Welcome to the
Trefonen Hillwalk

A Bit About Us

Our History

Trefonen Hillwalk began in 1991, it was a super simple idea inspired by the Kurdish refugees fleeing conflict in Iraq. These people...young, old, often bare foot and traumatised, were leaving their homes and walking through bitter weather and mud, into the unknown.

​​We planned a walk from our village, Trefonen, to the top of Mynydd Myfyr, the hill that sits behind the village. There was a milk churn at the top for a donation and much anticipation over who would be the first to the top!​ This simple concept has grown arms and legs, and has taken place every year apart from in 2001 due to the foot and mouth outbreak, and in 2020 because of the pandemic. 

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Each year the funds raised by the Hillwalk are shared equally between two good causes (sometimes they are registered charities, sometimes they are not), one UK based and one overseas.  The beneficiaries change almost every year - and new for 2024 was a donation to a Trefonen based organisation. Here are just a few from over the years: A Kenyan schools project, Severn Hospice, Dolen Ffermio (this is a farming charity), Médecins Sans Frontières, Shelter Box, Shropshire Mind, Retrak (working with street children in East Africa), Mercy Ships, Connect for Life (A Day Centre), Peace Brigades International, Mrembe Outreach Clinics (Uganda), Mkoba Polyclinic (Zimbabwe), Oswestry Foodbank, Movement Centre at the Orthopaedic Hospital, Save the Children and Parkinsons UK. 

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The money raised, much of it through donations into the milk churns, increases each year:

2022 £9,000, 2023 £11,750, 2024 £12,770 and 2025 a whopping £14,500. We are blown away each year by the generosity and support of our small and mighty community.

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Today the Hillwalk is over the whole of the Spring Bank Holiday in May, with some bits and bobs taking place before and some after.  The overriding theme is one of celebration: our beautiful spot on the Shropshire and mid Wales border, our awesome community and giving a bit back.

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There are loads of special things about the weekend...but perhaps the most special thing is the way the whole village and surrounding communities get behind it, and every contribution, large or small, is important. Everything that happens is organised and run by volunteers, we are so fortunate - year on year our community is there to help.

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Our Annual Programme
Each year there are essential events which involve lots of physical activity - and enjoyment. Hundreds of people are involved: Across the Cynllaith, The Motor Bike Trial, The Mynydd Myfyr Hill Run and The Buzzard, Curlew and Jungle Family Walks

Supporting these, are many other events, some one-offs, some organised by a local person who wants to make a contribution, all adding to the fun. Here are just some from recent years: The Duck Race - 600 ducks in Trefonen Brook, The Quiz - a sell out!, Football Golf, Scarecrow Competition, Murder Mystery, Afternoon Tea, Safari Supper, Classic Car Show
Artisan Market and Open Gardens.​​​​​

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Plans for 2026 are underway already and we will share as soon as we can!  Keep an eye on our facebook page, and we always REALLY appreciate a like, comment or share on the page...and always tag us in you photos!