Iestyn does the Pumlumon Challenge, again (you would think he’d learnt from the first time)
I survived! And I raised money for the Pumlumon project, which is an all Wales landscape project, restoring upland bog, working with hill farmers and creating an environment which allows both wildlife and local communities to thrive. To learn more about the project go here.
Another glorious day was spent amongst similarly unhinged individuals who think little of undertaking a gruelling 27 mile ultra-marathon with 5000’ of ascending last Saturday (12th September). The sun shone, the sweat poured out of us and I alone consumed 5.5 litres of fluid during the course of the race, along with copious jelly babies, energy gels, bars and several halves of flap jack!
Huge congratulations must go out to Pentir Pumlumon and Wynne Jones in particular for organising such an excellent course and event. Everyone who finished this Challenge was rightly proud of their achievements, but none of it would be possible without the organisers, marshals, ambulance crews and well-wishers who supported us nutters!
I am very pleased with this years time, knocking 40 minutes off last years effort – but I think I’m now hooked on ultra running….. I already have plans for next year relating to our very own Pumlumon Project Circular Trail….. watch this space folks!
Thanks for the “good lucks” and “well done” wishes from all. Let’s see more out there next year shall we? Walkers only had to go half way round this year – that’s only 16 miles! Easy!!
The Pumlumon Project
The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales has joined forces with Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust to work on a significant project in the Cambrian mountains. The Pumlumon Project works on many levels and is a complex piece of work. At its heart is the desire to restore the upland peat bogs, blocking ditches to create pools which will gradually disappear recreating the old upland landscape. The project also recognises the need to graze the landscape with cattle and support the communities around the mountain. We have been working with the local community to improve opportunities for tourism as well as for wildlife.
This work is significant in that Pumlumon mountain is the source of seven rivers, including the Wye, Severn, Rheidol, Teifi and the Twyi: the restoration of the upland bog improves its ability to hold back the waters, reducing flooding down stream. Another significant benefit will be that by rewetting the peat it will increase its ability to store and retain C02. An important element of the project is that we will be improving opportunities for tourists, we have received funding from Glasu to create an e-trail where walkers will be able to download information and stories about the landscape to their phones. We have also received funding from Biffawards, Waterloo Foundation and the JP Getty Foundation all of which helps with the economic regeneration, flood and C02 mitigation work.