An introduction to Welsh fell running

Fell running is the sport of running and sometimes racing up and down fells, hills and mountains of significant gradients. The sport is extremely difficult and strenuous for those not used to it and requires a great level of fitness. Despite this, everyone has to start somewhere and beginners or people of only a basic level of fitness can still enjoy the sport if they fully understand the health, safety and level of training required. Due to the excellent locations, Welsh fell running is highly recommended not only for the challenge but for the beautiful surroundings too.

Popular Fell Running Spots

The best places in Wales for fell running include the Snowdonia National Park, famed for its high peaks and stunning scenery. Taking place here is the annual Snowdon Race, a 10 mile endurance running competition that will push you to the limits. The race begins in Gwynedd and ends at the peak of Snowdon, 3560 feet up. Of course don’t be put off by these strenuous races, you can run these fells at your own leisure and if you are nervous about starting, ‘Run Snowdonia’ is a great company offering training and advice for beginner’s new to the sport. Pen-y-Fan in the south of Wales is another great place to go fell running. This fell isn’t as steep as Snowdon so is suitable for beginners and offers some breath-taking views. The Brecon Beacons National Park is another fell running hotspot with plenty of routes to choose from that are ideal for beginners. Both the Snowdonia and Brecon National Parks offer so much more than fell running, there are many attractions such as cycling and water sports as well as a handful of heritage sites and railways to visit-all to be enjoyed as part of your holiday.

Fell-running is a sport you can enjoy all year round depending on the challenge you require and your level of experience. It is advised that beginners try to start out in either autumn or spring where you are unlikely to get too hot or too cold. Running on a clear day is wise too, you want few problems as possible at this early stage.

Training Tips

There is a lot of information and great advice out there for those who wish to get started with fell running. Train off-road as much as possible, this will allow you to get used to different and sometimes un-sturdy terrain that you will certainly face on the fells. Many people find that excessive running often contributes to chafing of the skin on various parts of the body, Vaseline and other specially designed lubricants can help prevent this sore occurrence. Create a training plan and wear new running shoes for a few days outside and around the house to break them in and help prevent blisters. Most of all, don’t be intimidated by what may seem a daunting challenge ahead, take your time getting the training right and with determination you’ll be well on your way to enjoying this fantastic sport!

Equipment and Clothing

It is essential that you prepare for fell running with the right equipment and clothing to keep you as comfortable as possible and in some cases prevent injury. First and foremost, you need the correct fell shoes, look for shoes that grip well (types that have studded soles are best) and get shoes that have a low midsole and heel to help prevent twisting your ankle on un-even terrain. You will experience getting very hot and very cold whilst running and with the UK’s unpredictable weather it is a good idea to invest in quality clothing. You can buy breathable vests that draw sweat away from your body, helping it to evaporate to keep you cool whilst also keeping you dry so you don’t get a chill when you are cooling down. Thermal, long-sleeved tops are ideal for cold weather too. Invest in a good quality waterproof top or jacket that is lightweight; Gore-Tex is a good brand to look out for as they often offer windproof and waterproof jackets in one. To carry various items a lightweight back-pack or waist-bag is a good idea, this is a good place to keep items such as a map and compass, a small torch perhaps for darker conditions and food to keep your energy levels up.

Health and Safety

Fell running is a sport to be enjoyed but it is vital that you understand the health risks involved and read up on various safety advice and general rules of conduct to help you make the most of your sport. Before you set off, tell someone where you plan on running and what time you expect to be back, take a whistle to alert passers-by if you fall and are unable to get help for yourself, and drink plenty of water to keep de-hydration at bay. Make sure you understand where you are running and any dangers you are likely to encounter such as sudden changes in terrain and dangerous cliff edges that could prove fatal. You must try to keep as warm and dry as possible in bad weather conditions as there is a real risk of hypothermia, particularly when hundreds, if not thousands of feet up where temperatures are drastically lower. A first aid kit may be useful for the odd bump and scrape. If you intend to participate in organised fell races then visit the organiser’s website for details on race categories and more specific rules and safety requirements.

Fell running is a great sport that is exhilarating and challenging yet fun at the same time and comes with stunning surroundings. You can find a lot of information on the Welsh Fell Running Association’s and Fell Runners Association’s websites. Fell racing is very popular but is not limited to the experts, many races are beginner friendly and often have marked out tracks so no navigational skills are required. They are also often marshalled for participation safety too. With plenty of excellent campsites in and around the best welsh fell running locations, you are sure to get the most out of your holiday.