It seems very apt, after a phenomenally busy time over the last few months to be announcing this after a very rewarding and yet exhausting weekend at Ultra Trail Wales. Since we launched no-mad running, we've been developing and growing what we do and how we do it. no-mad running has always been a 'trading style' of Mentrau Bach Ltd and through various routes, we have ended up doing more with the no-mad brand than just running. So, the time has come to look at no-mad running in a different way, and allow it to develop and grow in a new way. This, we think is really exciting, with some new opp ..read more

We consistently invest in no-mad running (through Mentrau Bach). And, whilst we like to keep our time in wild spaces as disconnected as possible, we do also take our duty of care for our clients very seriously. Where safety is concerned, "reasonably practical" is a test often applied to whether or not you should do something. In brief, this involves weighing a risk against the trouble, time and money needed to control it. As we've developed we have recognised that more and more becomes reasonable. So, to begin with we invested in our training and qualifications. To prove that alongside experi ..read more

It's hard to know whether it's good or bad, when there is a load of rubbish collected. Good that we got out and got rid of it. Bad that there was so much about.The first, first of the month plogging run had two groups. One group of 5, heading round the Dolgellau 5 mile route, collecting three black bags of rubbish. Gaynor being the meal-deal cardboard queen collecting an 18 inch pizza box and an empty box of cider.The other group of 'team Stockford' in Abergynolwyn, four feet and four paws sniffing out the rubbish collected less, but that is arguably a really good thing.One of the great things ..read more

When we go out for a run, we often come home with other peoples litter. And whilst it would be great if people took responsibility for their own rubbish. They don't.Of course there are a few times when litter is dropped accidentally too - but the amount that it happens is pretty few and far between.So, what we thought we'd do is to start Plogging (picking up litter whilst jogging) on the 1st day of every month. We'd love others to join us. You could do this anywhere in the country, and at anytime of the day - just go to a route you like, and pick up some litter and then recycle it or bin it. A ..read more

The sharp eyed amongst you will notice a new logo on every page - If you've been on a course with us, the See, Describe, Remember mantra works here too!We are absolutely delighted to be a part of the WorkingTogether initiative with Harvey MapsYou have probably seen Ash's eyes zoom away into the distance when talking about their 1:40k maps with just the right amount of detail, printed on good, tough, waterproof paper. It's no coincidence that Harvey Maps produce the Ultra Trail Wales map!What does this mean for you - well it means that we will be able to supply loan maps for use on our local na ..read more

As the only guide and training provider in Wales on the OMM website we get a number of enquiries from people wanting to improve their skills either for their first event, or to learn a bit more after they're inspired to do more.Mountain Marathons have a format which, particularly in the score courses challenge a number of skills. Where else in an event do you get told how long you've got, and then you decide how fast and where you want to go?Two days in a mountainous environment, with competitors carrying their own kit (including overnight) judgement of your ability is a key element to the mou ..read more