FOLLOWING on from the success of the Moon Walk up Pen y Fan, the local hospice, Usk House, with St David’s Hospice Care, is launching another exciting night-time event.

On September 8, it will be possible to experience night running or walking in a remote area of the Brecon Beacons National Park, which has been designated an International Dark Sky Reserve.

The 8km route will be around Usk Reservoir, situated near Trecastle, and the route will be all off road and lit only by moonlight and participants’ torchlights.

Sally Morris, fundraiser for the hospice, said: “People have come from far and wide to take part in our Moon Walks over the last few years, so I am very excited about this new event. It is equally suitable for runners or walkers, families or individuals, and will give folk a chance to experience night time walking in a safe environment, with a full back up team in place. I think it will be very atmospheric – as dusk falls the trail of torchlight will gradually creep around the reservoir.

“The hospice has been very lucky to have the full backing and support of both the Upper Usk Valley Rural Alliance (UUV) and Dwr Cymru, who has given £500 towards the organisation of the event. Members of the UUV have been extremely enthusiastic and helpful, and it has been a pleasure working with them. Dwr Cymru has also pledged to provide water for all participants during the event.”

Sian Miller, secretary of the UUV, said: “The Upper Usk Valley Rural Alliance is a community group based in the Western side of the Brecon Beacons dedicated to making our area a great place to visit and live. Our projects have included a Dark Skies Community Event held in Trecastle, reopening the Sennybridge public toilets, community walks and publishing maps and information about the area. We are delighted to work with other organisations and in 2016, working with Welsh Water, the plaques at the Usk Reservoir were replaced and we celebrated the event with a community tea in Trecastle Community Centre.

This year we are pleased to be supporting the Usk Night Run.

For further details about the event, phone Sally Morris on 01874 611717, or visit http://stdavidshospicecare.org/event-details/night-run/