The Big Black Mountain Challenge. Mud, Mountains and a Very Good Cause
Last weekend the valley was full of walkers, runners, muddy boots, nervous energy, flapjacks, and the sort of atmosphere that makes you feel very lucky to live here.
The Big Black Mountain Challenge returned to Llanthony once again, bringing hundreds of people into the hills for one of the loveliest events of the year.
Around here, most people simply call it the BBMC.
And honestly, it’s become a bit of a local legend.
What Is the Big Black Mountain Challenge?
The BBMC is an annual charity fundraising event supporting the incredible Longtown Mountain Rescue Team, who have been helping people in difficulty across the Black Mountains since 1965.
Over the years, the role of the rescue team has grown hugely. They now respond to all sorts of situations across the hills and surrounding countryside, often in difficult weather and challenging conditions.
The entire organisation is run by volunteers and funded independently, which means events like the BBMC genuinely matter. Every muddy mile walked helps keep the team going.
That makes the atmosphere feel even more special.
Three Routes Through the Black Mountains
The challenge offers three different routes:
- 20 kilometres
- 31 kilometres
- 49 kilometres
All starting and finishing at Llanthony Priory and Court Farm, right here in the valley.
The routes take participants straight through the heart of the Black Mountains, across ridges, hills, valleys and some of the most beautiful scenery Wales has to offer.
Some people take it very seriously. Others arrive determined simply to get round in one piece and enjoy the day.
Both approaches are fully respected by the end.
The Weather Is Always Part of the Story
No BBMC story is complete without mentioning the weather.
Some years bring blazing sunshine. Others involve sideways rain, winds strong enough to rearrange your hairstyle, and boots that never fully recover.
This year gave us a proper mix of Welsh conditions, which somehow only added to the atmosphere.
There’s something very cheerful about hundreds of people striding across mountains together regardless of what the skies are doing.
The Valley Comes Alive
One of the nicest things about the event is the feeling it brings to Llanthony.
The valley fills with people chatting, laughing, comparing route choices, tightening boot laces and questioning their life decisions halfway up a hill somewhere.
Then, later in the day, everyone starts arriving back slightly muddy, slightly tired, and very pleased with themselves (as they should be).
Castaway After the Challenge
I have absolutely no doubt that Llanthony Castaway became a very welcome sight for quite a few BBMC participants this year.
There’s something deeply satisfying about returning from a long day in the mountains to a hot shower, a cosy fire, and somewhere quiet to collapse for the evening.
The hot tubs probably appreciated the business too.
Supporting Longtown Mountain Rescue
We’re always incredibly happy to support Longtown Mountain Rescue Team because they are such an important part of this area.
The Black Mountains are beautiful, though they can also be unpredictable, especially when weather changes quickly or people get into difficulty on the hills.
The rescue team gives up their time voluntarily to help complete strangers, often in difficult conditions and at all hours.
They are genuinely remarkable people.
Looking Ahead to Next Year
The BBMC gets booked up quickly every year and it’s easy to see why.
Beautiful routes, a brilliant atmosphere, wonderful volunteers, and a proper sense of achievement by the end of it all.
Huge congratulations to everyone who took part this year, whether you walked, ran, volunteered, marshalled, baked cakes, handed out drinks or simply cheered people on from the sidelines.
We’re already looking forward to welcoming everyone back next year. You can book your accommodation for next year here.
Stay Wild!