Alfie’s Hike for Hope

March 15 @ 3:00 am - 7:00 am

This Mother’s Day, join Race Across the World winner Alfie Watts on his sunrise Hike for Hope to the summit of Pen y Fan in Wales.  

This Mother’s Day, I’m going to be hiking to the top of one of the most spectacular summits in Wales to watch the sunrise – and I want you to come with me.  

That’s right, after travelling across the world it’s fair to say that some of the best, most iconic sunrises can be found right here on British soil. Pen y Fan is the highest peak in South Wales and the views from the top are next level! And I want you to experience these spectacular scenes, right there with me.  

Yes, it’ll be cold, yes, it’ll be early, but trust me, it’ll be one of those memory moments you’ll talk about forever. Plus, you’ll be doing it for an incredible cause.  

That’s right, I want you to join my Hike for Hope and scale the summit for Winston’s Wish, a charity that helps kids and young adults after someone important to them has died. I’ve been an Ambassador for the charity for a little while now and I’ve seen how their help genuinely changes lives.  

And what better day to take on an epic trek like this than Mother’s Day, Sunday 15th March. You might want to hike with your mum, for your mum, in memory of your mum, or for someone who has been like a mum to you.  

We’ll hike together, reach the summit together and watch the sunrise together. 

Good people, big views, great cause. 

 

The details:

  • Where: Pen y Fan, Brecon Beacons, South Wales. Meet at Pont ar Daf National Trust car park
  • When: Sunday 15th March 2026 
  • What: The trek is approximately 4.9 miles / 7.8km, ascending 541m / 177 ft and will take about four hours. You’ll be walking under the stars, starting at 3am and finishing about 7am. 
  • Cost: You’ll need to pay £25 to secure your spot and commit to raising at least £160 to give hope to grieving children and young people.  

Any questions or want to know more before signing up? Email us on events@winstonswish.org and we’ll be happy to tell you more.

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Who is this for?

This trek is for you if:

  • You’ve got a decent level of fitness and can handle a 7.8km / 177ft hike.  
  • You can get yourself to and from Pont ar Daf car park in the early hours of Sunday 15th March 2026. 
  • You’re up for raising funds to help grieving kids and young people. 
  • You like a challenge, good vibes, and meeting sound people. 

What you’ll get:

  • Hiking with Alfie and the Winston’s Wish crew. 
  • A charity tee to wear on the day. 
  • A pro hiker guide so we’re all safe and sorted. 
  • A drink and treat after the hike.
  • Access to training tips via the GH Training app. 
  • Fundraising tips to help you smash your target. 

And don’t worry, you won’t be winging it. From the moment you sign up, the team at Winston’s Wish will share all the tips, training support, and encouragement you need so you feel confident and ready to take on the climb. 

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More information about the hike:

Difficulty: Medium

Distance: 4.9 Miles / 7.8 Km

Start Time: 0300 hrs Finish Time: 0700 hrs

Time: 3 – 4 Hours

Ascent: 541m / 1777ft

Start/Finish Point: Pont ar Daf National Trust Car Park

ASCENT

We begin our ascent of Pen-y-Fan from the Pont ar Daf National Trust Car Park just south east of the Storey Arms Outdoor Centre.

The walk in daylight is a very straightforward one as the paths are well maintained and very wide in places. However, for our sunrise summit attempt we are walking in the dark so care and attention is needed at all times especially around the summit area and on the descent around Corn Ddu.

Crossing the Pont ar Daf and picking up the Beacons Way national trail we wind our way up past waterfalls climbing quite steeply before we arrive at Blwch Duwynt which is at 2.5km into our route.

By the time we reach the Bwlch most of the height gain has been achieved as we are now at 814m with only 72m left to climb!

The final 1km of walking is relatively straightforward as we contour around the cliff face of Corn Ddu (Black Horn) to reach the summit of Pen-y-Fan 886m with its well-preserved Bronze aged cairn.

DESCENT

Our descent begins by retracing our steps for 0.5km to an intersection of paths just below Corn Ddu. Instead of continuing down our ascent route we take the path to the right below the cliff face of Craig Cwm Llwch.

After approximately 300m we pick up our descent route heading south west for 1.5km until we cross Blaen Taf Fawr. We then have a short uphill section before our final 1km of descent down behind the Storey Arms.

Once back we pick up the path that runs parallel with the road for our final 1km walk back to the starting point.

  • Rucksack – about 35 litres
  • Boots (with ankle support and soles which will grip on rock, grass and mud)
  • Waterproof jacket (with hood)
  • Waterproof over trousers
  • General trekking trousers (not jeans or cotton material)
  • Thermal top
  • Fleece top
  • Gaiters (not always essential)
  • Warm hat
  • Gloves or mitts
  • Spare layer e.g. fleece top
  • Torch (preferably a head torch)
  • Food & Drink
  • First Aid Kit (small)
  • Mobile phone
  • Sunhat
  • Sun cream
  • Sunglasses

Details

Venue