I managed to finish work early today (Fri) and being in the area, decided to activate GW/SW-040
Mynyd Dinas, overlooking Port Talbot in South Wales.
I read up the activation reports of others and so was able to find the optimum parking spot at 51.6185°, -3. 7929°. From there, it’s an approximate 20-25 minute hike to the trip point at 51.6090°, -3.7910° along farm tracks.
Google Earth and previous activators’ report pictures, suggested a reasonably clear area up by the trig point for setting up an antenna and pole. There must have been a lot of vegetation growth in the interim because today I found that the area was much more overgrown than I was anticipating. The final approach to the trig point, off the main track, was quite onerous. I had to watch footings and navigate along a barely distinguishable path, past thorny bushes. It doesn’t look like a well-trodden path at all.
I only just managed to fit in my 40/30/20m linked dipole beside the trig point. I had to support the end ropes of the dipole in branches of suitably located bushes. There wasn’t any open space to stake the rope ends into the ground.
When I managed to get the antenna tied up, I spotted myself on a 40m frequency on Sotawatch. I had three CW QSOs one after the other. I just needed one more QSO to qualify for summit activation, but despite several CQ calls, I had no response. I was only 3Watts QRP so really needed that Sotawatch help. I decided to move to 30m and luckily I had a call very quickly there without having to spot myself again. The summit could finally be claimed as activated! I was short on time and so had to QRT and pack up the station. Then the walk back down to the car.
I liked this summit and think that others will too if they haven’t been there before. It is unlikely that you will be disturbed by walkers as the trig point is so ‘off the beaten track’.
72 & 73 G0KPE
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