A piper played as charity walkers began their Moon Walk ascent of Pen Y Fan and was again at the top to celebrate their achievement with Calon Lân at the summit.

The walk, which started in daylight and ended in moonlit darkness and in aid of St David’s Hospice Care, attracted some 650 walkers to tackle South Wales’ tallest peak at 886m (2, 907ft).

The event was supported by Chepstow serviced office provider Basepoint.

Walkers gathered at Pont ar Daf car park, on the A70 between Brecon and Merthyr Tydfil, before undergoing a kit check by Brecon Mountain Rescue who also helped to marshal the event.

Sally Morris, St David’s Hospice Care community/events fundraiser, Abergavenny/Blaenau Gwent/Mid & South Powys, said: “This is the second time we’ve arranged a moonlight walk at Pen Y Fan. This year was even more successful than last. It’s a truly magical event which really seems to grab people’s imagination.

“A powerful image is of people streaming down off the mountain in a line of head torches and glow sticks which made a wonderful sight. Walkers were both exhilarated and exhausted on their return and asking where they could sign up for next year.

“We are indebted to the Brecon Mountain Rescue Team for their support for our event. They are a highly trained, dedicated team of volunteers, who have sophisticated tracking equipment. Their presence allows us to run this event with confidence, in the knowledge that any emergency would be dealt with swiftly and professionally.”

Basepoint Chepstow manager Ian Mitchell, said: “We’re delighted to have been offered the chance to support this marvellous event giving people the opportunity to climb mystical Pen Y Fan at night in the height of summer under the expert supervision of Brecon Mountain Rescue.”

There is a limit to the number of places on the Moon Walk event. To sign up for next year’s Moon Walk please call St David’s Hospice Care on 01633 851051 or Sally Morris 01874 611717.