Transcript

This is a place that I’ve been to a number of times and was the last place that I went to before I realised I was getting ill and couldn’t do it anymore. As a place I have really fond memories of, the last place I was out in nature having a proper adventure.

I remember so many times of getting to the top and just feeling that sense of achievement and excitement of having made it, with lots of different groups of people and on the last time taking up a friend who’d never climbed up before.

Even when there was cloud cover all at the top and you couldn’t see anything, it was just that sense of excitement at making it and having your picture taken with the marker on the top. But when the cloud wasn’t there, being able to see 360° and just amazing views in every direction, was awesome. That feeling of being up and just looking down on so much. Such a special feeling being able to see all that beautiful scenery.

I’m also thinking of the times going up and down the mountain of passing people on the way and saying “hello”. Of watching some little children, just almost running up and having the best time, and people encouraging you on your way, when it feels like you’re never going to reach the top.

And visiting the little food van for a hot cup of tea afterwards. It’s a really special place. I’d love to be there if I could. I hope you really enjoy your experience there today.

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Hi Andrea,

I just listened to your lovely description of the times you went up Pen y Fan.

I grew up hiking and mountaineering with my parents and I completely identify with your feelings of excitement and elation on reaching the top of a peak (although as a child, the attraction may have been the picnic at the top!).

In more recent years, my sister and I took my parents to many of our old haunts in the Lake District, Peak District and Wales. Both our parents have now passed on, but one photo, about six years ago, sums up the camaraderie and joy of climbing these mountains. We are standing at the the summit of Pen y Fan in gale force winds, nearly blown off our feet, but laughing our heads off – not a care in the world!

Hold on to your memories. They are precious and unique.