Paddling their own canoes

In scenes reminiscent of ‘The Last of the Mohicans’ (according to team leader Sgt David Bentley) a group from Welsh Guards 100 took to the water to complete a marathon by canoe on the Pontsticill Reservoir, which lies between Merthyr Tydfil and the southern edge of the Brecon Beacons and covers an area 300 acres.

The team members were lucky enough to have a sunny day to complete their marathon distance which they managed in a time of roughly five hours, working collectively rather than competitively. Although well prepared for the event, and under the expert guidance of the Backwater Canoeing staff, it was nevertheless quite tough going when paddling into the wind. The upside was the stunning scenery of the Breacon Beacons all around them, and the Brecon Mountain Railway winding its way along the shoreline.

The team’s endeavours were rewarded by a slap-up barbeque provided by Pte Arthur from the catering department – a very welcome treat at the end of a hard day’s paddling.