Welsh Three Peaks Challenge

 

In 2021, brethren of Strumble Lodge, Fishguard in West Wales Province, decided to undertake the gruelling Welsh 3 Peaks Challenge in support of the 2026 West Wales Festival.

 

As with all plans it took time to gain momentum and it was not until the end of 2023 when W. Bro. Stephen Roscoe began to assemble 2 teams; climbers and essential supporters, to undertake the adventure, from a broad age range and walking abilities all underpinning and embodying the very values of Freemasonry; Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.

 

Brethren from the following lodges participated:

Strumble (Fishguard)

St. Teilo (Llanelli)

Unity (Llanelli)

St. Peters (Carmarthen)

Caerfyrddin (Carmarthen)

St. Davids (Milford Haven)

Old Priory (Milford Haven)

Neyland (Neyland)

Frenni (Cadigan)

St. Padarn (Aberystwyth)

The team benefited from some excellent and most generous support in various forms from sponsors, ranging from simple, but essential items, such as energy sustenance to keep them in peak performance during their exertions and transport for transferring between each destination. Even the PGM, A James Ross, fully immersed himself in the proceedings, ably and safely transporting the team each day, patiently waiting while they completed the challenge and offering welcome support.

 

Despite never having met before, all members fully embodied the masonic principles, bonding quickly over a good meal and a drink, making strong friendships, connecting in ways that only masons are capable of. Indeed, as is traditional, all have invited and reciprocated visits to each other’s lodges, demonstrating that strength of friendship we as masons are so proud to embody.

Day 1, and after a very early (04:00) start the PGM delivered the team to Mount Snowdon where the climb to 1,085m (3,559ft 8.5 inches) commenced. Many thought, Snowdon being the highest peak in England and Wales (we will ignore the 20 in Scotland) would be a daunting climb, particularly as they were taking the famous Pyg Track (possibly named after pyg (black tar) carried on the track). The going was constant pace and steady, everyone working together as a team, the peak being reached in good time, where photos ensued and a short break to take in the incredible views afforded on a rare, clear day. However, there was little time to linger as the descent and 2 further peaks beckoned, so following a quick liquid refreshment, gear and buddy check, the team set off on the descent, along the equally stunning Miners Track.

 

In a display of solidarity, teamwork, and charity, we wore masonic charity foundation tee-shirts which attracted much interest from members of the public, who were keen to discover more about our activities and the wider freemasonry community. Not only were we pleased and delighted with such interest we were only too happy to engage and answer questions, however, highly mindful of our challenge we had to push on, content in the realisation our ‘walking adverts’ were having the desired effect.

 

The welcome site of our PGM waiting to transport us to our next challenge was only surpassed by a hearty breakfast of bacon, sausage, and egg rolls, excellently cooked by W. Bro & Mrs Tony Trumper and indeed, excellent they were given he is a lecturer in hospitality.

 

The achievement of conquering Snowdon, combined with a great breakfast inspired us to our next challenge, Cadair Idris, a mere 893m (2,929ft) up the challenging Minfordd (roadside) Path, which is hard, strenuous and requires good fitness levels with navigation skills. So very true, it became a relentless steep climb all the way to the top, testing all the brethren, but once at the top we all agreed this was a tougher challenge than Snowdon due to the seemingly never-ending relentless gradient. A sense of real achievement was felt by all.

 

Returning to the start, many were tired, aching and feeling the effect of climbing and descending a combined 1,978m (1mile), but the bond remained strong, morale high and adrenaline flowed to ease the burden. The welcome rest on the transit to the final stage, which would end with the beginning of our final climb; Pen-y-Fan in the Brecon Beacons, was an opportune distraction and chance to recover and prepare for what followed.

 

Arriving at Pen-y-Fan in darkness, sore feet but high spirits we set off with torches guiding our way to triumph, driven on by the incredible contrasted dark yet starry firmament, interspersed by occasional shooting stars. The wonders of nature and the Great Architect no doubt performing its creative canvas for all to marvel in the quiet but cold of night. Finally, arriving at the summit, with one final descent remaining, we allowed ourselves brief rest, turned off the lights, and marvelled at the worlds above and beneath. Photos were taken of the victorious group, now life-long friends, congratulations, and compliments exchanged the return to the warmth and rest of our transport commenced, combined with an immense feeling of pride and achievement.

 

As of writing, we are proud that donations currently exceed £9,000. These monies form part of the 2026 Festival and a GiveTap established for donations. However, for those taking part this challenge is more than about money, requiring more effort, physically and mentally than many anticipated, nevertheless lasting memories and solid friendships being forged in the true spirit of masonic values. The incredible support, amazing teamwork, and money raised made this effort special.

 

The team are already exploring another event but agree that next time maybe one peak will be enough. But which peak…?

 

Written by Bro. Richard Domoney-Saunders, St. Peters Lodge 476

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