Brecon Mountain Rescue Team have announced that entries for their annual “BEAT THE BEACONS” (BEAT) Challenge Walk are now open. 

BEAT is a one-day  challenge for walkers and runners, to raise much needed funds for Brecon Mountain Rescue team.  

It starts and finishes in the beautiful Welsh village of Talybont-on-Usk and offers 3 different route choices for participants.  

The most challenging (the “Endurance”) follows a 22-mile route reaching the highest points of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), including the iconic Pen Y Fan.  

The “Adventure” route has stunning views and is 15 miles, with a separate and new option to be guided by members of Brecon Mountain Rescue Team themselves, for those who are a little unsure about navigation.  

There is also a 10-mile, family friendly taster route on lower elevation footpaths exploring the Usk Valley, designed for lesser experienced walkers and families to enjoy.  

BEAT is a vital part of the team’s annual fundraising activities.  

Brecon Mountain Rescue Team is an emergency service staffed by 60 volunteers and funded entirely by donations.

Mountain rescue services are free to those in need because the teams are staffed by volunteers. However, equipment, vehicles and maintaining a headquarters all cost money, and the team volunteers must raise sufficient funds to maintain the service.

It costs approximately £55,000 each year to keep Brecon Mountain Rescue Team operational.   

Dr Rob Powell, Team Leader of Brecon Mountain Rescue Team said: “We are excited to launch our 2023 BEAT Challenge Walk, hot on the heels of our successful Black Dragon Challenge Walk in April.  

"It is a fantastic event for anyone who loves being active outdoors, and wants to challenge themselves, whilst raising funds for a brilliant local cause.  

"We are delighted that we are able to offer both a guided walk with our own team members, and also a Family friendly taster route, and hopefully encourage new people and families to give it a go!”

 BEAT 2023 is sponsored by LOWA, the outdoor footwear specialist brand – who in 2023 celebrate their 100th anniversary.  

 For full details of BEAT routes and entry prices, go to  www.beatthebeacons.com. (Well behaved dogs on leads may also participate!)

 To find out more about how you can support Brecon Mountain Rescue Team, please visit www.breconmrt.co.uk To make a donation to the team, please visit www.justgiving.com/breconmrt/donate