Hike and Wild Camp at Llyn Y Fan Fawr in the Brecon Beacons

[@mountainmantararua8824]

Nothing better then testing ones self. Getting up into the mountains cleanses the soul, clears the mind and refreshes the body. you have found what so many other people of a kindred spirit have found. Many people want to do it and are inspired by you to do it but they lack the courage to take the first step and instead languish at home regretting not doing it. Well done to you, all the best for your future walks. I have been walking the mountains now for 67 years as a guide and many, many solo walks ( I'm 74 by the way) and will continue until no more my legs work.. Keep on keeping on Jem. Cheers from NZ 😊😊

[@jemsjournal]

I'm so grateful to have found this new hobby..... It invigorates and I feel so much calmer day to day. It puts so much into perspective for me. I hope to still be going at 74 too..... What a warrior you are 💪 Thanks so much for watching and commenting 🤗

[@nm-ge4tb]

👍👍Fair play , you nailed it Jem👍👍👌🤞✌💖🙏😊

[@jemsjournal]

Thank you so much 😊

[@nm-ge4tb]

@@jemsjournal you are more than welcome 👍

[@clairepenny6670]

What a fab view Jem! You are smashing this challenge and becoming quite the You Tuber! 😍 Go for it girl xx

[@jemsjournal]

Thanks so much Claire, I'm absolutely loving it ❤️🙌

[@dearmountains3431]

Truly amazing!! Outstanding video. Thanks for posting it.💕💕😉

[@jemsjournal]

Thank you so much 😊

[@batesy4760]

Lovely video jem strong woman to overcome your fears looking forward to your next one

[@jemsjournal]

Thank you so much Batesy 🤗

[@garethbirch7168]

Great to see you buzzing jem well done said the mountain will be there when you were ready steady away and win ya race well done again 👏 x

[@jemsjournal]

Thanks so much Gareth 🤗

[@ericthearfaviking7579]

Your journey into the outdoors has been and is lovely to see, as is your openess. Great videos, best wishes.

[@jemsjournal]

Thanks so much Eric 🤗

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Brilliant Jem😀. There’ll be no stopping you now you’ve got your first camp under your belt. Looking forward to watching more of your trips 🥾⛰⛺️😎🙏🏻- Dave

[@jemsjournal]

Thanks so much Dave 😊

[@daves.7040]

Great video Jem. 25 summits to go…..well done so far. It’s good to see your number of subscribers increasing steadily too. Looking forward to the next video. Cheers.

[@jemsjournal]

Thanks Dave.... 22 as of today 💪

[@karenmoore1561]

Have been following since you began, and think this is your best yet. Completely agree about walking poles - the difference they make is amazing. Thank you for 'taking me with you'!

[@jemsjournal]

Awwww Karen, thank you so much for supporting me and commenting today. Out of interest what do you think it was that made the difference this time 😊❤️

[@karenmoore1561]

@@jemsjournal combination of successful hike and camp, talking about your equipment - you were also much more confident and comfortable - just made it a lovely trip to watch x

[@jemsjournal]

@@karenmoore1561 thanks so much Karen ❤️

[@jimfarrell8466]

Lovely looking spot for your camp Jem, nice video

[@jemsjournal]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting 🤗

[@Professionalmoochers]

You have every right to feel lucky & grateful, it’s a beautiful location 👌🏼

[@1972andyb]

Bailing is not failing 😊😊 if you don’t feel right there’s no shame. Great vid & views, inspirational. I really need to get out overnight, weather is pants this weekend. Would rather a dry spell for my first time. ‘Don’t like it when there’s people’ 😂😂

[@jemsjournal]

Thanks Andy ☺️

[@robg3545]

Lovely vlog there Jem.,you really put the effort in. Amazing view to wake up to. If you say Llyn uh van vower youre most of the way there! y on its own is 'uh', Fawr means large, fach means small, so you often see them together in the landscape and it can help with routeplanning. The Ll sound in Llyn (lake) is made by putting your tongue against the roof of your mouth and exhaling either side. Enjoying your channel !

[@jemsjournal]

Thank you, a few people have tried to teach me the correct way of saying things but I butcher it every time 😂

[@JM-xy8zy]

Hi jem !! Great video..!! Lovely scenery..!! Will send u some tips.!! Tc n gud to see u once again ! 😘😀

[@jemsjournal]

Thanks Joe 🤗

[@Dingleowl1582]

Great video ! Glad you were more comfortable in your self 👍

[@jemsjournal]

Chris, Thank you so much for watching and commenting 🤗

[@jnn7431]

Lovely video. Glad your vids were recommended to me. All the best.

[@jemsjournal]

Thanks so much 🤗

[@rob20452]

Yes a cracking video bought me on good as anxiety is a big one in my life and as most times prevents me doing stuff, good to have the lads there for company, the view from your tent was amazing,!

[@jemsjournal]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch and comment. Anxiety is a big thing for a lot of people at the moment but I have to say the more I get out the better I feel. You are not what you feel but what you do. Take small steps and get out there. you will feel so much better for it 🤗

[@mycowilderness3489]

Lovely video, weird for me because I was camping with the guys you met on Llyn y fan fach, Darren, Geraint etc We met up with Adam (Mr wild Wales) and Lee (black mountain adventures) too, what an evening for it! Adam

[@jemsjournal]

Sounds like there was loads of you there and looked like you had a good time! They were eally nice lads, glad I bumped into them 😊

[@mycowilderness3489]

It's definitely one of the best hikes in the Brecons, stunning over the western side of the park.

[@rikwhite8150]

Hi Gem. Cracking video Of course it’s ok to eat lamb whilst surrounded by sheep. I’m betting you wasn’t bothered by them at night!? It works 😀 Stay safe 🙂

[@jemsjournal]

Haha, I wondered why they were all running away from me 😂

[@thedawnawakens]

This was lovely to watch especially with all the spectacular views Jem. So glad to hear the poles have worked out for you, and that with the vivos 😊..... one thing I will say (with a light hearted giggle)...... get yourself a chopping board so you don't blunt your mora again lols (13:50) 🤪🤣💚. BIG HUGS X

[@jemsjournal]

OMG...... Busted 🤦‍♀️ Haha but I have this amazing friend who sharpens it for me 👀😂❤️

[@thedawnawakens]

@@jemsjournal hahahaha busted indeed 🤣 😂. You're an amazing friend also, so always happy to help 😊.

[@henry9406]

I just watched you on my TV so came to give a like and say thanks for another great video, your videos are better than anything on TV 👍🍻

[@jemsjournal]

Haha Thank you so much for watching and commenting Henry 🤗

[@illtudjames]

Great hike and a fab video!

[@jemsjournal]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@Adventurer_Dave]

Good tip about the boots. I bought a new pair of boots during the winter, they are nice and snug, and I didn't think of them as tight. I thought the pain I started go get in my knees going down hill was due to my knees getting old...I've been thinking I might need a knee op (or 2) in the coming years! Hiqever I'm off to try a softer, more forgiving boot first!!!

[@jemsjournal]

You never know! You may already use them but poles would help with that too 😁. Thanks so much for watching 🤗

[@soggz4246]

Hi. The ‘Y’ is pronounced ’Ah’. I was in exactly the same place 3 weekends ago. Camped overlooking the lake.Beautiful evening,but the weather turned to wind and horizontal rain,early morning. Toe socks are brilliant too. People laugh,but don’t knock something till you try it! All the best.❤️‍🔥

[@jemsjournal]

Thanks for that, I fear I'll continue to get the pronunciations wrong though 🤦‍♀️ It's a beautiful spot ❤️

[@jamesalexander4926]

Amazing video Jem

[@jemsjournal]

Thanks so much James 😊

[@spenceoutdoorsscotland3516]

Grate video gem. Think we al at some point get a little anxiety about going out alone.

[@jemsjournal]

Definitely! It goes the minute I get out the car 🤷🏻‍♀️. Thank you so much for watching and commenting 🤗

[@trickofthetrail]

Awesome pitch Jem and well done! I was on the East side of the Brecons over the BH. I'll definitely venture over the West side next time.

[@jemsjournal]

Thanks so much. I've just git back from a trip in the black mountains but didn't get to see much due to the fog 😕

[@johncochran9860]

Great video Jem, with some brilliant views. Well done, once again for sharing your fears as well as your adventures. Good advice for us all in life whatever we are doing. Lots of love xx.

[@jemsjournal]

Thanks so much for watching guys. Your continued support means the world to me ❤️

[@IrelandRider]

Glad you put your Bridget Jones pants on lol and you went ahead with the camp. The 1st shot of you when out of your car looked lovely. The stream and hills looked great. Wow the views of that lake between 4 and summit 5 was lovely. But them sheep were noisy lol 😆. Food looked scrummy I was actually wondering what tent you had, I think I missed what you said,so glad you got out. Your face told how much you enjoyed it and your anxiety went too, keep going sweetie 👍x

[@jemsjournal]

Gotta love them Bridget's!!!!! I love scenes like that, when i got back to the car i just sat there for ages watching the water run by. I'd have happy just boycotted the hike and camped there but need to get them mountains done! I have the Vango Banshee 200 (who doesn't start out with that tent 😂) I'd imagine it'd be a bit cramped for a taller person though. I'm only 5'4 and I can only just sit up in it. I am looking at upgrading it at some point in the not too distant future. Thank you so much for watching and commenting Richard 🤗

[@ronniemathieson17]

That looked a brilliant trip Jem. Well done you. 👍

[@jemsjournal]

Thanks so much Ronnie 😊

[@stephengraham8629]

Well done Jem, you cracked it and you enjoyed it, so maybe now you will have better adventures, onwards and upwards !!!

[@jemsjournal]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting Stephen 🤗

[@markeverard9137]

Another great wild camping video Jem in a beautiful peaceful location. I am enjoying seeing how your confidence grows with every hike and camp you do. Keep it up!

[@jemsjournal]

Thanks so much Mark 🤗

[@adge_ventures4915]

Just shy of 20 minutes in you hit the jackpot. The whole essence of wild camping caught in about 20 seconds or so ☺️ Well done on getting it done 💪 Stay safe and well, Adge.

[@jemsjournal]

Thanks so much Adge, I shed a little tear that day while sitting looking out of my tent. I was so totally caught in the moment and felt so grateful. It really does hit you sometimes. But yes, I guess that is why most of us do it and what it's all about. I've felt like a new woman since I've been home. I am well and truly addicted!!!!

[@penny9360]

What a great trip. Well done for pushing yourself past the anxiety. Beautiful shots and what a beautiful relaxing trip. I love all the tips too - how you have changed some of your kit. Such helpful stuff that you include in your videos. Love your honesty and openness. Thank you.

[@jemsjournal]

Thanks so much Penny. That's really kind of you to say 😊

[@finger351]

Medium rare please and thank you. Also, there are some JCB socks on ebay which i always use now, they have padding and support as well as being double layered so you don't get blisters. They are 8 quid a pair though. They are also really warm, we can be in a heatwave at 30+ degrees but my feet are still at absolute zero (-273 degrees C if you're interested, -273.15 if you're pedantic) you wonder why last winter was mild? that's because of these socks. They are the reason we didn't get another ice age this year. Not selling them, just praising them.

[@jemsjournal]

OMG that lamb was soooooo good 😀 haha, I'll check out the socks, thanks for sharing 🤗

[@finger351]

@@jemsjournal I posted a link but it seems KZbin didn't like me advertising anyone other than them. Typical cash nazis. They are on ebay though.

[@rtk3543]

Good one Jem, fabulous location and some great advice, onwards and upwards 👍

[@jemsjournal]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting 🤗

[@JimCrossan]

Hi Jem, just to say, I think you are doing really well. Better than me lol. You are an inspiration and I wish you all the best and Good Luck..!

[@jemsjournal]

Awwww Jim, thats so nice of you to say! Thank you so much for watching and commenting 🤗

[@nicholasromans5816]

Nice vid gem, the route u went up was a very different way to how I get up the top, poles is a must for long hikes, u met my mates who was camping on top, camped at fan fawr and also swam there in the morning, u had the weather that day and the sunset was epic on top, I didn't film my camp because I been to this mountain so many times, keep up the good work atb nick

[@jemsjournal]

It was long and boring but what can I say I like a challenge! It's a beautiful place, sorry I missed you. I'm sure our paths will cross at some point . Back at ya and thanks so much for watching and commenting 😊

[@DimensionDevices]

😆Tactical Duck Squad eh?! Good job Jem! Keep going!!! We're cheering you on! Edit: I have the same pots as you! 👍

[@jemsjournal]

Haha, hank you so much for watching and commenting 🤗

[@susanspence6078]

Well done Jem. Finding your openness to new experiences so inspiring - I’m not so good at getting out of my comfort zone ! But I’m realising that the best experiences are beyond where we are most comfortable

[@jemsjournal]

They really are, thats a lesson I'm learning too. Quite often we make it worse in our heads than it actually is and we stop ourselves from living the life we're meant to! Thank you so much for taking the tie to watch and comment ❤️

[@billybunter55]

Amazing video Jem, well done 👏 such a beautiful place, I think I could read your mind @19.45 minutes in 😔and if I'm correct she'd be very proud of you.

[@jemsjournal]

I think you could too Shannon......... thank you 🥺🥰 Thank you so much for watching and commenting 🤗

[@billybunter55]

❤as we go through life our energies align with different people and I think ours are aligned at the moment because of our situations, stay strong 💪 ❤

[@craoutdoors6827]

Another good video, glad to see the subs growing. I m in my later 30's so cant get it into my head to use trekking poles yet but the advantages are clear to see and i am probably just being stubborn. Keep the videos coming you'll know the welsh hills better than the welsh do soon😉.

[@jemsjournal]

Apparently it's good for your joints too which means you'll have less problems as you get older! Put your pride to one side and get a pair 🤣🤗

[@AndyMacBG]

Another nice vid. Ever considered bikepacking/bike touring?

[@jemsjournal]

Hey Andy, thank you. I have considered it but not ready for a new challenge just yet. Want to get this under my belt before delving into the mindfield of bikes 😂 It is on my radar though along with kayaking 👀

[@Peace.Love.Psychedelics]

Great video Gem, well done. It looked great. I also have started using os maps, thanks for sharing the link. Its hard for anyone dealing with anxiety as I also suffer, good advice on getting out and doing it, better than any antidepressant. Hope to see more of your adventures ✌

[@jemsjournal]

Thank you so much 🙌🏼 Couldn't agree more, the outdoors has helped me so much in so many ways and i encourage everyone to do it more!!!!

[@Allied-Aircraft-WW2]

Grand stuff Jem. 5 more summits in the bag. What’s the running total now? Mal

[@jemsjournal]

Awww Thanks so much Mal 🤗 Thats 15 in the bag..... only 25 to go 💪🏼

[@sjgibb0]

Hi Jem, I’m headed to the Fan this weekend. Whereabouts did you set up your tent as it looks flat and gorgeous? Was it on the west or east coast as you skirt round it? Many thanks and great video!!

[@jemsjournal]

Hey Scott, you're probably akready there with no signal 🤣 Hope you find a good spot and have an awesome time 🙌

[@celticwanderer6407]

hi jem . another fantastic vlog . I really enjoy your vlogs they outstanding. questions for you what size is your back pack thanks in advance

[@jemsjournal]

Awwww thanks so much! I have the osprey Kyte 66 for women. However I have just got myself a new bag and will be talking gear very soon 😁

[@craig3401]

Really well done it looked a great hike and camp.as for anxiety I get it most trips I question myself as to why I'm doing it but I just get my head down and plod on.yes it's hardwork but the views and sense of achievement are amazing.i totally agree with you on the poles there such a great help.not tried the socks tho so maybe I'll give them a go.but for anyone new to wild camping I'd say build up to the more exposed camps where there's more altitude and the routes are more difficult till you gain the confidence to tackle them.but I bet you were a bit miffed to find the bush box haha just think that extra weight could have been some wine or a camping chair lol.but really well done you got great weather and awesome views your getting the bug there's no going back now 🌟👍

[@jemsjournal]

I think everyones anxiety is different. My apprehension comes from the unknown but thats all part of the excitement as well if thats not too much of a contradiction. I love the hard work, the slug, that feeling of achievement coupled with the freedom you feel and the views is just so exhilarating ❤️ That bush box was tucked behind my tent from my last outing and I completely forgot it was there, at least my load will definitely be lighter next time 😂 Great advice and thank you so much for watching and commenting 🤗

[@ianstewartoutdoors]

Nice Video Jem, what camera you using as its nice and clear

[@jemsjournal]

Hi Ian, thanks for watching! I'm using the Gopro Hero 10, I'm rubbish with technology but this is really easy to use. I just use it on a really basic set up... none of this 4k stuff 🤯

[@ianstewartoutdoors]

@@jemsjournal Thanks Jen, I have the Insta 360 r but don't get on with it too well, I av just done a video on a wireless mic for phones. not sure if it would work on GoPro's

[@leestockton9367]

Try this when it comes to Welsh Ll = "tl" on the side of the tongue F = "v" Y on it's own = "ee" NOT "ah" Y after H (as in Rhyl) is "i" Y in a word is "u" (as in Sygun) U is "i" (so using the above, Sygun is pronounced "Sugin") Ff = "f" W = "oo" except when W is at the start OE = "oy" Ergo pronunciation is "tleen ee van vaoor"

[@FfilmiauFflur]

It's not exactly rocket science to get the pronounciations correct - it's just laziness and a lack of respect... A little bit of homework goes a long way.