The Brecon Beacons Traverse                                      

The Brecon Beacons Traverse                                  More Ultra Routes

Also known as the South Wales Traverse, this 24-hour challenge involves 72 miles and some 17000 feet of ascent.   It was launched in 1984 having been completed by Derek Fisher and Andy Lewsley the year before in 21-24.

It traverses 31 summits in the Carmathen Fan, Fforest Fawr, Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains areas and may be completed in either direction.  The mountains selected are from the 2000 foot summit tables compiled by George Bridge in his book - The Mountains of England and Wales (see below).  Explorer maps EX012 Brecon Beacons: West and Centre and EX013 Brecon Beacons: East cover the route.

Route

Schedule

Click on the icon to download summit details and a sub-24 hour schedule.  This is in an Excel spreadsheet format that can be viewed and printed or, alternatively, there is the option to save the file so that it can then be customised to your personal pace and start time - see the notes at the bottom of the spreadsheet.

Registration

To obtain official details on the BBT and to register successful completions email: dgfisher8@sky.com.  Alternatively send SAE to Derek G Fisher, 8 Highcroft Road, Newport, South Wales, NP20 5EG enclosing cheque for £2-50 (payable to D G Fisher).  

Attempts should be notified in advance.  Certificates are awarded for successful completions.  A challenge shield, presented by Newport Rotary Club, is held by the current record holder.

Links and Further Information

o The Mountains of England and Wales, George Bridge (West Col Publications, 1973) – now out of print.

o Completions: 26 at 1st January 2009.   

o Fastest Time: Mark Hartell  14-42 (1993)  

o Fastest Lady: Debbie Cooper  22-33 (1990)