This morning’s journey began from another beautiful hostel at Tyn-Y-Caeau, just outside Brecon. In still foggy skies the rain had dissipated and the wind was drying out the atmosphere.

After stopping to check directions, we headed into an early morning function with the Mayor of Brecon who greeted us on the steps of the Guildhall. Very warmly welcomed, we were shown around the Mayor’s rooms featuring a lot of historical items - almost a miniature museum. The Mayor invited us to come back again in future, which was an inspiring gesture. This was our first visit to Brecon, and we certainly hope to return.

Perhaps the good wishes of the Mayor helped the sun to emerge again. After days of rain and overcast skies at last the rays of warmth reached the runners in the beautiful valley as we began our climb up to Talybont Reservoir and the dam at Pontsticill. We took a short break here, relaxing and eating beneath blue skies. It really feels as though Spring is going to explode all around us.

Our next meeting was with the Mayor of Merthyr Tydfil, a town steeped in the industrial heritage of South Wales. In Merthyr, as in all the towns we have been through, people have been very supportive in offering good will, cheering and waving their encouragement as we travelled over the Brecon Beacons and descended through the Taff valley.

The narrow valleys opened up as we drew nearer to the coast where Cardiff lies and the mountains dropped behind us, shining in the bright afternoon sun. The modern metropolis is still a sharp contrast to the remote uninhabited ways we had come.

Before us at the day’s close was a very special public function in honour of the Run’s arrival in Cardiff. It was held in The Temple of Peace and Health, in the heart of the city. The runners were received there by Cllr. Delme Bowen, Deputy Lord Mayor of Cardiff, who said in a welcoming speech on behalf of the people of Cardiff:

“We are proud to be associated with your work.”

The function included a concert of spiritual music given by two local groups – a peaceful end to another action-packed day.

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Distance: 120km

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