Overview
The Black Dragon Challenge Walk (BDCW) event first took place in April 2019 and replaced the Black Mountains Roundabout (BMR) which had been running on an annual basis since 1982.
The 2023 Black Dragon Challenge event will be held on Saturday 22nd April.
The challenge walk which starts and finishes at Crickhowell Youth Centre, New Road, Crickhowell NP8 1AW (GR 216185) follows the high ridges of the challenging Black Mountains taking in the highest point at Waun Fach at 811 metres.
The BDCW standard 26 mile route takes the high road from Crickhowell. Passing Llanbedr, you climb 8 miles of whale-back ridge – so very characteristic of the Black Mountains – to reach Waun Fach, the highest point in the range. From here it’s downhill to the Dragons Back Inn with cold drinks when you arrive. Mynydd Troed is a climb of 1,000 ft, followed by Mynydd Llangorse, and then you drop again to lower altitudes and more welcome cold drinks at Pentre. By now you’ve done 20 miles and you’re about to hit the wall – 1,800 ft of it – before you top Pen Allt-Mawr. Then you can breeze along the ridge to Pen Cerrig-Calch, and finally it’s down, down all the way back to Crickhowell for well-earned drinks and refreshments. PLEASE NOTE: Well behaved dogs on leads are allowed to participate.
There are 3 routes available, 30 miles, 26 miles, and 19 miles.
The 30 mile (49k) Endurance route visits the highest points in the Black Mountains and includes a descent into the Grwyne Fawr valley.
The 26 mile (42k) Standard route follows a similar path to the 30 mile route, but excludes the descent to Grwyne Fawr.
The 19 mile (30k) Ridge route avoids the summits of Mynydd Troed and Mynydd Llangorse. Note that there are no refreshments available en route on the 19 mile option. For a slight increase in price, you have the option of having a leader for the Ridge Route.
Full route details, checkpoints, and entry prices are available elsewhere on this website.
The event is organised jointly by Newport Outdoor Group and the Brecon Mountain Rescue Team, and raises funds for the Brecon Mountain Rescue Team.
For queries, please email events@breconmrt.co.uk
The Brecon Mountain Rescue Team Ambassador Kate Humble is supporting this event.
“I am delighted to support Brecon Mountain Rescue Team in this fantastic fundraising walk. It is an opportunity for people to challenge themselves, and enjoy the glorious environment of the Black Mountains, whilst also raising money for a wonderful and vital cause.” (Kate Humble, BMRT Ambassador)
