Welsh Pharmacy Awards 2022
Camping and hiking have always been my escape - a chance to embrace adventure and find calm in an ever-moving world. Wild camping, in particular, brings a sense of steadiness that, for me, is hard to find elsewhere. While 2024 saw its share of hikes, wild camps, and adventures shared with my wife, I’ve set a new goal for 2025: a two-day hike and wild camp every single month.
I got a head start on this goal in late December 2024 with a trip to my favorite go-to mountain, Pen y Fan. Yes, technically a month early, but I couldn’t resist! Some people think I’m mad for heading out in the depths of winter, but with years of research and a commitment to investing in quality gear, I’ve built a kit that keeps me warm in temperatures as low as -10°C and beyond.
There’s something magical about winter camping: the stars shining above, the moonlight reflecting off the snow, and the peaceful silence of a frozen landscape. Waking up to frost on your tent and the crisp chill on your face might not be for everyone, but for me, it’s pure bliss.
Click the links below to view its gallery.
Pentre - Sylvania - The Seren Barn - Amongst The Habitat - Niche & The Forest Stage - Behind The Scenes
So. December. I checked my weather apps: Clear Outside and Mountain Weather to see what the night had in store for Pen y Fan. Low-level cloud; 100%. Medium cloud; 50%. High cloud; A glorious 0%. Visibility was solid green at 9.
The summit was promising a clear, star-filled sky above the clouds.
With excitement, I packed my gear ensuring I had everything I’d need for a cold night on Pen y Fan.
My sleeping setup included the reliable OEX Phoxx 2 v II tent, Thermarest Neoair Xtherm mat for insulation, and a Snugpak Softie Expansion 4 sleeping bag to keep me warm. For nightwear, I packed my NatureHike down booties, leggings, and a cozy jumper. As for my camera kit, I kept it lightweight but effective, bringing along my Sony A7III, Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 lens, and my trusty tripod - just enough to photograph the night sky.
After loading up, I set off for Pont ar Daf car park (the one just to the right of Storey Arms). Stepping out of the car, I was greeted with 100% mist. My first thought? “Is this even worth it?” But then Pen y Fan stands at 886 meters. The summit might be high enough to break through the clouds - and reveal a magical night sky.
I started up the trail called The Motorway (called this due to being the most popular path up the mountain). Halfway up, I paused to breathe, switched off my head torch, and looked up. Through the haze, some of the brightest stars were starting to shine through. This was enough to keep me going.
When I finally reached the lip by Corn Du, I was greeted with an incredible sight; The horizon was full of stars and the summit of Pen Y Fan was silhouetted sleeping in front of a sky full of stars! The hard work of climbing “The Motorway” was worth every step. I knew the drill from past wild camping trips. I crossed the ridge to the right of Corn Du and found a flat(ish) patch of frozen ground to pitch my tent. Boy, was it cold! With the wind chill, it felt like -3°C.
My little Phoxx 2 v II tent is an absolute beast. My only gripe? It pitches the inner first, the outer second. If it’s wet or misty, the inside gets damp. Luckily, it was a dry night. Once my mat was inflated and my sleeping bag lofted, I swapped out my hiking clothes for my cozy down campwear. Time to get to work with the camera!
After loading up, I set off for Pont ar Daf car park (the one just to the right of Storey Arms). Stepping out of the car, I was greeted with 100% mist. My first thought? “Is this even worth it?” But then Pen y Fan stands at 886 meters. The summit might be high enough to break through the clouds - and reveal a magical night sky.
I started up the trail called The Motorway (called this due to being the most popular path up the mountain). Halfway up, I paused to breathe, switched off my head torch, and looked up. Through the haze, some of the brightest stars were starting to shine through. This was enough to keep me going.