Wales’ Secret Treasure

When it comes to mountains in Wales just about everyone knows of the Snowdonia marathon range but only 25 miles away tucked in the far North West corner of Wales very few are aware of Holyhead Mountain. Unlike the dark grey slate of Snowdonia, Holyhead Mountain is a complete contrast made up of a stunning white rock. It is known as a mountain but with a summit of only 220 meters I think it isn’t technically a true mountain, still an impressive rock on the coast line supporting impressive cliffs, wildlife and stunning scenery like nowhere else in this part of the UK. For these reasons it must be Wales’ secret treasure.

When Endurance Life hold one stage of their coastal series at Holyhead I can’t resist the temptation to run in this unique scenery. This year the weather might have been very cold and windy (as so often it is at Holyhead) but luckily we had a lot of splendid sunshine so I decided to take my camera with me for the ride. I’ve decided to make this blog post more of a photo gallery to showcase this wonderful place. You know what they say “A picture says a thousand words” and I’m sure that this is true.

In the week leading up to the event I had been suffering with a bit of a pain under my right knee cap. On Friday it was making me doubt whether I should or even could run the event. But me being me I carted myself off to Anglesey to see if I could do it with the plan just to run round carefully so hopefully not aggravate my knee, if that was at all possible on this hilly, rocky run which resembles something between a cross country course and a fell race.

I was so relieved that the knee held up and not only did I get round I got some lovely pictures and still with a respectable time. Another great and very tough training run towards my 10 marathons in 10 days training in May so now a little rest for my knee before the training pushes on.

Here are some pictures to show off Wales’s secret gem and a magical Endurance Life event.

South Stack Light House, Holyhead