Itinerary
Overview of trip:
Day 1, Friday
Leaving Dorridge, near Birmingham by Land Rover, at 12:00 noon, we travel to the Cambrian Mountains where a preliminary base camp will be created. A dinner of barbequed Rump Steak and cold Carlsberg will be served in front of a wood fire.
A shooting competition will be arranged prior to our nightcap of Jack Daniels to wash away the worries of life. The time will float by as you rummage for the occasional log for the fire, discuss the next day with your mates or take a pot-shot at an empty Carlsberg tin.
Day 2, Saturday
After your first night under canvass, you will be served with coffee and a tin of Heinz "breakfast". We shall break camp at around 10:00am before a short walk to our destination; a tributary beach, next to a deserted stretch of brutish mountain river. Under deciduous trees, we will leisurely create our campsite around an enticing log fire.
After lunch, an afternoon of bathing, shooting or adventure discovery can be yours as you unwind. Perhaps just lie down on a stretch of grass, listening to the bracing mountain water tumbling over giant slabs of Welsh slate, which have lain dormant since the last ice age.
Of course, the afternoon will include the obligatory shooting competition over multiple brew-ups by the campfire. Dinner will be washed down with wine or beer as you sit with your comrades discussing the day's events.
Day 3, Sunday
Coffee will be served at around 9:00 with anything you like - as long as it's Heinz! After more shooting, catapults and our last "camp coffee", we will break camp at around 11:30 to make our way back to the vehicle.
The journey home will be broken by a stop for an "all-day-breakfast" and the obligatory pint. Our arrival back in Birmingham is planned for 4:00pm, Sunday.
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What you need to know
What will I need?
Something to sleep under. Ian and Callum have often slept under a plastic sheet however a more practical solution is to buy a two-man tent at around £35 from Argus.
What will it cost?
A tank of fuel (shared), your food, drink and personal munchies.
So, where do we go?
Normally Wales, just north of Brecon. Rhayader, for instance is less then 3.5 hours by car from Birmingham in the Cambrian Mountains. See www.elanvalley.org.uk and www.rhayader.com for more information.
Will we walk far?
No. This is a camping weekend, not a yomp. At the most, the car will be 4 kilometres away from our camp(s).
Shooting?
Sure! Ian and Callum have CO2 powered airguns and an immense amount of fun. Also, high-powered slingshots will also be available. Got your own weapons? Bring them along!
Will my mobile phone work?
No. Very occasionally, at the top of a mountain, you may be able to get a signal. Rarely guaranteed.
Guess I need a torch then?
Unless you have owl-like vision, you ain't seeing anything after sundown apart from the fire, which will die during the night. Need a pee at night?
Will my pack be heavy?
Yes. Beer, and food for 48 hours weigh a lot more than you think but don't worry too much though - we won't be walking far.
I don't have walking boots!
I wouldn't worry. The first year that I did this with Ian, I wore Timberland style boots (which leaked like mad!). I now have waterproofing cream that you can use.
Mini Checklist
Tent, sleeping bag, long trousers (not jeans), long sleeved T-shirt, change of underwear & socks, cagoule, fleece, sandals, towel, hat, torch, cutlery, penknife, mug and plate. 2 litres of water (purification tablets available as a top-up). Personal items e.g. chocolate, peanuts, wash gear etc. Wear shorts. See Checklist
Note: Navigational gear (maps, compass and GPS) will be supplied on a "team" basis as will camping stove and pans. Ian is a qualified mountain guide. You will be required to carry shared items in your rucksacks. Dinner will not be "served" you will cook it yourself. Callum is a qualified lifeguard. Guns can kill. We will break the law by committing armed trespass. Don't forget your toothbrush. You enter these event entirely at your own risk.
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