ON June 28, Brecon resident Dave Ludlum set off to navigate around Wales by sea, canal and river. His chosen craft was a Hobie Tandem Island sailing kayak which he can sail, pedal and paddle!

Dave, retired Head of Centre at the Storey Arms Outdoor Centre, was joined on his travels by a number of First Officers, including the current Head of Centre, Centre Secretary, former group leaders and his children, Manon and Tomos, ex-pupils of Ysgol y Bannau and Brecon High School.

Last Thursday afternoon (July 20) Dave arrived back in Cardiff Bay after sailing around the south, west and north coasts of Wales, down the Shropshire Union and Llangollen Canals and along the River Severn to Gloucester and back onto the canal to Sharpness. Spells of unseasonal weather conditions during the trip made the going tough at times but careful planning kept the Challenge on the move!

Dave’s aim was to raise money for the Friends of Storey Arms charity which helps children from the more deprived areas of Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan to attend the centre for day and residential visits; offering them opportunities for taking part in outdoor activities, staying away from home maybe for the first time and sharing new experiences with their classmates and teachers.

Dave was welcomed last Thursday by family and friends as he came through the Cardiff Bay Barrage – the same way he had left more than three weeks before!

Andy Meek, the current Head of Centre at the Storey Arms, said “This is an amazing achievement by Dave and we really appreciate his efforts. After a morning pedalling with him on the River Severn, I can vouch that it was harder than it looks!”

Dave enjoyed the challenge and is looking forward to enjoying more trips on the boat with his wife, Barbara, formerly a teacher at Priory School in Brecon.

You can find out more about the Tour of Wales Challenge on the website www.tourofwaleschallenge.co.uk or on Facebook.

To date Dave has raised around £1,500 but you can still donate via the website.