Day 1 of the BikeBoatBoot challenge for Tŷ Hafan started at Tŷ Gobaith, just south of Conwy in North Wales. We had 4 days to cycle, hike and kayak the length of Wales. We were all nervous but excited as we set off to cycle the first stage back to Betws-y-Coed where we had stayed the night before. The gentle 12.7 mile introduction, gaining 935 feet in height, took 83 minutes. The second stage was a short 2.4 mile hike up 506 feet to Conwy Falls before we got back on our bikes and headed for Ysbyty Ifan. The 6.4 miles were covered in 77 minutes, ascending 937 feet. Bikes were swapped for boots and we set off for Capel Celyn, traversing wet moorland mountain tops. We hiked 5.8 miles in 2 hours 40 minutes and climbed 937 feet. The final 10 miles cycle stage included a fun fast downhill as we headed for Lake Bala, which took 53 minutes. Then it was time to kayak. We were kindly looked after by the team at Glan-llyd Outdoor Activity Centre. The wind was around 35 mph from the south and so we had to cycle to the southern tip of the lake and kayak north. The choppy water meant it was like kayaking in the sea, but our training kicked in and we finished in 78 minutes. Day 1 was done. Only 3 more days left! Just Giving > https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/bike-boat-boot
Day 1 – Time cycling, hiking and kayaking: 8 hours 23 minutes; Miles covered: 40.6 miles; Height gained: 3594 feet
Day 1 – Conwy to Lake Bala
Day 2 – Lake Bala to Ponterwyd
Day 3 – Ponterwyd to Brecon
Day 4 – Brecon to Tŷ Hafan in Sully
