9 minute read
TIME TO EXPLORE Take a walk on the wild side with solo hiker Carys Angharad Rees
THE WILD SIDE
Cardiff ’s Carys Angharad Rees is on a mission to empower women to experience the freedom and euphoria of hiking alone. Here she tells Lisa Evans why no one should fear solo adventuring or wild swimming, and she shares her advice on what to pack, what to wear and where to go Photography by Sin Hart
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We don’t know what’s more dramatic: the backdrop or that hair fl ip. Here’s Carys at Henrhyd Falls – the location of Batman’s cave in The Dark Knight Rises
Carys says some of her favourite walks are in Cardiff, but she often ventures further afield too; here she is at Talybont-on-Usk
Solo adventuring can intimidate the best of us. If you get lost or injure yourself, help could be a long time coming. If you find yourself unprepared, there’s no one to turn to. But for female hikers, there are often added psychological barriers to overcome on the trail. Many women are taught that being alone can be unsafe, and from an early age, we’re advised not to travel unaccompanied. But Carys Angharad Rees, an experienced hiker from Birchgrove in North Cardiff, says we needn’t fear the unknown; the outdoors, she says, is for everyone and you will never regret being brave. Here she tells us more…
Tell us about the power of solo adventuring… I’ve been walking alone for such a long time that I don’t think I noticed quite how rare people think it is. I enjoy it, it gives me time to just think, clear my head and go at my own pace. It encourages you to focus on your surroundings more and perhaps notice things that you may have missed had you been with other people. There is a big difference between loneliness and solitude. It’s empowering, it’s freedom, it’s euphoric, it’s excitement and ends with a real sense of accomplishment that you just don’t get when you hike with others.
I understand reservations people have but trust me, the outdoors is for everyone and you will never regret being brave.
Are you ever worried about being alone? I’m pretty good with my own company and have never had any issues in going anywhere by myself. I completely understand the reservations women may have but I want to reassure you that I have never felt threatened by anyone while out alone. Most “outdoorsy” people are very friendly and I often stop and chat along the way; these people will help you if you are lost or unsure. Of course there are risks associated being out there alone such as injury and getting lost, but those are the same risks that men have and there are certain steps you can take to keep yourself safe. Things such as telling someone where you’re going and what time you’ll be back, and listening to your gut – if something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it, and carrying the right gear in your backpack.
The only worrying moment I’ve had was when I decided to do the Castell Coch route after work; it was a new route that I had plotted, so some bits were new to me. It started off well but then I started to lose light. I was in Fforest Fawr, with no torch in the pitch black. It wasn’t so bad as I had the light on my phone, but there was definitely a lot of cursing going on!
Why would you recommend it? Studies have shown that being content with alone time has been linked to increased happiness, better life satisfaction and improved stress management. Apparently, people who enjoy alone time experience less depression. Spending time outside can not only help to relieve anxiety and stress but it can also help to lower blood pressure, the risk of diabetes, heart disease and asthma.
And why would you recommend wild swimming? There is nothing else quite like wild swimming; it’s exhilarating and not just because of how cold the water is! It releases endorphins, it’s thrilling, invigorating, refreshing and definitely gives you a wakeup call if you’re feeling a bit lethargic. It increases your metabolism, and the cold water makes your body work harder which increases the number of calories you burn. It also boosts your immune system – apparently the cold water shocks the immune system and helps produce more white blood cells and antioxidants. Make sure you stay safe though; do your research about the places you choose. I haven’t been wild swimming in Cardiff yet, I always go for the more remote spots in the Brecon Beacons but there is a fantastic group called the “Taffy Dippers” who do groups swims in the area.
What are some of your favourite local walks in and around Cardiff? I have loved every one of my walks around Cardiff and they all have something different to offer. One of my favourite walks recently was around Coed Ruperra. There is so much history there. Another much
loved route of mine is Castell Coch; the route takes you over Craig yr Allt, past Castell Coch and through Fforest Fawr.
The hardest walk you’ve ever done? In 2019 I took part in the Macmillan Mighty Hike in the Wye Valley. It was a 26.2 miles and almost killed me off ; I had a mini meltdown around mile 22 where I was convinced my little toe was falling off – in fact it was a blister that had formed under the toenail and was pushing the nail off . I swore I would never do that sort of distance again, but in 2020 I signed up to the (virtual) London Marathon, and I decided to hike it. The original plan was to go along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, but Storm Alex made an appearance, then it was going to be in the Brecon Beacons but Cardiff went into a local lockdown so I ended up walking up and down the Taff Trail. It took 10 hours in the rain.
What have been your most memorable moments while walking? I once climbed Table Mountain in South Africa. We hired a guide and took the India Venster route which involved narrow ledges, scrambling and some pretty imposing cliff s. However, the views were sensational.
What are your ambitions? I recently watched Wild [in which Reese Witherspoon plays Cheryl Strayed, who hiked the Pacifi c Crest Trail]. I googled everything I could fi nd about Cheryl afterwards. I’m not sure I could even contemplate doing what she did, but I would love to take the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Maybe 2021 will be the year that I actually get around to doing it.
Animals often follow Carys What gear should we invest around during her travels in if we want to follow in your footsteps? The main things you need is a good pair of walking shoes and a coat – both should be waterproof. A hiking backpack is also a good purchase but a normal backpack is fi ne too, just remember to put your things in a plastic bag inside it as it won’t be waterproof.
And what should we pack? I always carry at least two litres of water in my bag. Food is the other thing to think about as you will use up a lot of energy out on the mountains especially. I also carry a ‘survival pack’, which has things in it such as splints, emergency shelters, torch, a power bank etc. It’s something that will get me out of immediate danger should the worst happen while I’m out. I have a lot of people messaging me about these items so I have created my own mini survival packs for those who are new to hiking which people can purchase directly from me. They’re inexpensive, small and a donation from every purchase will go directly to the Brecon Mountain Rescue Team.
What adventurous women inspire you? Tori James, the fi rst woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest as well as being a member of the fi rst all-female team to ski to the Magnetic North Pole. She also holds the record for the longest open sea kayak in UK waters. Maria Leijerstam is the fi rst person to cycle to the South Pole which she did in 10 days! And Lowri Morgan who is an adventurer, and an elite ultra-endurance marathon runner; she is one of only eight who has completed the 6633 Ultra in the Arctic (350 miles non-stop) and the Jungle Ultra Marathon in the Amazon Forest. ■
BEST WALKS FOR…
VIEWS? Either Garth Mountain or Craig Llysfaen; both have fantastic views over Cardiff. Not forgetting the Castell Coch route which goes over Craig yr Allt.
SEEING ANIMALS? I come across plenty of farm animals such as horses, cows and sheep. I get followed constantly through fi elds like some kind of pied piper. I grew up in a fairly rural area so I’m not particularly fazed but it can be quite intimidating when a horse comes galloping towards you across a fi eld. Always keep an eye on what the animals are doing and don’t come between them and their young. If you like animals, St Fagans circular route is the one for you.
SPECIAL SIGHTS? Caerau Hillfort is probably the most historic. You come across the ruins of St Mary the Virgin Church which was built around 1254, then you realise that the church is actually built on the site of an Iron Age Hillfort – the third largest in Glamorgan and was once a stronghold of the powerful Silurian tribe who inhabited this part of Wales before the arrival of the Romans. The route also takes you down to Salmon Leaps which is very pretty.
EXTREME EXERCISE? The Wenallt – Craig Llysfaen is probably the toughest one I have done in the area, it’s 10 miles with a lot of hills.
BEGINNERS? The shortest walk I have on my site is around 4.5 miles, and that’s the Craig Llysfaen loop. To begin with, just walk part of the routes or even start by walking around your local parks and increasing your mileage each time.
Horsing around: Carys isn’t fazed by the companions that join her on her rambles at St Fagans Views for days from Garth Mountain
Pentyrch Circular Castell Coch Caerau Hillfort
