Taking on a mountain, together
Thirteen Girlguiding volunteers, one mountain and a weekend of new challenges: welcome to the Hillwalking Taster Weekend in the Brecon Beacons.
The weekend brought together volunteers with a mixture of experience – from people who already enjoy walking in the hills to those taking their first steps towards mountain walking.
The main challenge was Pen y Fan. At 886 metres, it is the highest mountain in southern Britain, and the route involved around 12km of walking and 650m of ascent. For anyone new to mountain walking, that is a substantial challenge.
There were plenty of stops along the way, with time to take in the spectacular landscape, learn from people with more experience and, importantly, look out for each other. The pace was not about racing to the top. It was about taking on a challenge and having the support and encouragement to keep going.
Reaching the summit was a real achievement. For some it was another mountain to add to their experience; for others it was a completely new experience. Everyone had their own reason for being there, but the encouragement within the group helped turn a daunting challenge into an achievable one.
The weekend wasn't just about Pen y Fan. On Sunday, people could choose how they wanted to spend more time outdoors. Some headed up Sugar Loaf, the distinctive 596m peak overlooking Abergavenny, while others chose a more tranquil walk alongside the canal. Another group explored Table Mountain and Pen Cerrig-calch (701m).
That variety was part of the point. Hillwalking does not have to mean climbing a mountain. There are different landscapes, different challenges and different ways of enjoying being outside. What matters is taking the next step – and sometimes that takes a bit of bravery.
The feedback from the weekend showed how much that first step can matter. One participant said that the experience had made them want to get out into the hills and walk more – something they would never have done without the support of the group.
Another described the Pen y Fan walk as “the challenge I thought it would be”, but said that the support and encouragement from the whole team had made a real difference. They were already looking forward to the next walking weekend.
This is why opportunities to develop Girlguiding volunteers matter. Building adult confidence and skills is not just about the individual. When leaders have the opportunity to try something themselves, learn what is involved and discover that a challenge is achievable, they can take that experience back to their units.
A leader who has experienced the preparation, excitement and nerves of a mountain walk is better placed to help girls discover those things for themselves. They can share their enthusiasm, understand the importance of preparation and encourage girls to take on challenges of their own.
And it doesn't have to start with an 886m mountain. It might be a local hill, a walk beside a canal or simply deciding to spend a little more time outdoors.
The Hillwalking Taster Weekend showed what can happen when people are given the opportunity to have a go, with the right preparation and a supportive team around them. Thirteen volunteers with different levels of experience took on new challenges, supported one another and came away with greater confidence and, hopefully, excitement about where their next walk might take them.
If you want to find out more, join us at our next Walking Zoom Drop-In from 7.30 to 8.30pm Wednesday 7th October, or email Helen our region walking adviser on walkingadviser@girlguidinglaser.org.uk.