Currently my friend, who is in his final two months training at Sandhurst, before joining his new regiment, is sleeping out somewhere in the Beacons.
He has been there since Friday, and the sleep out, is for five continuous days.
If conditions are anything like it was in the Carneddau last week, then i do not envy him one little bit, very deep snow, knee deep at low levels, and hard going.
Years ago, i can remember my balaclava freezing solid, on the Gap ridge towards Cribyn, whiteout conditions, and boy was it cold, windy as well.
Checking out the weather forecast is vital for a winter jaunt in the Beacons, and having the right equipment is also essential, as the main ridges radiating towards Pen Y fan attracts some of the most hostile weather anywhere in Wales.
It was on the path leading to the summit of Pen Y fan from Corn Ddu, that i had to crawl on all fours, such was the strength of the wind.
Ive never encountered wind like it, anywhere in Snowdonia, i was a lot younger and daft as a brush, so relished the excitement.
Best advice, go well equipped, check the National Park weather forecast, and if the weather looks changeable, head back to the car.