on the subject of…..the 3000s final day

The first task on the final day is to position the cars, first driving both to the remote finish point up a winding single track lane inland from Abergwyngregyn. Leaving one car there, all five of us then pile into the other car and head back to the day three start point at Glen Dana. As we are about to set off for the longest of the three days we have further unexpected team news – some good, some bad. Given how bad both of them had been just 12 hours earlier, Iain and Andrew both decide to make a start . But more surprising is that trailblazer Andy first announces a sudden and sharp pain in his calf, which almost before we can even get into our stride has become so severe that he is unable to walk. This came as some shock to all of us as he had been flying for the first two days.

Seriously disappointing for him, as he’d been going so well. Iain and Andrew were still far from 100% confident of going the distance, but we set off in hope. Similar to yesterday, the first 2 miles to the top of the day’s first peak – Pen-yr-ole-wen, was quite a slog, but the endlessly fabulous scenery in every direction provides a marvellous distraction from any discomfort. Soon after the short and fairly easy walk North east to Carnedd Dafydd, Iain’s ideas of turning back and giving up for the day became irrelevant as the hike back would be more arduous than continuing onward.

Iain and Andrew continued over Carnedd Llewellyn, whilst Jack and I branched off North west to include Yr Elen before returning to Carnedd Llewellyn and then on to the very gentle slopes of the last two peaks – Carnedd Gwenllian (listed on the map as “pile of stones” because that’s all it is !!!), then the gentle climb to Foel Gras, and that was it – just a matter of catching up with A & I for the 3 mile hike downhill to get back to the waiting car. The Welsh 3000s completed.

Thanks to my travelling companions, this was a great trip. Everyone had some tough moments, but no-one made any fuss about anything (even my right knee was happy), and I think we all had a good time. What next ?

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