This mountain marathon has taken place annually since 1982, and is usually held in late April. The arduous 26 mile route, with 6500 feet of ascent starts in Crickhowell. You climb steeply northwards up to by-pass the village of Llanbedr and so up onto the Black Mountains. The first checkpoint is at Crug Mawr, from where (weather permitting) there is a magnificent view back to Crickhowell and of the surrounding panorama of the Black Mountains. The route takes you on up and down through the heather, passing the forestry on your right, over the summit of Pen y Gadair, a total for eight miles until you reach the highest point in the Black Mountains at Waun Fach. The route takes you on down Y Grib to Pengenffordd, and then you face the steep 1000 feet climb up the North face of Mynydd Troed. You pass that, down to the road at Cockit Hill and up onto Mynydd Llangorse. You go down again to the road at Pentre, at which point you have completed 20 miles of the 26 mile course – but the biggest test is ahead - an 1800 feet climb up to Pen Allt Mawr! However, with that behind you you can complete the Black Mountains horseshoe with easy walking along the ridge to Pen Cerrig Calch, then down over the small summit of Table Mountain and back into Crickhowell.

This venture is not to be taken lightly, and there is a kit list sent out with the entry forms. It can be particularly difficult if the weather is either very hot – risk of sunburn – or very cold. One year the conditions were so poor, with strong winds and driving snow, that only 40 out of the 300 or so hopeful entrants were able to complete it!

Brecon Mountain Rescue Team provides the safety cover and communications, and the organisation (entry forms, registration, refreshments) is provided by the Newport Outdoor Group. If you are interested in taking part in the Black Mountains Roundabout and would like to benefit the team by collecting sponsorship please click on the word SPONSOR for a form and further instructions.