Will walks Wales – epic challenge to raise funds for mental health charity

The president of Ramblers Cymru is over halfway through the epic challenge of running up all 189 of Wales’ mountains, to raise money for a mental health charity.

Will Renwick, 31, from Llancarfan, is the first person to tackle the 500 miles solo challenge across Wales.

Going from the South to the North, Will has scaled 100 of the 189 mountains so far carrying all his gear on his back and is two weeks into his three-week target.

He is raising funds for outdoor mental health charity Mind Over Mountains by running (and walking) over every peak in Wales which is over 2,000ft in height, or 50m elevation.

He has been keeping his supporters up to date with his progress and recording his adventures via his Twitter page, saying yesterday: “12 days into my every-mountain-in-Wales run. Must’ve managed over 100 of the 189 (I hope).

“Last few days have been spent battling the pathless terrain of the Berwyn Mountains. Hard work, but I’ve been having a fantastic time exploring my home country so far.”

12 days into my every-mountain-in-Wales run. Must've managed over 100 of the 189 (I hope).

Last few days have been spent battling the pathless terrain of the Berwyn Mountains.

Hard work, but I've been having a fantastic time exploring my home country so far. pic.twitter.com/eZ6ABbBsxX

— Will Renwick (@WillWalksWales) September 24, 2021

Gigantic

Will has already raised an incredible £5,100 for his chosen charity, Mind Over Mountains, a mental health charity, which aims to “offer immediate and accessible support by bringing together the healing power of nature, the practice of mindfulness and time to talk with experienced coaches and counsellors in an unpressured, unhurried setting.”

He began his journey on 10 September by heading north out of Swansea.

He said “The idea of a gigantic, never-been-done-before adventure within my home country really appealed to me, especially if I tied it to a charity with a cause that’s close to my heart.

“Mind Over Mountains is a small charity making a big difference for people and I’m proud to be fund raising for them.”

Starting with Carreg Lwyd, his route has so far taken him through the Brecon Beacons, the Cambrian Mountains, Pumlumon and Cadair Idris, the Minffordd Pass and now into the Berwyns.

As his route gets progressively gets harder, he will tackle Snowdon and the rest
of the Welsh 3000s last, aiming to finish in Conwy on October 3rd.

Alex Staniforth, the co-founder of Mind Over Mountains said: “We’re thrilled that Will has chosen to support Mind Over Mountains through such a phenomenal challenge. It perfectly embodies our ethos in the power of spending time outdoors for our physical and mental well-being.

“Will’s journey will inspire so many whilst enabling us to help others in need to access their own mountains and the support they need.”

To follow his adventure, visit his Instagram @will_renwick, Twitter @WillWalksWales or to donate visit Will’s JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/wales-190