Day 10 - Monmouth to Hay on Wye

A big 34 mile day over the Black Mountains with 1,000m of climbing.

This was our first mountain day & so we were under orders to be at least in pairs from lunch onwards & carry full mandatory kit as we headed into the hills. I ran with Jamie in the morning. Our strategy being to cover the 17 miles to lunch fairly quickly, so we could afford to take our time in the Black Mountains.

The early going was both pleasant and familiar (from the Recce run). Had some fun at the first pitstop at White Castle - storming the castle.

Lunch was at Pandy Village Hall where we were joined by Sarah who had put in a big Aussie stint to catch us up. We therefore set off as a mountain team of three: Sarah, Jamie & me.

It was a stiff climb up to the ridge but we were rewarded with great views. It is a long slog (13 miles) along the East Ridge to Hays Bluff but we covered it efficiently. We had sheep, a kite and wild ponies for company.

The descent to Hay on Wye was pleasant and enjoyed Welsh Rarebit whilst waiting for the bus to accommodation.

We are up at about 300 miles and this is beginning to feel really quite tough. Another 36 miles and 1,400m of climbing tomorrow. An early start looms....

Langatoc Langolled Church

The amazing Emmie on pit stop duty. For context she was also on physio duty taping my ankle at 5:50am plus she ran the East ridge of Black Mountains this afternoon.