SIX members of the Penarth Explorer Scout Unit set out to discover the war memorial to the crew of a WWII Wellington bomber that crash-landed in the western Brecon Beacons, after losing power to one of its engines after a training mission.

Setting off on Saturday, June 25, from Dan yr Ogof in fine rain, loaded with tent and food for the overnight trip, they climbed the 500m to Waun Fignen Felin where they were shrouded in hill fog with visibility just 50m.

This really tested their navigation skills, as the wind buffeted them through the limestone area of shake holes and ponds.

Reaching the deep cutting of the river Sinc-y-Giedd, they set up camp on the flat land adjacent below Disgwylfa, a limestone rock outcrop that offered little protection. Battling the wind and mist, the tents were pitched and soon the food was on the go – tinned stew, homemade spag bol and some rather audacious fajitas!

Damp but fed and happy, the group settled in for an early night.

Sunday saw them up to bright sunshine, clear skies and no wind, and by 6am breakfast was under way, as the aroma of cooking bacon saw the local sheep take a wide berth.

Fresh water from mountain streams kept them going as they navigated open moorland towards Carreg Goch.

Reaching the summit, they located the crash site. A remarkable amount of wreckage remains and it was humbling to think that young men from Canada lost their lives on this bleak hillside.

The group then headed off over Castell y Geifr to enjoy the view they missed out on the day before and headed back to the pick-up point at Dan Yr Ogof.