Castle Ruins and Mountain Tops: The Adventure Continues (Brecon Beacons Part 7) | Vlog 13

February 2024, Winston (my dog) and I are continuing our 24-night tour of the Brecon Beacon in South Wales in my Go Pod micro-caravan. In this episode, we explore castle ruins in the town of Llandovery and battle our way through high winds to the top of the highest peak in South Wales.
Thanks so much for watching.
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CHAPTERS
00:00 Previously in Part 6
00:37 DAY 14
01:29 Llandovery castle ruins
03:00 History lesson
04:26 Internet test
07:23 DAY 15
08:15 I've been stabbed!
08:46 What are we hiking?
10:22 Quick break
11:04 Touching the top
13:18 The next peak
14:25 Winston scrambling
14:50 Wrong way!
15:55 Tommy Jones
17:15 Back down
18:18 Treat time and back to the pod
19:27 Coming up in Part 8
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PART 1 - • Starting a 25-DAY wint...
PART 2 - • Exploring Wales in a G...
PART 3 - • I heard this is one of...
PART 4 - • Discovering the Crash ...
PART 5 - • Solo exploring a DISUS...
PART 6 - • Can we go BEHIND the H...
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LINKS
Please note that the below links are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. If you would like to support my channel in some way, using these links will help you do exactly that. Thank you very much
CARAVAN & TRAVEL ACCESSORIES
- Electric heater - amzn.to/3OLSOH7
- Fairy lights - amzn.to/3OH2CSA
- Mini kettle - amzn.to/49BYo6Y
- Dehumidifier boxes - amzn.to/3UOiDd8
- Elastic washing line - amzn.to/49w3AZK
- Hook up cable (10m or 25m) - amzn.to/3OLDASf
- Laundry bag - amzn.to/3uDhc6T
- Large mesh bag for shower stuff - amzn.to/3SX9ZrE
- Wastewater carrier - amzn.to/3UHbiMr
- Jack stands - amzn.to/3uGucIM
- Leveling block - amzn.to/4bHjSks
- Grip mats - amzn.to/3OLTxrP
- Jockey wheel chock - amzn.to/3UAG35U
VAN ACCESSORIES
- Dashcam - amzn.to/3wiQ4e1
- Collapsible crates - amzn.to/4bDJleE
- Mesh storage nets - amzn.to/49w4sO0
WINSTON (DOG) CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES
- Red lift and assist harness - amzn.to/3uAcGpA
- Light up collar - amzn.to/49jnc3U
- Reflective yellow coat - amzn.to/3I7yBYh
- Fleece - amzn.to/3I11oOl
- Portable shower - amzn.to/42Ex2KU
- Buoyancy aid - amzn.to/3uzHQ0k
WINSTON FOOD AND SUPPLEMENTS
- Acana Light and Fit - amzn.to/3UHdfsf
- Or sometimes, Orijen six fish - amzn.to/3UC1bIZ
- Butcher’s lean and tasty - amzn.to/49hd2kf
- Yumove joint care - amzn.to/3OH4Cdy
- Protexin pro-fibre - amzn.to/3I2i7B2
- Duck necks - amzn.to/49AItWj
- Chicken Feet - amzn.to/49g7Ahw
- Sprats - amzn.to/3HXepZk
FUN STUFF
- Paddleboard - amzn.to/3SXFGRG
- Dog bike trailer - amzn.to/3uqzw3b
- Wet suit - amzn.to/3Sykhgg

[@musicnut1433]

I’m becoming addicted to your content. You’re an amazing person. Beautiful outside with a beautiful soul ❤

[@Roz.S]

Thank you very much! Glad to hear you’re enjoying our adventures.

[@FriedEgg101]

Aww Winston is such a good boy. Seeing him at the top of Pen y fan made me smile.

[@Roz.S]

Winston is the best hiking buddy! Thanks so much for watching 👍🏼

[@konkaragounakis5924]

Excellent thoroughly enjoyed this, educating people like us from around the world, i like how Winston felt a sense of achievement reaching the top in his own way.

[@Roz.S]

So happy to hear you enjoyed this video. Thanks so much for watching 👍🏼😀🐶 P.S. I think Winston just loves getting to the top before me 😅

[@konkaragounakis5924]

@Roz.S haha certainly seemed that way, secret little race that you didn't know about 😆 he's a beautiful pet, life is better with a dog.

[@paultaylor9652]

What ya doing is a very common saying if you have a dog😂, I say it numerous times a day to my schnauzer. Beautiful video, thanks for sharing.

[@Roz.S]

You're more than welcome. Thanks so much for watching.

[@DesignerFluid]

Great video and music choice Roz. I love how Winston has a kip after his adventures lying on his back with his legs akimbo hahaha! John B

[@Roz.S]

Winston has no shame 😅😅 Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching 👍

[@leerod]

truly enjoy all your videos 🥰

[@Roz.S]

I'm so glad! Thanks so much for watching.

[@jonathandeeley6276]

Another great video Roz, loved the music choice on the top of Pen Y Fan (pronounced Pen Er Van.). Have done this peak a couple of times in my younger days, couldn't do it now though!! 😂 Winston has plenty of energy and never seems to flounder bless him. Look forward to the next instalment.👍

[@Roz.S]

Thank you, I'm terrible at pronunciation. 🙈 Winston was great! Especially for an older dog, he nailed it! Thanks for watching.

[@brianbuist4039]

Great vlog roz, sorry i couldn't join the live chat this time, nice to see lovely rose cheeks 😄😄😄😄

[@Roz.S]

No worries at all, thanks for watching anyway! 😀 My cheeks got very red from the wind! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@RoseSolane]

I climbed Pen Y Fan many years ago in the summer. Warmer, but wetter. I see I missed a great view 😄

[@Roz.S]

There are views for miles on a clear day 👍🏼 Thanks so much for watching.

[@jimdickerson3465]

Winston is in his element! It's so uplifting to see him enjoying his walks. Many thanks for your vlogs Roz.👍

[@Roz.S]

He nailed that walk. I was very proud of him. Thanks for watching.

[@KeithRoberts-ic8nq]

Wow had my heart in my mouth watching Winston at the top of the peaks in those really strong winds,,what a true pro,,oh and not forgetting you Roz,,thankyou for taking us with you.

[@Roz.S]

I wouldn't let just any dog run around up there, but Winston is very experienced, I knew I could trust him. Plus, he's not affected by the wind as much since he's lower to the ground and walks on four feet (unlike us humans who have to stand upright and balance on two feet😅) Thanks so much for watching. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@andrewmillerphotography]

I was there a few weeks ago - it's a stunning sculpture. Very LOTR Nazgul feel to it!

[@Roz.S]

I think the sculpture was more interesting than the castle 😅😅 Thanks for watching 🙌🏼

[@andrewmillerphotography]

@@Roz.S 341 castle in Wales - ten a penny!

[@davidgilmour5555]

The music you use for your videos is fantastic..David

[@Roz.S]

Thank you. I do sometimes wonder if I overdo it a bit 😅

[@davidgilmour5555]

The music you choose gives your videos feeling and depth if that makes sense. David

[@Roz.S]

@@davidgilmour5555 Thank you!

[@caravaningincarathevan467]

You've seen dome amazing things. I would have turned around when I saw snow. Keep going girl. Xx

[@Roz.S]

I got excited when I saw the snow 😂😂 Thanks so much for watching.

[@BIKENESS]

Winston laying down at the end and airing his parts 😅

[@Roz.S]

He has no shame! 🙈 It's his favorite sleeping position after a long walk.

[@pageant1fd]

You taught some viewers a valuable lesson Roz of how to have suitable clothing for venturing into the hills in that excellent video. Many thanks for sharing. Looking forward to the next episode of your adventures with Winston. Stay safe.

[@Roz.S]

Glad you enjoyed the video! It’s strange to experience wind and snow one moment and then warm sunshine the next 😅 …and that’s just 5 minutes in wales! 😅 Thanks for watching

[@timwy]

An absolutely epic video ! I'm so so sorry that I missed the live stream .... I've just had one of those days lol !! Love the fact that you and Winston made light of the SAS training grounds .... Clearly they need more sprats and duck necks 😂 Anyhow, yet another brilliant vlog - 10*

[@Roz.S]

No worries. I’m glad you still watched it - thanks so much! If Winston was younger, he would have shown the SAS how it’s done 👊🏼😅

[@timwy]

@@Roz.S I wouldn't miss them for the world ... They're pure visual dopamine... Which is what I needed after today 😂

[@Roz.S]

@@timwy I hope you have a better day tomorrow ☀️

[@olavlysakerrud1680]

Hii ! I love the terrain and the lovely views 😄I don't know what camera you use, but have you ever considered to get a drone or actioncamera ! A hovering droneshot of this gorgeous landscape in a sunny day, would be pure magic ! I use DJI Air2 S drone and Osmo acrion 3 for videoes on my new channel ... shooting in 4K 30fps makes videos crystal clear ! The pilot licence and rules are not to difficult to get, and are the same for most countries in europe now. I know you do a great job with your vlogs, i enjoy editing my video clips as well ... I'm pretty sure that most viewers really don't know how much work it can be to make a good 5 min video ... Your work is very nice to watch ! 🥰

[@Roz.S]

At the moment, I am just videoing on my phone which means that the image and audio isn't great, and there's a lot of camera shake. I am, however, going to invest and get a DJI action camera and microphone and invest in my channel a bit more now that's it growing. I'm not interested in a drone because I know I'll never stop to use it; I like to film as I am going. Plus, even if I had a drone when I did Pen y Fan, it would have been too windy to use anyway. The rest of my Brecon Beacons adventure is filmed on my phone, but our next adventure after this one will be on a better camera 😀😀 Thanks so much for watching and for your kind comments.

[@olavlysakerrud1680]

@@Roz.S Mmm I'm very happy with my DJI Osmo action3, had it for a year now... have bought some accesories like different mounts and Dji wireless mic... the new Osmo action 4 is even better i guess , it is easy and fun to use these small cameras 😀 it will be interesting to see ur coming projects 🥰

[@dugwolfe]

I guess you did a fair bit of research for all this. Damn good job ... and it's good to see you and Win being lovely, as usual. Be well, happy and safe. Wolfie. AKA Dug.

[@Roz.S]

Thanks so much for watching. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@anniemac3075]

Well I managed to miss you completely. I was starting to get my cat's meds together thinking when I finished it'd be time to sit & have a chat with you all & then forgot! 😅 Pen y fan can suddenly disappear under cloud so you were lucky to get such a nice day, I must admit as it's quite slippery & enormous drops everywhere I'd have Winston on a lead in case the wind caught him off guard. He enjoyed it though & so did you, great views all around. Loved the statue ❤

[@Roz.S]

No worries. Thanks for thinking of us anyway and for coming to watch 🙌🏼 Glad to hear you enjoyed the video x

[@billbones8570]

Another brilliant video. Thanks for honouring little Tommy’s memory and telling his story. Such a sad tale. Prayers for the little fella.

[@Roz.S]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@rogerwileman9965]

Winston is such a film star . The weather was perfect just what I like

[@Roz.S]

Winston knows what to do 😎 I am happy I got some good views but I would have preferred less wind 😅 Thanks for watching

[@barbarawiddowson635]

That was great!I must learn to type faster.Thank you Roz and all in chat.

[@Roz.S]

It's a bit manic trying to type, read comments, and watch the video all at the same time 😅 Thanks so much for joining in 👍

[@MiaMidol]

Great video enjoyed the chat the community watching seems friendly can't wait for the next part

[@Roz.S]

Thanks so much for watching and chatting. The community was great! And I enjoyed watching it at the same time as you all. So glad you enjoyed the video.

[@barbarawiddowson635]

@Miamidol Same here.We are a friendly bunch Winston wouldn't attract any other type.

[@sallybrown7854]

Stunning views. Oh that wind. Absolutely great seeing Winston's ears blowing. Once again thank you so much for taking us on your adventure Had to smile getting up late after poor sleep. Good excuse for a lie-in😊. Thank you thank you for posting

[@Roz.S]

It’s always tempting to go back to sleep, especially when the bed is right there!! 😂😂 …and Winston loves morning snuggles so he doesn’t make getting out of bed any easier 😅 Thanks so much for watching and commenting. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@robineasby5328]

Thanks for another great video, Roz. Those views were stunning ! The story of the little boy was so sad. Winston just keeps on going !

[@Roz.S]

Thanks so much for watching! Winston is like a little Duracell bunny, even in his senior years. 😅

[@dianestevenson2637]

Great vlog , wonderful scenery from Peny Fan & the sad story of young Tommy Jones , you certainly take us on wonderful adventures . Thankyou .

[@Roz.S]

Our pleasure! Thanks so much for watching.

[@cobscamping6909]

Great video. Lovely to have the mountain almost to yourself, its normal crowded up there. Winston is such a star, bless him.

[@Roz.S]

There were still a few people up there, but it was February, and we went quite early so, thankfully, we didn't have to deal with crowds 👍 Thanks for watching.

[@richiebainbridge2608]

Wow that wind had me holding my breath at the peaks. Tragic story about the young boy. Thanks again great video. Richie.

[@Roz.S]

The wind was not nice, but at least it wasn't raining 😅👍 Thanks for watching.

[@BIKENESS]

Beautiful ❤ and you and Winston ❤

[@deborahwatson1140]

Fabulous video again. I must visit some of these wonderful places that you have been to. Winston is adorable. He has so much energy. Look forward to seeing the next one.

[@Roz.S]

Winston does great for a senior dog; it's surprising how much energy he still has. I'll be doing a wrap up video at the end of this trip sharing my favorite places and locations 👍

[@Panzerman1951]

Biting cold but what an incredible view! Winston looks to be enjoying himself! £7.50 for parking is outrageous but not surprising. Another amazing vlog. Stay safe. Sid and Nicola, Rugby.

[@Roz.S]

I've still not got over that parking charge! I wasn't even there for a full day; only half a day 😅 Thanks so much for watching.

[@anneboatman306]

What amazing view, well done to you and Winston for showing some lovely areas ❤

[@Roz.S]

Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@Raygirling]

Thanks for the vlog spectacular scenery👍

[@Roz.S]

Our pleasure! Thanks so much for watching and commenting.

[@peterasacker5948]

Great vlog, scenery was amazing but made me cold...lol...so much history. Love your journeys...cannot wait for the warmer weather for you to enjoy

[@Roz.S]

We can't wait for warmer weather either 😅 Thanks for watching.

[@TerryB1972]

I loved interacting with everyone whilst watching the video and you joining in was great

[@Roz.S]

I enjoyed it too! Thanks so much for joining our first premiere 😀

[@galaxywhispers1787]

Another great video Roz. Looking forward to part 8. 🙂

[@Roz.S]

Thanks so much. Hope you're keeping well.

[@neilgater2213]

Can always remember upsetting a little old Welsh woman while working on her house. She said she had a lovely view of the mountains I said that’s not a mountain it’s just a big hill😅

[@Roz.S]

When does a hill become a mountain 🤔 Is there a height limit? 😅

[@neilgater2213]

@@Roz.S did read somewhere above 600 metres is classed as a mountain

[@Roz.S]

@@neilgater2213 oooo well, Pen y Fan is a mountain; 886 m 👍🏼😀🐶

[@robintill4413]

Roz, your videos get better each time, as does the little guy Winston!. lovely views from Pen y Fan. Well done 👍

[@Roz.S]

Many thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching

[@lauragargett1809]

Consistently superb content again. Another heartfelt ‘thank you’. I hope you realise that Winston’s the star of the show though 🤔 Quick question…when you research the areas you are going to stay at, do you have a favourite resource that you turn to for information?

[@Roz.S]

Yep, I'm well aware that this is Winston's KZbin channel 😅 I'm just glad to be a part of it. The one resource that I always use when planning our adventures is AllTrails. It's an app and website that shows and rates lots of walks and hikes. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching.

[@Oldie416]

Hello, I looked at the place once. 750 pounds for parking? It's a joke, I wouldn't have paid. Have a good time, stay healthy, VG Oldie

[@Roz.S]

I think it's expensive. I'm still not over having to pay that. And I was only parked there for about 3-4 hours, no more than half a day. Thanks so much for watching.

[@frankhughes4775]

Roz ... That looked cold up there and here am I heading for 27° ,this weekend.. Winston looked like he enjoyed the snow. Thanks for another enjoyable vlog I do miss Wales.. not so much UK Wishing you both safe travel X

[@Roz.S]

We’re lucky to get over 10degrees 😅 although it is starting to warmer 🙌🏼 Thanks so much for watching and commenting

[@matthewfirks]

Looks well worth a visit at some point? Winston is a real trooper I must say! Winstons harness , looks ideal and so easy to attach the lead to, would you know the make please? Happy podding

[@matthewfirks]

Make of harness please?😃

[@Roz.S]

The harness is a Ruffwear Lift and Assist harness - amzn.to/3U4ExrT It's great for hiking and when I need to help Winston up and down rocks or over stiles. It's not cheap, but I've had Winston's one for several years and it's still just as strong and sturdy as the day we bought it. Highly recommend Ruffwear products for dog adventures 👍🏼 Hope that helps. Thanks so much for watching and commenting.

[@phillcox7232]

Superb views . Thanks.

[@Roz.S]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@davidgilmour5555]

Another fabulous video...David

[@Roz.S]

Thank you very much.

[@markwilliamson2864]

This video was inspirational Roz, the sheer grit and determination you showed in your ascent of Pen y Fan was amazing and the footage from the top was dramatic. What happened to that poor boy was completely tragic, and quite unbelievable that it took 29 days to locate his body.

[@Roz.S]

So glad you enjoyed the video. And thank you so much for joining our first premiere. It’s very sad about Tommy Jones; five years old is no life at all. But at least he will always be remembered. Thanks for watching.

[@JosephineG101]

Great start to the video - I had to laugh!

[@Roz.S]

Glad you liked it! The video would have been a LOT longer otherwise 😅

[@georgewhite1972]

Great vid Roz, enjoyed taking part in your first live chat

[@Roz.S]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you so much for coming along and joining in. I appreciate your support 👍🏼🙌🏼

[@georgewhite1972]

@@Roz.S No probs 👍

[@jamesslittle]

I remember doing that hike. Was a whiteout at the summit! 😀

[@Roz.S]

Ahhh I hate that! Walking all the way up a mountain and getting no views 😔 Thanks for watching my video; I hope you enjoyed some of the view through the incredible shaking footage 😅 (It's very hard to hold a phone steady in high wind)

[@markwilliamson2864]

Roz, I was going to ask at the end of this series how you thought Winston handled his first big adventure since his injury at Fforest Fields and subsequent rehabilitation, but after watching this video I think I already know the answer. He’s doing brilliantly!😊

[@Roz.S]

he was awesome all the way through our Brecon Beacons trip! But I do think that might be the last time he does an adventure that big, future adventures probably won't include any mountains.

[@matthewvaughan6327]

Spectacular views, Roz. It almost makes the parking fee worthwhile, almost. I don’t think you’ll be troubling the Special Forces with your orienteering skills though🤣 Enjoyed the vlog.

[@Roz.S]

I was too busy just following everyone else 😅 I’d be terrible in the SAS 🙈 Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks so much for watching 👍🏼

[@62shello]

£7.50! £7.50! How much 😂 ouch!

[@Roz.S]

Yep, I'm still not over that 😅

[@62shello]

😂

[@judewilliams9345]

It's pronounced, Pen y (huh) Fan (van) ❤😂

[@Roz.S]

Thank you! I'm terrible with pronunciation. 🙈

[@silvervandriver9940]

😊

[@Roz.S]

👍

[@bobkennedy621]

Hi Roz, Hi everyone

[@Roz.S]

Hello 👋 Thanks so much for tuning in

[@storminnorman2537]

Hi. Shame, I enjoy listening to your 'waffle'. 🙂

[@storminnorman2537]

The views seem to get better every time! How was Winston after that long hike? Recover OK? Thanks again for the historical back story👍

[@Roz.S]

Winston was surprisingly still quite energetic the next day 😅 You'll see him in the next vlog. Thanks for watching.

[@jeffrey5961]

5 minutes of Roz chat edited out. But I ENJOY listening to Roseanne explain life. great video. thank you for uploading.🙂

[@Roz.S]

It would have been a very long video if I have left that part in 😅😅 Thanks so much for watching

[@pinchyh]

what do you do for a living?

[@Roz.S]

I’m a digital marketer 👍🏼

[@carolhughes312]

How long did the hike take?

[@Roz.S]

Erm...it was over a month ago now, so I can really remember, but I think about 3 hours (ish)

[@yvonnethorpe5224]

Enjoyed that trip. Glad I was watching it rather than walking it😂

[@Roz.S]

@@yvonnethorpe5224 I prefer watching it too. It's not as windy in my living room 😅 thanks for tuning in 👍

[@mixodorians12]

7.50 is fine. We have a lot of English people just buying all their food at home, crossing the Severn Bridge (no tolls anymore) wild camping, and not spending a penny in the area whilst taking up room and resources for those that do. No tourist industry on earth could sustain that. If English people were to try in most countries, they would be deported for vagrancy. We also need to maintain the paths and run a mountain rescue service. Wild camping and spending zero cash in Wales has been super popular. This sort of thing needs to be monetized.

[@Roz.S]

I partly agree. But the problem with such an expensive parking charge is that people find other places to park. When I left Pen y Fan, the car park was half empty and people had chose to park in nearby lay-bys and some even on the grass verges. I think a more reasonable charge of around £4 would see more people using the car park. I think wild camping would be difficult to monetize as the whole point of it is that you're away from everything such as shops and local businesses etc 🤔 but I'm sure people in Wales do the same thing when coming to wild camp in the Peak or Lake District. So, maybe it's swings and roundabouts 🤷🏻‍♀️ Just a thought. Anyway, thanks so much for watching my video and commenting and sharing a very valid point 👍🏼

[@mixodorians12]

​@@Roz.Sit is sort of genius in way. It isn't 7.50 per person, it is 7.50 per car. So say 4 of you went in a car.. it would be less than 2 quid each. Parties are far far safer on the mountains than say " girl getting lost with dog" (even the SAS have been known to die up there) so parties would be far far less likely to call out the brave lads and lasses of the mountain rescue service and be of a bother. Lots of cars always parked on the side of the road, even when there was no parking fee.

[@Roz.S]

@@mixodorians12@mixodorians12 My dog and I have solo hiked all over England, Scotland, and Wales, and have never before paid more than £6 to park (and the £6 car park offered more facilities). If you think they're doing it to deter solo hikers, I will take the £800+ I spent in Wales on this trip and go be a bother elsewhere.