37th Across Wales Walk
2 September 2000
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37th Across Wales Walk2 September 2000
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Welcome to www.acrosswaleswalk.co.uk
Near ideal walking conditions throughout the day .
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38th Across Wales Walk1 September 2001 |
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PLEASE NOTE: The 38th Across Wales Walk will take place on 1st September 2001.
Full details will be posted by mid-April 2001 but, until then, information on the 37th Across Wales Walk will be retained below.
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This page provides all the necessary information for those wishing to take part in the 37th Across Wales Walk, a 45 mile challenge walk crossing the country of Wales within 18 hours.
For further general information, please select a category from those on the left.
Is it possible to cross Wales in one day by foot?
Yes, and for the last thirty-six years West Birmingham Hostelling Group have organised the Across Wales Walk: an event now recognised as one of the regular classics of the challenge walking calendar.
How far is it, where does it start and finish, and how long will it take?
Nominally the route is 45 miles long from the English border at Anchor near Clun in Shropshire, to the Welsh coast at Clarach near Aberystwyth. How long it takes is up to you: the record time is 7 hours 22 minutes (running of course!) but the average time for completion is usually around 14 hours. The event must be completed within an 18 hour time limit.
Who can take part, and what is the route like ?
The Across Wales Walk is open to both walkers and runners. Whilst we welcome those attempting completion in fast times, the event is not a race. To comply with The Adventure Activities Licensing Regulations 1996, entrants under 18 will be required to provide a declaration from a parent or guardian to enter and must be accompanied throughout the event by an adult nominated at the time of application (two under-18s per adult maximum). Should the nominated adult retire, the accompanied under-18 entrant must also retire unless another participant will accept responsibility for them in writing.
The recommended route traverses paths, tracks, unclassified roads and open country, including Plynlimon at 2467 ft. Almost every type of terrain is encountered: tarmac, rough track, forest, farmland, open moorland and bog. Invariably this is negotiated under the full extremes of British weather in September: snow, biting wind, sweltering heat and heavy rain have all featured in recent years. Not surprisingly therefore, the event requires strength, stamina and endurance: it is recommended that participants will have recently completed a one-day challenge walk of at least 30 miles before attempting this event. Also note that the ability to navigate over a variety of terrain using a map and compass, in both inclement weather and the hours of darkness, is an essential requirement. Whilst there are other tougher events, the Across Wales Walk is not recommended as an introduction to challenge walking!
So what's so special about the Across Wales Walk?
Well the 'cross Wales is a linear event starting and finishing at two points separated by 45 miles of magnificent Welsh countryside. Though the actual walk takes place over an 18 hour time limit, the whole event extends over a full weekend:
So in addition to being a superb walk in its own right, the event is a great opportunity to meet other members of the challenge walking fraternity and, basically, have a great time! We believe this is why so many people return year after year..but don't take our word for it - ask previous entrants!
What does it cost to enter the 37th Across Wales Walk?
The basic package for 2000 is £28. Further optional meals, maps, badges etc are available at extra cost.
OK....I'm interested in taking part. What do I do now?
We suggest you explore this site, read the reports on previous events, examine the route, see the legal stuff below and, if you're still interested, then we would welcome your booking in accordance with the instructions provided.
The AWW - the only challenge walk to cross a country in one day!
Whilst the organisers, West Birmingham Hostelling Group, will take appropriate steps to ensure the safety and welfare of participants and their possessions, no liability can be accepted for loss, injury or illness however this may arise. Refreshments available during the event may be of commercial or home-made origin, or presented under adverse conditions, and therefore are offered in good faith but without guarantee. Entrants are advised that they participate in the event entirely at their own risk. The organisers also reserve the right to:
To see to a map showing the location of Clun, try this link.
Entering Clun from Craven Arms (B4368) after the chapel on the right, turn right into Ford Street. Turn right again at the T-junction. The hall is on the left (137/302811) before the Youth Hostel.
Please park closely together and away from the playing field - both the hall and the playing fields are used for other events during the weekend.
On arrival, please register and receive your checkpoint control card.
There are no cooking facilities available to participants, although we will do our best to provide tea and biscuits to new arrivals. Bar meals are available at The Sun Inn, High Street. Chicken/pasta or vegetarian specials have been requested at approx. £5 per head, in addition to the normally available fare.
The simple accommodation comprises the floor of the hall - please bring an airbed or 'Karrimat' and a sleeping bag; sleeping is mixed, non-segregated. Alternatively participants may erect tents on the playing field but these must be taken down before leaving Clun in the morning.
Lights-out is strictly at 10:30 p.m. and late arrivals must use the designated area and maintain silence. Mobile phones, pagers, beeping watches and all other alarms and similar devices MUST be disabled within the hall after 10:30.
Reveille will be at 03:15.
A light breakfast of tea or coffee with toast and marmalade will be available.
By 3:45 a.m. areas of the hall will be designated for walkers' own food and equipment to be transported to CPs 2 - 5, and for Aberystwyth Halls. Please note that:
Note that equipment cannot be transported between checkpoints.
At approx. 04:15 a.m. participants will be directed to cars, minibuses or coaches for the journey to the starting point of the walk.
Descriptions of the recommended route are available on the Maps and Navigation page. Information will also be sent on confirmation of booking; maps showing this route will be available for reference on the evening before the event. Participants are free to vary the route but all checkpoints must be visited.
Locations and opening times of checkpoints are as follows:
CP |
OS Explorer (Landranger)
|
Location |
Open time |
Close time |
Section (miles) |
Total (miles) |
Start |
214 (136) |
Anchor Bridge | 0500 |
0510 |
- |
0 |
1 |
214 (136) |
Llwyn-Madoc | 0600 |
0830 |
8 |
8 |
2 |
214 (136) |
Cefn-bach | 0745 |
1130 |
8 |
16 |
3 |
214 (135) |
Hafren picnic site | 0930 |
1430 |
9 |
25 |
4 |
213 (135) |
Nant-y-moch dam | 1100 |
1800 |
7 |
32 |
5 |
213 (135) |
Bont-goch (Elerch) | 1200 |
2030 |
6 |
38 |
Finish |
213 (135) |
Clarach Bay | 1300 |
2300 |
7 |
45 |
Checkpoint control cards must be carried throughout the event and, importantly, must be presented on arrival and departure from CPs 2 to 5 (CP 1 and Finish present on arrival only). The use of control cards is the prime means of tracking the safe progress of participants and therefore these procedures must be observed.
Liquid refreshments and biscuits will be provided at all checkpoints; cups will be provided. Soup will also be available at CPs 3 and 4. Participants are reminded that their own food may be forwarded to all checkpoints with the exception of CP 1.
For the safety of participants, the following items must be carried:
Note that the organisers reserve the right to carry out kit checks before and during the event.
The last two miles of the event traverses an often busy stretch of road leading to resort of Clarach Bay which is narrow and potentially dangerous after dark. The use of high visibility clothing and/or torches by participants completing the event after dusk is strongly recommended.
The use of GPS navigation receivers is allowed as an aid to safety but not as a substitute for map, compass and appropriate navigation skills. Co-ordinate data for the route, compatible with PCX5 software for the Garmin 38/40/45 series of receivers, is available: see page on Maps and Navigation).
In bad weather conditions, participants are advised to walk in groups between CPs 3 and 4 over Plynlimon. Under extreme conditions, the organisers reserve the right to delay or suspend the departure of participants from CP 3.
In case of retirement from the event not at a checkpoint, please:
Following retirement, entrants will be transported to Aberystwyth at the earliest opportunity.
In case of emergency, contact the appropriate emergency service and, if possible, contact event control as above.
A fish and chip shop at the Finish is usually open until 10:00 p.m.
Walkers will be transferred from Clarach
Bay to the University halls by minibus or car. On arrival, room
keys should be obtained from reception. Note that most rooms are
single with shared bath, shower and toilet facilities. Click
here for link to Pantycelyn Halls Web Site.
Some double rooms are available and should be requested on the
booking form. However, allocation of double rooms cannot be
guaranteed. Refreshment facilities are usually limited to 'Maxpax'
instant tea and coffee although the Cwrt Mawr Bar is also
available for those with the energy to make it up the steep hill!
As a popular option, a variety of plated salad meals may be booked in advance at an additional cost of £6-00 per person. Please indicate your preference on the booking form. Note that additional side dishes of pasta and rice salad have been requested again this year to provide substance befitting hungry walkers.
Note that additional rooms for friends and family following the event are available at an extra cost of £15-00 per person. Further salad meals are also available as above.
There is no official 'lights-out' but participants are requested to keep noise to a minimum after 10:30 p.m.
A choice of full or Continental breakfast will be available in the refectory between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m.
Participants are requested to clear their rooms before 9:30 a.m. and, importantly, hand-in their room keys to reception at the earliest opportunity.
At 9:30 a.m. there will be a ceremony at which certificates will be presented. Badges will be available for purchase at this time.
At approx. 10:30 a.m. participants will join either minibuses or a coach for the return journey to Clun.
- Stuart Lamb, 42 Hunt End Lane, Hunt End, Redditch, Worcestershire. B97 5UW
Further information is available as follows:
On acceptance of the booking, participants will receive a letter of acknowledgement, a map showing the location of The New Memorial Hall, Clun and a description of the recommended route.
Closing date for bookings is 14 August 2000 but early booking is advised as the event is usually over-subscribed. Places for late bookings may be available following cancellations. Please call for information as above.
Cancellations received by telephone or letter before the closing date will be refunded less £1 to cover administration expenses. Unfortunately, no refunds can be given for cancellations received after this time.
We look forward to seeing you on the event this year.
Stuart Lamb
Organiser, 37th Across Wales Walk.
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with thanks.
Organised by West Birmingham
Hostelling Group. Comments and queries to: Stuart
Lamb
Website issue 06 15 April 2000.
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