Team Walking Bwls Defy the Rain, Punctures and Mechanical Trouble to Finish the Brecon to BWL Challenge
On Sunday 13th September 2026, Team Walking Bwls set off from Brecon to take on their latest fundraising challenge. The weather had other ideas, but the team finished anyway.
Team Walking Bwls have been supporting Rugby For Heroes for some time, and this latest challenge was another example of their commitment to the veterans we support. Everyone at the charity is incredibly proud of them.
The Brecon to BWL Walk/Bike Challenge
The Brecon to BWL Walk/Bike Challenge was planned in four phases:
The drop-off: The team started in Brecon town.
The walk: About 10km on foot with roughly 750m of ascent. The route took in Pen y Fan, the highest mountain in South Wales, approached from the quieter northern side. From there the team came down Jacob's Ladder, climbed the steep slopes of Cribyn and finished the walk down the Roman Road.
The admin stop: A chance to meet the support vehicles, change kit, sort the bikes and refuel.
The bike ride: About 26 miles on mountain bikes, starting on the road before joining the Taff Trail, all the way to the finish at Ynysybwl RFC.
To make the challenge open to as many people as possible, participants could choose between the walk only, the bike ride only, or the whole thing.
Tougher than planned
The forecast wasn't kind. Terrible rain followed the team for much of the day, turning the hills and trails into a serious test of resilience. Two bikes suffered punctures and another had a broken gear mechanism.
Nobody gave up. The team fixed what they could, supported each other and kept moving until everyone had crossed the finish line at Ynysybwl RFC. That teamwork and determination is what we try to encourage in our Transition Through Rugby course, and it's why we're so grateful to have people like this in our corner.
Why it matters
Every mile, every mountain and every puncture repaired in the rain helps raise money for causes close to the team's hearts, including Rugby For Heroes. Funds raised through challenges like this help us support veterans and service leavers as they move into civilian life, including our free Transition Through Rugby coaching course, which offers a Level 2 ERCA rugby coaching qualification accredited by England Rugby.
A huge thank you
To everyone who walked, cycled, drove support vehicles, donated or shared the fundraising link: thank you. You turned a wet Sunday into something special.
Get involved
Inspired by Team Walking Bwls? There are lots of ways to support Rugby For Heroes:
Take on your own challenge: Let us know what you're planning.
Donate: here
Find out more about our work: Learn about our Transition Through Rugby course
Share this post: Help spread the word about what the team achieved.
Well done, Team Walking Bwls. We can't wait to see what you tackle next.
Comments