Sealed with tattoo ink on my right arm, every year I’m embarking on a challenging adventure that’s not only great fun but helps raise critical funds for the war on nature. It’s a creative expression of ‘finding joy in climate action’ which I hope inspires you to find yours.

Written by Rebecca Woolford

Walking 100 miles across the Welsh Peaks was not only incredibly rewarding, as I love embarking on new adventures, but it also raised over £1,000 for Client Earth. With the help of sustainable travellers, friends, family, and generous sponsors…

• Mossy Earth, a rewilding and reforestation membership
• MuchMore Design, interior designers based in London town 
• Tredwell Travel, holiday experts working in sustainable travel 

*The important bit* Every pound raised went to Client Earth. The cost of the equipment, accommodation, food, training, and maps, to make the trip possible was all funded by our own pockets.

Who’s Client Earth?

One of the most ambitious environmental organisations in existence, these guys use the power of the law to better protect the planet. Working across 50 countries, and with 150+ environmental lawyers they aren’t on the streets protesting, but are in the courtrooms enforcing change. 

Location: Brecon Beacons, Wales
Distance: 99 miles and 16 Peaks
Number of Blisters: I lost count

The Journey of 100 Miles… 

The Beacons Way was described in a guidebook to be for ‘experienced walkers’ or ‘competent hikers’ – neither of which I considered myself to be. Not even close.

The hike is a 159 km (99-mile) high-level walking route passing right through the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Passing through some of the most remote country found anywhere in Wales.

Before taking the very first step in a 100-mile journey, it took a great deal of investment, energy, and time to prepare. It wasn’t something we could just, well, rock up to. 

From investing in a day’s navigational training with a dude who helps guys and girls in SAS selection, to living in Slovenia for 2 months to take on the bear-infested mountains and Hell’s Gorge.

From dedicating entire weekends to training in the Welsh mountains; to being so determined to find a running buddy that I resorted to waving a random stranger down, who coincidently has become an epic friend. No stone was left unturned. We took the preparation needed to confidently make this 100-mile hike and 16 peaks happen well, seriously.  

Although the Brecon Beacons is officially 99 miles, with walking to our stopovers for the night and getting lost multiple times (which included climbing a peak that was way off route) we ended up clocking well over 100 miles. 

Day 1: Abergavenny to Llanthony Priory | Ascent 900m | 10 hours hiking

Day 2: Llanthony Priory to Crickhowell | Ascent 700m | 9 hours hiking

Day 3 | Crickhowell to Llangynidr | Ascent 850m | 10 hours hiking 

Day 4 | Llangynidr to Storey Arms | Ascent 1300m | 8.5 hours of Walking 

Day 5 | Storey Arms to Craig Y Nos | Ascent 750m | 10.5 hours of Walking

Day 6 | Craig Y Nos to Llanddeussant | Ascent 850m | 6.5 hours of Walking

Day 7 | Llandeusant to Carreg Cennen | Ascent 800m | 8.5 hours hiking

Day 8 | Carreg Cennen to Llangadog | Ascent 370m | 6.5 hours hiking

There’s a deep sense of fulfillment that comes from moving through ever-changing landscapes. When hiking these 100 miles, I felt for the first time ever, like I was exactly where I was supposed to be. If that’s not finding joy I don’t know what is.

How Do I Find My Own Joy In Climate Action?

“We can all play a role in the climate movement by tapping into our skills, resources and networks in ways that bring us satisfaction.” Ayana Elizabeth

• Step 1: Draw a Venn diagram to map these questions: What are you good at? What is the work that needs doing? And what brings you joy?
• Step 2: Note down where your answers intersect. This is where to put your climate action effort. This is your gift to the world which only you have. With your skills, your life experience, and your network. It’s unique.