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A few days alone in the Arans! This trip didn’t go to plan at all but I got my first dip of the year, found a beautiful waterfall pool, enjoyed hiking in heat, came across a tree that had exploded, I guess from lightning. I even saw a lizard, which I didn’t even know we had in the UK until I looked it up afterward. And the trip ended a day earlier than I'd planned, but in the most unexpected and breathtaking fashion. Click 'read more' at the bottom of this blog post to see my maps and trip journal.. Gear List
This gear list contains amazon affiliate links. This means that WildBeare makes a small commission from any sales made via these links, at no extra cost to yourself - a great way to support the channel. Thank you You can also see lots of my gear in my Amazon Gear Shop :) *I choose not to be sponsored, affiliated with any particular brands, and have not accepted any of this gear as a gift. Every piece of gear that I’m using is something that I have chosen to buy for myself – my opinions on it and experiences with it are completely impartial SHELTER / TENT Ultralight Tent Durston X-Mid 1 Pro (DCF with woven floor) + Footprint Mini Binder Clip https://amzn.to/47IJACR DCF Small Tarp / Ground Sheet https://WildSkyGear.co.uk Swedish Dishcloth for condensation 7g https://amzn.to/3vt3W4E TREKKING POLES Fizan Compact https://amzn.to/3ggE1Gj SLEEP SYSTEM Sleeping Bag Leviathan OEX 900 https://amzn.to/3CEQriw Sleep Mat Thermarest XLite https://amzn.to/3L8r4Ym Trekology Aluft Pillow https://amzn.to/3xwuhM1 Light AF Mat https://outdoorgearessentials.co.uk Alpkit Kloke Bivi Bag https://amzn.to/3rb1nCK (protect sleeping bag from condensation or tent failure) RUCKSACK & PACKING Deuter Aircontact 60+10L SL Women’s Rucksack https://amzn.to/3MqRvcW Nylofume Pack Liner - https://outdoorgearessentials.co.uk DCF Zip Pouches & Dry Bags https://WildSkyGear.co.uk CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR Boots Peter Storm Caldbeck https://amzn.to/3JtYPFp Scholl Liquiflex Insoles https://amzn.to/3QjoX9z Fine Merino Socks https://amzn.to/3F66vvp Shorts https://amzn.to/4a8Bwfk Step One Lady Boxers https://amzn.to/3Zfg9Fe Montane Dart Tee https://amzn.to/3wL88xA Down Puffy Decathlon Foam Flip Flops SWIMMING Water Shoes https://amzn.to/47utPhZ Microfibre Towel https://amzn.to/43qSZwh 💧 Back at home between trips, consider washing your swim clothes and swim shoes in products that are kinder to the water. I’m currently using Tru Earth https://amzn.to/40n1YMZ MED KIT Pain relief Antihistamine Plasters Blister plasters https://amzn.to/3qvrzHA Torniquet (only use with knowledge of how to use safely) Wound Dressing Sml Bandage https://amzn.to/401pHUI Alcohol Wipes JOINT SUPPORTS for my hypermobility Knee https://amzn.to/3WaJxN2 Ankles https://amzn.to/4b8uN5C SIT MAT Cheapo one https://amzn.to/3yP22u8 FIELD REPAIRS Tenacious Tape https://amzn.to/2PmjxOq COOKING Stove https://amzn.to/3cM173q Gas 230g https://amzn.to/3z5qV5L Stand https://amzn.to/3GLhHh4 Toaks 900ml Titanium Pot https://amzn.to/3j5Mwot Matches https://amzn.to/3t0eRzN Tin https://amzn.to/41RpTGY + Match Striker https://amzn.to/3UblInq XBands https://amzn.to/43SVFE8 Black Microfibre cloth https://amzn.to/47ltZIq Opinel Pocket Knife No.5 https://amzn.to/45P33RH Tito Titanium Spoon https://amzn.to/3xgwcqi Bag for rubbish WATER & HYDRATION x2 1L Bottles LifeStraw Filter https://amzn.to/3tB11mn Cup (10g) Decathlon Milton Sterilising Tablets (for cleaning at home) https://amzn.to/3W4tLR5 TOILETRIES & PERSONAL CARE Tissue Baby wipes Hand sanitiser Trowel https://amzn.to/3etBVz9 Palm Hair Brush https://amzn.to/3QIUumd Hair band Lip balm Talc Toothpaste Tiny mirror Mini Tweezers Tiny Pots https://amzn.to/3aJytgC Toothbrush https://amzn.to/2LqwgxY Sleep Mask https://amzn.to/3tD2lUs Ear Plugs https://amzn.to/40swCVh Fuka Eri 50 SPF Natural Sun Block https://amzn.to/3Mq3dq3 Cheap Sunglasses https://amzn.to/3q5wSwR TICK, MOZZIE & MIDGE PREVENTION Lifesystems Ex4 (tick treatment for outer clothing coming into contact with long grass etc) https://amzn.to/38XozuB Rose Geranium Oil https://amzn.to/3jY4YwJ Lemon Eucalyptus Oil https://amzn.to/3rzROdq Tick Removal Tool https://amzn.to/3rHfkFp ELECTRONICS 20,100 mAh Anker Power Bank https://amzn.to/3jqTQr2 Headtorch Petzl Bindi (200 Lumen) https://amzn.to/3wl9DlM Thermometer https://amzn.to/3TMdw9n GPS / NAVIGATION / PLB / EMERGENCY Garmin Inreach Mini https://amzn.to/3sVBi9f Garmin Backpack Tether https://amzn.to/3sTRibM Map & Compass Phone https://amzn.to/3An5PQ7 Whistle https://amzn.to/3uRvwbM FILMED WITH.. Camera Sony ZV1 https://amzn.to/3t4VamJ Ulanzi Wide Angle & Macro Lens https://amzn.to/3CC6Jaq ZV1 Screen Protectors https://amzn.to/3tYOnPA Rode Lav Mic https://amzn.to/44Qte8M Lav Mic Wind Muffs & Clips https://amzn.to/3TkNQUJ 128GB SD Card https://amzn.to/3tckuY8 Tripod https://amzn.to/3nxGg7p Mini Ball Head Smallrig https://amzn.to/3UYGBlD x2 GoPro 10’s https://amzn.to/3T9CDUB Wind Shields https://amzn.to/3TesuWA Screen Protectors https://amzn.to/3ww70Lf Dome Port https://amzn.to/3Su4kX7 Selfie Stick https://amzn.to/3zRjDTh Rucksack Mount https://amzn.to/32Ojy4M 128GB Micro SD Card https://amzn.to/3p8XQ0v Gorrillapod Tripod https://amzn.to/3u9Tb3j SAM the drone: DJI Mavic Mini Drone https://amzn.to/3rvF0SZ + an old iphone to control it – my phone not compatible 128GB Micro SD Card https://amzn.to/3p8XQ0v COMPUTER & EDITING Editing Program – Davinci Resolve Studio Gaming PC Vibox VIII https://amzn.to/3WaIUTG Monitor LG Ultrafine 32” https://amzn.to/3H6lXsg Seagate 12TB External Hard Drive https://amzn.to/42cSW7U Soundtrack
Thank you to these amazing artists for producing such beautiful music - it is such an important part of my videos and a joy to help me tell my lil adventure stories.. Breath of Whiskey – Franz Gordon Goya – Aerian Silent Waves – Helmet Schenker Spring is you (instrumental version) – Niklas Gabrielsson with Martin Landstrom & his Orchestra Aristocratic Spin – Monument Music Beauty in Bloom – Vens Adams Floating – Ambyion From Now On – RA Gone – AK Intro – Brock Hewitt Stories in Sound Tabucco – Dominique Charpentier All from Epidemic Sound and Uppbeat with license Dedicated Northern Lights video
This was such a special occurrence for me, I created a dedicated video focused specifically on the aurora..
TRIP JOURNAL - 2 NIGHTS ALONE IN THE ARANS DAY 1 It was early May, and I’d arrived in the Arans in southern Eryri in beautiful sunshine, and a rare few days of good weather forecast. I had a circular route planned out on my maps, but I wasn’t sure if it would be doable, so I set off up the first valley to see what was in store It wasn’t long before Pistyll Gwyn came into view – a very tall waterfall at the end of the valley. The fall was sparse during this spell of warm dry weather, but its height was impressive. I decided to have my first dunk of the year in a pool at the bottom, a welcome refresh, before assessing where to go next. I had hoped to be able to follow the path on the map up alongside the waterfall, but as I had suspected from the contour lines on the map, it was ridiculously steep and exposed. I shuddered at what looked to me to be a near-vertical cliff and decided to find a different way – I would scale a nearby hill instead, and try to make it round in that direction. I made my way up the hill, taking an animal track about half way up and following it round in a curve onto a smooth, grassy ridge. All of a sudden, I realised I had a plummeting drop to my right. Not vertical, but steep enough that if I slipped or fell, I wouldn’t be able to stop. I clawed for the fence along the top of the ridge, thankful that it was there, and nervously started to edge my way back down the way I had come. It looked like I wouldn’t be able to find a way out of this valley, so I would pitch back up by the tall falls, and re-evaluate how to continue tomorrow. I struggled to find anywhere to pitch; the ground was either in full view of a path, or boggy, or steep. Eventually I found a small patch of grass – not perfect, but good enough, and the tent went down. I had only traveled 7km today, mostly around in circles. The stars came out and I poured over my map, deciding that in the morning I would backtrack to where I’d started, and continue on in the opposite direction. There was a different hill that I thought I could manage, and on the other side of that, waterfalls were marked on the map.  DAY 2 I woke from a pretty rubbish sleep – my pitch being even less perfect that I thought it was, as I kept sliding into a ditch during the night. But, it was another warm and pleasant day and I set of, heading back out of the valley, chucked my rubbish bag in my car and crossed over the Afon Dyfi to the other side. I followed tracks along the edge of small woodlands in dappled sunlight and passed old, half-collapsed stone huts. I stopped for lunch, filled up on water at what might be the last stream until I reached the waterfalls later on, soaked my t-shirt in an attempt to stay cool in the 20-degree heat and started slogging upwards on easy, switchback tracks that would lead me up to an unassuming 450m plateau. I passed a tree that had exploded, assuming that it must have been hit by lighting. It was smashed into a thousand pieces, with lumps of black charcoal scattered about. Sheep grazed around it uncaring, and I pondered at the fragility of life.. here one minute, smashed to smithereens the next. The chances of it happening were so small, but this tree had been one of the unlucky ones. Its time was up, and that was that. On reaching the plateau I sat in the shade and rested a while. I had good views now, and could see the huge form of Aran Fawddwy rising in the distance. I soaked my cap in water and continued on, now following deep, dried out tractor tracks. The tracks eventually ended and the remaining haul up to the modest summit of the hill was a pathless one, but easy enough. I carried on down the other side, in search of the waterfalls marked on the map A couple more km of walking bought me onto a track, where a beautiful waterfall could be seen pouring out of a deep cleft in the hills. I dropped down further into the valley to see if I could find a way around to it, and on my way came across the most idyllic mini waterfall and pool with blue-tinted water, overhung by greenery. Being in the pool was heavenly, and as I cooled off, I could imagine that I was in a jungle. Leaves and flowers danced lightly in the warm breeze and I could not have been happier Once again refreshed, I attempted to reach the bigger falls behind, but struggled on the terrain. It was grassy but steep, with a threatening drop off into a gorge. I looked down at the potential fall below me and once again decided to backtrack, scooting along low to the ground until the danger had passed. I didn’t fancy it. There were 3 sheep skeletons scattered about, and I considered that they may have fallen down here.. I didn’t want to join them With the ground being too wonky-donkey to pitch a tent, I continued on, still with 3 hours of daylight until sunset to work with. I followed footpaths down onto the sweltering valley road, seeing that it would eventually lead me to a new area of open access land with a river running through. I would follow it and hopefully find somewhere to stop for the night, but on arriving there, it was not promising. The ground was too steep and the river was inaccessible. I debated what to do, filled up on water at a tiny trickle by the side of the road, and decided to head straight on up the hill, which was beautiful, and shrouded in bluebells. Cows from the valley moo-ed loudly behind me and I dragged my weary body up and up as the sun fell lower, expecting that I might have to bivi camp. But, to my pleasant surprise, there was a flat area of track near the top, which I followed along a way, until I came to a perfect little flat area of grass for my tent. I whipped it up and collapsed into it after the days hot, 15km walk, arranged my things and watched the sun go down. What a blessing it was to sit down, and to have my tent up I cooked myself some pasta and wondered why it was still so bright out. It was night time, with a tiny crescent moon, but I felt like I were sitting out under a bright full moon. My surroundings seemed to glow in an unusual fashion.. I shrugged it off, thinking that I must be imagining things, and got my bed ready for what I hoped would be a good night sleep, as I was planning to head for the opposite hills the next morning. It was around 11pm that I popped outside to look around, and saw the giant beams of pink and green light emerging from the night sky above my head. My initial thought was that I was about to be abducted by aliens, or that some kind of apocalypse was starting, before I rationalised that this must be the Northern Lights. Over North Wales. It was something that I never expected, and a sight that my mind was struggling to process. I had seen the northern lights before in Iceland; green ribbons across the sky, but they were nothing like this. This was bigger, more powerful. I had no phone reception so sent my friend Ash a message from my PLB, asking if something had happened with the sun. He was asleep, so I wouldn’t find out until morning, that there had been solar flares. I was witnessing the strongest solar storm in decades, alone, on top of this hill of bluebells, and I couldn’t quite believe what was seeing. I watched the colours and beams glide across the sky for hours, eventually fading away early morning, not long before the sun would start to rise. I tried to sleep, but I was so unsettled and excited by the unexpected lights that I couldn’t relax  DAY 3 I woke after a pitiful rest to another warm and beautiful day, and straight away looked at my camera footage to check that I wasn’t going mad. Nope, it really happened I decided that I was too sleep deprived to continue on with the trip as I had planned. I’d head back toward my car now, via the valley roads, so that I would be less likely to trip and injure myself in my tired state. I thought about all the things that had bought me here; not being able to scale the path next to the tall waterfall, my fear of heights halting my way over the first hill, getting stuck in the valley and having to change course, there being nowhere to pitch at the second waterfalls, or along the valley road. It had all led me here, to this hill with wide open views, where I would experience something that likely, will never happen to me again in my life time. How strange it is where life takes you sometimes  Comments are closed.
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