Berwyn Baptism
Berwyn Baptism: Stranded but Safe
One night, two poodles, and a whole lot of weather
Our long-awaited Berwyn adventure is now complete — and while it didn’t quite go as planned, it was still one for the books.
We set off in good spirits. The sun was shining, the views were wide open, and despite the long hike in (and a few choice words from my legs), we made it to our pitch without issue. The tent went up smoothly, the dogs settled in, and for a while it felt like everything had lined up just right.
During the night, the wind picked up and the rain set in — not ideal, but honestly, it was fine. We were warm, dry, and tucked into our little camp bubble. There’s a kind of peace that comes with being out there in the elements, listening to the tent fabric ripple while the dogs snore beside you.
But by morning… things had changed.
The wind didn’t ease. The rain didn’t stop. Packing up in that kind of weather was a challenge in itself, but the real issue was yet to come. The plan had been to hike back up and over Cadair Berwyn to return to the car on the other side of the range. I gave it a go. I really did. But the wind was brutal, the fog rolled in thick, and the rain turned the trail into a stream.
I pushed. I paused. I reassessed. Then I did the hardest but safest thing — I turned around.
I descended a completely different route, away from the summit, away from the car. I just needed to get off the mountain safely. Now, as I write this, I’m sat in a café — soaked, muddy, and stranded on the wrong side of the range. But safe. The poodles are curled up under the table, completely unbothered, probably wondering when their next biscuit is coming.
Was it the trip I imagined? No.
Was it worth it? Absolutely.
Did I learn a lot? Without a doubt.
Mountains don’t always give you what you want — but they give you what you need. And I needed that reminder that experience comes from doing, not from perfection.
More wild camps are definitely ahead. But maybe with a slightly shorter exit plan next time.
What I Learned From the Berwyns
Lessons from the wrong side of the mountain
Adventures do not always go to plan, but that is where the real learning happens. My recent wild camp in the Berwyns gave me a bit of everything. Sunshine, struggle, rain, wind, and a not-so-minor navigational hiccup. Still, I walked away (well… walked off in the wrong direction) with a few solid lessons I will take forward.
1. The Weather Can Change Everything
Forecasts are helpful, but they are not promises. What started out as decent conditions quickly turned into relentless rain and strong winds. I have now seen firsthand how quickly a hill can go from inviting to intimidating. I will always respect the mountain’s mood a little more from now on.
2. Turning Back is Not Failing
I pushed hard to stick to the plan, but the moment came when continuing meant risking too much. Choosing to turn around was not defeat, it was a smart decision. Pride does not get a say when safety is on the line.
3. Backup Plans Matter
I did not have a clear exit route other than the one I came in on, and I paid for that. From now on, I will always have a second plan, a safe way down, and ideally, a dry pair of socks waiting somewhere nearby.
4. Pack Weight Still Matters
Even after trimming things down, carrying everything in that weather was tough. I will be reviewing my load again, especially when climbing or covering distance in difficult conditions.
5. I Can Do Hard Things
Despite the challenge, I did not panic. I managed the situation, kept a clear head, and made choices I am proud of. That is the win.
6. The Dogs Are Unfazed Legends
Teddy and Buddy did not complain once. Not in the rain, the wind, or during the detour. They just carried on, trusted me, and curled up when they could — as if to say, we’re with you, no matter what.
But I’ll be honest — I started to feel guilty for bringing them out in it. It’s my job to keep them safe and comfortable, and while they’re always up for adventure, they didn’t choose the weather. Teddy especially isn’t a fan of getting wet, and I could see he wasn’t loving the conditions. That weighed on me as much as the pack did.
They reminded me, as always, to keep things in perspective. If there are snacks, somewhere to curl up, and someone to walk beside, it’s still a good day. But I’ll be thinking even more carefully about their comfort next time — because they deserve that, always.
What I’ll Do Differently Next Time
After getting battered by rain, beaten by wind, and finally rescued by Matt (thank you again!), I’ve had a chance to think about what I’d do differently next time I head into the hills.
1. Have a Clear Backup Route
I had a plan, but not a solid escape option if things went wrong. Next time, I’ll have a proper plan B worked out, with a safer route marked and stored, just in case I need to change direction again.
2. Lighten the Load (Again)
Even though I’ve already pared down my pack quite a bit, it still felt heavy in those conditions. I’ll look again at what I’m carrying and see if I can swap out a few items for lighter alternatives, especially when I’m expecting a tough hike.
3. Download Offline Maps with Bail-Out Points
I’ll make sure I’ve got all my maps downloaded offline, with key waypoints and backup trails marked especially exit routes and lower-level paths. I’ll also mark locations like cafés, car parks, or any potential shelter.
4. Be More Weather-Conscious for the Dogs
Teddy in particular really doesn’t like being wet, and I felt guilty for putting him through it. I’ll pay closer attention to the weather with them in mind, not just me, and make sure I’ve got even better wet-weather gear ready for them, quick-dry towels etc
5. Be Stricter with the Forecast
I did check the weather, but I probably gave it more benefit of the doubt than it deserved. Next time, I’ll be a bit more cautious if there’s wind and low visibility forecast. The mountains can wait.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Change the Plan
This time I did the right thing by turning around, and I’m proud of that. But I’ll remember that next time too. No summit or route is worth more than safety.
Bonus Lesson:
I need a second car in a different location 😂
I’m not put off. I’ve learned a lot. And next time, I’ll go in even more prepared, for me and the poodles.
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Comments
Hi Clive,
Absolutely brilliant! You're so brave doing wild camping....but bet you feel you've accomplished a lot.
Hope to read more of your Poodle Adventures.
Take care
Babs
Thank you so much, Babs! It definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone, but you're right I feel like I’ve achieved something really special. The poodles have taken it all in their stride (mostly... Teddy still thinks rain is a personal attack 😅).
More adventures are definitely on the horizon watch this space! Take care and thanks again for the lovely message 🐾⛺️✨