecasts will be fine but this is no guaranttee as I found out to my
cost one late summer trip up Fan Y Big! I would not like to spend more than £100 on a jacket

Don't then. If you can usually choose your weather, as I can, then lightweight waterproofs will do
the job fine. A lot of expensive waterproof jackets are overkill anyway, great for extreme
conditions but they often aren't. Better to get a decent windproof jacket and carry lightweight
waterproofs IMO.

I use a Craghoppers Pakka jacket, only cost me £50 IIRC, and a pair of Peter Storm overtrousers
which were around £20. I've used them in serious rain with no problems. I would recommend
overtrousers as well as a jacket, especially in the hills.

Paul
--
wilderness-wales.co.ukwilderness-wales.co.ukOpen ↗ wildwales.fsnet.co.ukwildwales.fsnet.co.ukOpen ↗
photosig.comuserphotosOpen ↗

Paul Saunders said:

Nalac wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I would like some recommendations on boots and waterproof jackets - at this time I will probably
tend to stick to when the forecasts will be fine but this is no guaranttee as I found out to my
cost one late summer trip up Fan Y Big! I would not like to spend more than =A3100 on=

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

a jacket

=20
Don't then. If you can usually choose your weather, as I can, then lightweight waterproofs will do
the job fine. A lot of expensive waterproof jackets are overkill anyway, great for extreme
conditions bu=

t

Quoted message said:

they often aren't. Better to get a decent windproof jacket and carry lightweight waterproofs IMO.

Sound advice. Note that a lot of the jackets available are very=20 literally suitable for getting to
the top of Everest in. People have=20 managed to enjoy the hills for years before Goretex was
invented. Even=20 with expensive waterproofs (I am a gear junkie, I know it is not=20 necessary)
mine mostly live in my pack as even the expensive ones are=20 less comfortable on than off IME,
unless there's some serious rain going =

on. Modern windproofs are very light, more breathable and comfortable=20 than waterproofs, and
generally a lot cheaper as well, *and* they'll=20 easily cope with most showers and drizzle which
actually covers most of=20 the rain you meet.

For boots, fit, fit and fit are the most important. There is *no*=20 substitute for trying them on.
Don't buy more than you need: if you're=20 only going out where there's no chance of snow or ice and
with=20 relatively light loads you may well not even need boots at all, as long=20 as what you get
has a good sole for traction and enough protection for=20 your feet from the weather and local
ground (I walk in sandals a lot,=20 but I won't pretend they're any good for running scree!).

Pete. --=20 Peter Clinch University of Dundee Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Medical Physics,
Ninewells Hospital Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK net [email hidden]
dundee.ac.uk~pjclinchOpen ↗

"Fran" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

[email hidden] said...

Quoted message said:

Living on the edge of the Brecon Beacons I certainly had a great choice of walking and this

year I

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

plan to go further a field to experience the buzz.

Hello! You're in good company here - Paul and Bill are in the Swansea area; I'm in the Rhondda.
So... hello from the South Wales contingent! :-)

And me
--
John Taverner Llangwm Pembrokeshire Wales 3m amsl "et in arcadia ego?"

In message <[email hidden]>, yup <[email hidden]> writes

Quoted message said:

Hi Paul,

I hope you don't mind me butting in here. I'm hoping you may be kind enough to offer some advice
to me. A friend and I are hoping to take a trip down to Brecon Beacons soon. We have never walked
in the area before and was hoping you may be able to recommend a walk. Somewhere we could leave
the car, walk for the day and find somewhere wild to pitch the tent overnight. Walking back to the
car next day. We are both 32 and quite fit. we are well equipped (if you include the argos tent)
🙂 I have Memory Map at home on the pc and all the usual maps, gps etc. We'd be really grateful
for any advice.

Cheers

Ade

You could try close to the car park at the bottom of Cwm Llwch Grid ref SO 006244. Wild camping
seems to be tolerated there along the banks of the stream, although I don't know what the exact
status of the land is. I've never camped there myself (I usually stay in the old farmhouse at Cwm
Llwch further up the road, although in the depths of winter that is as cold as a witches mammary
gland even with the log fire going!).

Good walks up the valley onto Corn Du & Pen y Fan.

Have fun.
--
Neil Pugh

"John Taverner" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Fran" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

[email hidden] said...

Quoted message said:

Living on the edge of the Brecon Beacons I certainly had a great choice of walking and

this

Quoted message said:

year I

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

plan to go further a field to experience the buzz.

Hello! You're in good company here - Paul and Bill are in the Swansea area; I'm in the Rhondda.
So... hello from the South

Wales

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

contingent! :-)

And me

always wanted to say this <aol> Me Too <aol>

Bridgend area

Andrew

[email hidden] said...

Quoted message said:

So... hello from the South Wales

Quoted message said:

contingent! :-)

And me
--
John Taverner Llangwm Pembrokeshire Wales

Ooh, I didn't realise! Shwmae!
--
Fran If you need my email address please ask.

[email hidden] said...

Quoted message said:

the South Wales

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

contingent! :-)

And me

always wanted to say this <aol> Me Too <aol>

Bridgend area

Wahey! Does that mean we're quorate for a local meet sometime?
--
Fran If you need my email address please ask.

hey cheers for that Neil, very much appreciated. There's nothing like another persons experiences.

Ade

"Neil Pugh" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

In message <[email hidden]>, yup <[email hidden]> writes

Quoted message said:

Hi Paul,

I hope you don't mind me butting in here. I'm hoping you may be kind

enough

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

to offer some advice to me. A friend and I are hoping to take a trip down

to

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Brecon Beacons soon. We have never walked in the area before and was

hoping

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

you may be able to recommend a walk. Somewhere we could leave the car,

walk

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

for the day and find somewhere wild to pitch the tent overnight. Walking back to the car next
day. We are both 32 and quite fit. we are well

equipped

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

(if you include the argos tent) 🙂 I have Memory Map at home on the pc

and

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

all the usual maps, gps etc. We'd be really grateful for any advice.

Cheers

Ade

You could try close to the car park at the bottom of Cwm Llwch Grid ref SO 006244. Wild camping
seems to be tolerated there along the banks of the stream, although I don't know what the exact
status of the land is. I've never camped there myself (I usually stay in the old farmhouse at Cwm
Llwch further up the road, although in the depths of winter that is as cold as a witches mammary
gland even with the log fire going!).

Good walks up the valley onto Corn Du & Pen y Fan.

Have fun.
--
Neil Pugh

Quoted message said:

Ooh, I didn't realise! Shwmae!

with or without the " butt ":-) JT

In article <[email hidden]>,

Peter Clinch said:

Paul Saunders said:

Nalac wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I would like some recommendations on boots and waterproof jackets - at this time I will probably
tend to stick to when the forecasts will be fine but this is no guaranttee as I found out to my
cost one late summer trip up Fan Y Big! I would not like to spend more than £100 on a jacket

Don't then. If you can usually choose your weather, as I can, then lightweight waterproofs will
do the job fine. A lot of expensive waterproof jackets are overkill anyway, great for extreme
conditions but they often aren't. Better to get a decent windproof jacket and carry lightweight
waterproofs IMO.

Sound advice. Note that a lot of the jackets available are very literally suitable for getting to
the top of Everest in. People have managed to enjoy the hills for years before Goretex was
invented. Even with expensive waterproofs (I am a gear junkie, I know it is not necessary) mine
mostly live in my pack as even the expensive ones are less comfortable on than off IME, unless
there's some serious rain going on. Modern windproofs are very light, more breathable and
comfortable than waterproofs, and generally a lot cheaper as well, *and* they'll easily cope with
most showers and drizzle which actually covers most of the rain you meet.

For boots, fit, fit and fit are the most important. There is *no* substitute for trying them on.
Don't buy more than you need: if you're only going out where there's no chance of snow or ice and
with relatively light loads you may well not even need boots at all, as long as what you get has a
good sole for traction and enough protection for your feet from the weather and local ground (I
walk in sandals a lot, but I won't pretend they're any good for running scree!).

Pete.

Great advice from Peter. As usual he is talking total sense.

13 years ago I bought one of the best Goretex jackets available at a then and now ridiculous price.
OK it has lasted very well, but the number of times I've been stuck out (by this I mean more than 2
hours) in continual heavy rain I could count on one hand. Most of our weather is either continuous
drizzle or shorter showers. When it is really foul any sensible climber or walker would try to find
shelter and/or try to make their way down. Added to that, an accident tore several holes in the
sleeve and my 200 + pounds jacket was ruined. My next jacket was a considerably cheaper pile and
pertex smock for the hills which I cannot fault for performance and comfort even if the looks are a
bit "technical". I'm not saying they are the ultimate solution but they are a cheap and effective
alternative for me.

The last "hard shell" cost just 70 pounds and packs nice and small for the rucksack - where it
belongs. I vowed never to spend so much on a jacket again. The goretex has reached the end of its
useful life (any suggestions of what to do with a faded, torn jacket other than bin it would be
useful!) and I'm looking for another jacket which if I'm honest will see most of its life on the
streets. Paramo is tempting me, but even these are possibly over the top.

As for boots. Absolutely right; fit is the main consideration. I wouldn't recommend this for
everyone - particularly the newer walker with possibly weaker ankles - but I've gone over to walking
shoes for comfort and weight, except in snow and really boggy conditions.

There's a pattern emerging; as I get older and more experienced my needs are simpler and I feel a
need to go for the minimum rather than be seduced by technical details and fashions. I was
definitely a gear junkie in the past, but most of it stays in the walking cupboard.

Just get out and enjoy the hills in whatever keeps you comfortable and safe.

David

yup said:

I hope you don't mind me butting in here. I'm hoping you may be kind enough to offer some advice
to me. A friend and I are hoping to take a trip down to Brecon Beacons soon. We have never walked
in the area before and was hoping you may be able to recommend a walk. Somewhere we could leave
the car, walk for the day and find somewhere wild to pitch the tent overnight. Walking back to the
car next day. We are both 32 and quite fit. we are well equipped (if you include the argos tent)
🙂 I have Memory Map at home on the pc and all the usual maps, gps etc. We'd be really grateful
for any advice.

Well I could give you loads of advice, but where do I start? I can think of lots of places that
would fit that description. What kind of trip do you want to have? What kind of sights do you
want to see?

You say that you want to carry all your camping gear with you. If I were doing that I wouldn't plan
a walk over the tops, I'd be more inclined to follow easier routes along valleys or ridges, but you
may differ. Do you mind carrying all your gear up to the tops? There are some long easy high ridges
once you get up there.

So what are your priorities? Do want to climb the best or highest summits? Or simply *see* the best
or highest summits? Do you want gentle or steep walking? Would you like to see some waterfalls
enroute? Do you want to avoid the crowds? What sort of distance would you like to walk?

There are loads of places to camp wild in the Beacons, it's quite easy to find good wild camping
spots, due to it's relatively gentle, grassy nature.

Do you have a nice car? I've never had any problems (because I drive crappy old rust buckets) but
there are certain places which are hot spots for car crime. It's mainly the thieving of gear from
cars, so don't leave anything in the car.

Paul
--
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Fran said:

Quoted message said:

And me
--
John Taverner Llangwm Pembrokeshire Wales

Ooh, I didn't realise! Shwmae!

That should read "Hello!". They're all English speakers in that part of the world... :-)

Llangwm - pronounced "Langam" by the locals.

Paul
--
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wildwales.fsnet.co.ukwildwales.fsnet.co.ukOpen ↗
photosig.comuserphotosOpen ↗

Quoted message said:

That should read "Hello!". They're all English speakers in that part of
the world... :-)

Llangwm - pronounced "Langam" by the locals.

Langum :-) Yes, most speak English as their first language, so it suits a true Welshman like myself,
from Cardiff. :-) Many of us made the long plod up the M5, some of us returned on a parttime basis.

Now about Saturday??

--
John Taverner Solihull UK 134m a.m.s.l Llangwm Pembrokeshire Wales 3m amsl "et in arcadia ego?"

[email hidden] said...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Ooh, I didn't realise! Shwmae!

with or without the " butt ":-)

Gloom. I've got a big enough 'butt' for both of us. Mun.

--
Fran If you need my email address please ask.

[email hidden] said...

Quoted message said:

Fran said:

Quoted message said:

And me
--
John Taverner Llangwm Pembrokeshire Wales

Ooh, I didn't realise! Shwmae!

That should read "Hello!". They're all English speakers in that part of the world... :-)

Llangwm - pronounced "Langam" by the locals.

Ah, as in 'Pen-code' instead of Pencoed (grrr)? Actually, I was giving our young friend the benefit
of the doubt. I knew an elderly couple not far from Narberth whose attitude to 'the Welsh' was such
that I often wondered just *why* they'd chosen to move there. It made me realise just why the Welsh
tend to have no time for the English, though...
--
Fran If you need my email address please ask.

[email hidden] said...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Llangwm - pronounced "Langam" by the locals.

Langum :-) Yes, most speak English as their first language, so it suits a true Welshman like
myself, from Cardiff. :-)

*Giggle* Mind, there are loads of Welsh speakers in Cardiff now, because it's 'fashionable' to learn
the language and to speak it in loud voices in public areas. Whereabouts in Cardiff were you John? I
started off in Penylan (hall of residence), then moved to Cathays, Roath Park, Llandaf and
Whitchurch before shaking the 'Cairdiffian' dust from my heels and moving to the almost totally English-
speaking Rhondda.
--
Fran If you need my email address please ask.

"Fran" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

[email hidden] said...

Quoted message said:

Fran wrote:

I knew an elderly couple not far from Narberth whose attitude to 'the Welsh' was such that I often
wondered just *why* they'd chosen to move there. It made me realise just why the Welsh tend to
have no time for the English, though...

Bloody stupid idea going to live amongst a load of people you dislike. Like buying a house in
Benidorm and not liking the English...

My mother's side of the family are from the West Seaxe back to about the year dot (or 495AD as we
refer to it), so if anyone is used to fighting you Brits it should be me. Rumour has it that I also
have white blood running through my veins, but I have never really understood the Welsh anti-English
feeling or the English (not so common, IMO) anti-Welsh feeling. I find I get on with and really
enjoy the company of Welsh people. In fact at a residential training course last year I became an
honorary member of the "South Wales Mafia" as the two girls from Swansea and one from Bridgend were
nicknamed. Boy did we have some fun that week.

And if you ask me where I prefer to spend my holidays - well, four trips to the Brecon Beacons and
one to Snowdonia last year kind of answers that.

I can't speak a word of Welsh, but I always try to learn a couple of words each trip. Dimwit that I
am though, I usually forget them before I get back home (took me some time to realise that "Slow
Araf" wasn't warning to a

lilting Welsh accent (but then I'm kinky like that).

Take it from me, I am one Saxon who has absolutely no problem with Welsh people.

Unfortunately, my trip to Brecon next week has just been cancelled, so it will probably be April-May
before I can lead a Gewisse raiding party into the lands of the Brycheiniog Wealas. I'm surprised I
am in such a pleasant mode given the cancelling of four days walking the hills. Maybe I'm mellowing.

Mind you, when it comes to rugby....

I'll leave that for another day.

Have fun, Paul