Welsh explorer becomes world's first to scale Andes through seven countries
Ollie Treviso telling his story.
A Welsh explorer has become the first person in history to cross the Andes mountain range through seven countries.
Ollie Treviso from Swansea began his solo expedition in Argentina in September 2023, and has since trekked 14,000 kilometres, crossing into Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, before finishing in Venezuela this week.
The 29-year-old from Port Tennant has walked every day for the past 20 months and says he has gotten through nine pairs of trainers.
'It feels surreal, I can't believe that I've done it', Ollie told ITV News.
'I love thinking about the original idea, sitting at the dinner table, and it flashing in my mind. I never thought I would actually do it, but with time, it happened.
"To have my dad and brother at the end was an emotional finish for sure.
'I don't know if I'll ever be able to process it, so many things have happened, it's a dream come true.'
Ollie, who has walked the length of Britain and sailed across the Atlantic, came close to failing the expedition on a number of occasions.
In February 2024, he fell down a gorge while 2,000 meters high crossing from Argentina into Chile. Miles from civilisation and suffering from concussion, Ollie began walking dangerously off course. Ollie says a chance meeting with a stray dog, whom he would later call Sandy, saved his life after the dog led him back to the nearest village.
Last month, while travelling through Colombia, Ollie was mugged by a machete-wielding gang, who took his money, clothes and supplies. It was only the kindness of locals, who supplied him with a new phone, which meant he was able to complete his trek.
Ollie said: 'I've walked through deserts, jungles, rainforests, and climbed mountains with 6 thousand feet of elevation. That is what drew me to the Andes, just how diverse it was. It's been brutal at times, altitude sickness, minus 20 degrees at night.'
'I need a new pair of knees, that's for sure, my knees are finished….and nine pairs of trainers I went through in the end!'
While scaling the Andes, Ollie has been raising money for mental health charity Mind Ystradgynlais. The explorer says it was his own personal struggles with mental health that spurred him to raise the money.
Ollie is due to return to Wales in the next two weeks and says he hopes to visit schools as well as write a book about his adventure and achievement.
'I need to enjoy this'', Ollie said.
'That's the most important thing, get back home and enjoy being with my family and enjoy being in Wales. I need to share my story and stay in the present and not be thinking too far ahead all the time, I think that's really important for me.'
'I'm definitely going to miss it, as hard as it was, I loved it. I've had the highest highs of my life and always felt like I was learning something new.'
'But this is the start of the next chapter now, I'm really on a mission to share my story. I've been obsessed with walking every day, but now it's all about what's next.'
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Wales Online
3 hours ago
- Wales Online
Scenic trails in Wales with lush food stops that are worth the detour
Scenic trails in Wales with lush food stops that are worth the detour Wales is renowned for its beautiful landscapes, from the coast to the mountains, and one of the best ways to experience them is by walking some of the most beautiful routes, then dropping in for something to eat after your stroll If you need a caffeine kick to start your walk or fancy a proper pub lunch after your ramble, many Welsh walks feature charming pit stops. (Image: Portia Jones ) One of the most delightful ways to explore the diverse landscapes of Wales is by embarking on some of its beautiful, well-trodden paths, city strolls and family-friendly trails. Wales has a vast array of walks that cater to walkers of all skill levels. From day-long hikes to picturesque parklands, marina strolls and forest trails, we've got it all. If you need a caffeine kick to start your walk or fancy a proper pub lunch after your ramble, many Welsh walks feature charming pit stops where you can indulge in hot beverages, cakes, pastries, sandwiches and more. Here are our top picks for Welsh walks with the best pit stops. Kenfig Nature Reserve and Rest Bay - Rest Bay Cafe The view from the Rest Bay Café Bar is fabulous (Image: Portia Jones ) The lovely three-mile coastal walk between Kenfig Nature Reserve and Rest Bay passes shipwrecks, rare orchids, and some of northern Europe's highest dunes. It's a linear walk that ends with a cafe stop at the Rest Bay Cafe, where you can have a brew with a view or a cheeky glass of wine overlooking the sea. Article continues below Follow the shoreline from Kenfig Nature Reserve, passing rocky bays and a golf course until you reach surfing hotspot Rest Bay. Here, you'll find the glass-fronted Rest Bay Cafe Bar situated in a commanding position overlooking the shoreline. Sit on the balcony with a brew or a wine and watch the waves roll in. Hungry? Breakfast is served until 11:30 and includes' Eggs Surfer'—poached eggs, granary toast, guacamole and salsa, pancake stacks, and granola bowls. For lunch, there are sandwiches, jacket potatoes, burgers and more. At this point, you can continue onwards to Porthcawl town centre or meander back to Kenfig Nature Reserve the same way you came, making the walk around six miles in total. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Mumbles to Langland and Caswell Bay Walk - Lighthouse Bar and Kitchen View of the lighthouse (Image: The Secret Group ) For a scenic coastal walk, try the coast path route from Mumbles to Caswell Bay on the southeast of the Gower Peninsula. This six-mile-long seaside walk takes you from the Mumbles to the lovely Caswell Bay on the south east of the Gower Peninsula. The loop route runs along the undulating coastal path, passing the picturesque Limeslade Beach and Langland Bay en route, and returns to the start via Bishop's Wood. It's a moderate walk with some clifftop inclines, and it takes an average of two and a half hours to complete if you are stomping along without stopping for photos or for a brew and a sandwich. If you're following the route on hiking app All Trails, it starts from the information point near Oystermouth Castle in the swish coastal hub of Mumbles. With homemade ice cream, a Victorian-era pier and rocky bays, this small village was named one of the best places to live by the sea in the UK for 2024 by the Sunday Times. For a scenic coastal walk, try the coast path route from Mumbles to Caswell Bay on the southeast of the Gower Peninsula. (Image: Richard Swingler Photography ) Keep going, and you'll soon reach Bracelet Bay, a sandy, shingly bay surrounded by impressive cliffs. Its rocky shoreline also has a brilliant view of the unmanned lighthouse, which has guided vessels along the coast and past the Mixon Shoal sandbank for over 200 years. It's here that you can stop for lunch at the elegant bar and restaurant, The Lighthouse Bar and Kitchen. The Secret Hospitality Group has renovated and updated the old Castellamare restaurant into a more contemporary venue called Rok. On the menu, you'll find beautifully presented small plates of goat's cheese and grilled pea asparagus, salt and vinegar monkfish scampi, and Pembrokeshire potato salad with new-season greens. Hungry? Order a large plate with a variety of culinary offerings, including wild sea bass, charcoal leeks and clam sauce, chicken and fennel sausage pappardelle, and grilled plaice with a butter sauce. Continue onwards to Caswell Bay, a favourite spot for surfers and paddleboarders, which offers parking and toilets. After your coastal trek, you can also enjoy coffee at the Caswell Surfside Cafe, featuring prime views of the expansive golden beach and the sea. Llansteffan Circular walk - Inn at the Sticks If you visit during the offseason or early in the morning, you'll often have this blustery shoreline to yourself (Image: Portia Jones ) One of the best ways to take in the glorious sea views in Llansteffan is by going on a bracing coastal walk. There are circular walks available, and you can also join the long-distance Wales Coast Path for a longer trek along the Welsh coast. The Llansteffan circular walk takes you from Llansteffan along the mouth of the Tywi River as it opens into Carmarthen Bay. It's a three-mile trek that is suitable for most walkers. From the Llansteffan car park, the Wales Coast Path follows the sandy shoreline, with the towers of the ruined Llansteffan Castle visible as you traverse the path. You'll soon reach Scott's Bay, where a 19th-century villa sits close to the sand. After your walk, be sure to stop by Inn At The Sticks in Llansteffan village for a well-deserved lunch. Located in the heart of the village, the 18th-century pub oozes warmth and character in every cosy corner. Here, you'll find 'coaching inn chic' with wooden beams, exposed brick, and warm lighting, where dogs are welcome. The Llansteffan Landmark has been a pub since 1809, then known as the Union Hall Inn, and has been a hotel since 1881. It's now run by partners Teej and Tracey and was refurbished in June 2023, with a strong emphasis on retaining the pub's charm and character across the restaurant and snug rooms upstairs. With an ever changing menu, Inn at the Sticks focuses on Welsh produce (Image: Will Barker ) Food is a real highlight here, with the kitchen headed up by pub co-founder Teej. Expect small plates of the finest Welsh produce with zingy international twists and knowledgeable staff who know their way around a wine list. The pub's commitment to local produce means the menu changes seasonally, always offering something new and delicious. Think Cockle popcorn, Atlantic Edge oysters, roasted carrots on whipped feta, Asian sticky Pork, and Welsh beef and perl las pie. With perfectly plated dishes and a welcoming atmosphere, it's easy to see why it was named Wales' winner in The Good Food Guide's Best Local Restaurants 2024 and scooped the South West Gastro Pub of the Year at the recent Food Awards Wales. Caerphilly Mountain Loop Walk - Caerphilly Mountain Snack Bar A well-deserved bacon butty from Caerphilly Mountain Snack Bar (Image: Portia Jones ) Despite its name, Caerphilly Mountain offers an easy hike for those looking to stretch their legs for an hour or so, making it suitable for older children. There are numerous mapped walks and trails, with many people bringing their dogs along to enjoy the exercise. Don't forget to snap a summit selfie at the trig point for a scenic shot. One of the highlights of this hill walk is the enormous bacon baps at the Caerphilly Mountain Snack Bar, conveniently located in the free Caerphilly Mountain car park. Fuel up for your mountain walk with a delicious bacon roll smothered in sauce and a hot cup of coffee. Chepstow to Tintern Abbey - The Filling Station Cafe The Wye Valley, which straddles the border between England and Wales, is a recognised Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. (Image: Portia Jones ) The Wye Valley, which straddles the border between England and Wales, is a recognised Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It's an ideal location for hill and river walks that highlight the UK's stunning rural landscapes. Looking for a scenic stroll with a great pit stop? Consider stomping along the Wye Valley Walk, a long-distance national trail that follows the River Wye's path. You can select various sections of the trail for day hikes and weekend hikes, or choose a full walking holiday and complete the entire route. One of the best day hikes on the Wye Valley Walk is the section from Chepstow to Tintern Abbey. This picturesque, five-mile walk takes you up ancient stone steps and through enchanting forest paths. There are numerous photo opportunities and picnic spots along the way, as well as viewing points where you can admire the meandering River Wye. Upon reaching Tintern, stop by The Filling Station Cafe for freshly brewed coffee, teas, cakes and light meals and rest your weary legs. Penarth to Sully walk - The Captain's Wife Make sure to bag a table in the outdoor area to watch the sun go down over Sully. (Image: Portia Jones ) This five-mile linear coastal route starts from Penarth's Victorian pier and follows the coast to Lavernock Point. Along the way, you'll encounter several historic sites, including an anti-aircraft battery, prehistoric dinosaur footprints and Sully Island, once home to daring smugglers. At the end of your stroll, reward yourself with a proper pub lunch at the Captain's Wife. This popular coastal pub was originally known as Sully House, a property once owned by a captain and steeped in local folklore. The most prevalent tale is that when the captain's wife passed away, her body was kept in a box that was mistaken for treasure and subsequently stolen. Be sure to secure a table in the outdoor area to witness the sunset over Sully. Watkin Path Yr Wyddfa - Caffi Gwynant The Watkin Path is considered the most challenging of the six 'classic' routes to the peak and has stunning scenery along its course, including waterfalls with crystal-clear plunge pools. (Image: Portia Jones ) Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), standing tall at 1,085 metres [3,560 ft] above sea level, is the highest mountain in Wales and towers over Llanberis. There are six primary paths leading to the summit of Snowdon, namely the Llanberis Path, Pyg Track, Miners' Track, Watkin Path, Rhyd-Ddu Path, and the Snowdon Ranger Path. The Watkin Path is considered the most challenging of the six 'classic' routes to the peak and has stunning scenery along its course, including waterfalls with crystal-clear plunge pools. In milder weather, these pools are perfect for a swim, provided you've packed your outdoor swimming gear and some warm layers to wear. Located near the start of the Watkin Path is Caffi Gwynant, a perfect spot for a drink, snack, breakfast or sandwich before or after your trek to the summit of Snowdon. Castell Coch and Fforest Fawr - Forest Tea Rooms After exploring the woodlands, head to Castell Coch (Image: Portia Jones ) The dragon trail around Fforest Fawr, situated behind the enchanting Castell Coch, is a perfect choice for a lush nature walk with an artistic twist. This forest route is adorned with intriguing wood carvings to discover and abundant wildlife to observe. The mile-long walking route is ideal for children, offering stunning views over nearby Craig yr Allt and the Garth. Don't miss a visit to the fairytale-like Castell Coch. Conveniently, facilities such as toilets, food and refreshments are available at the Forest Tea Rooms in Tongwynlais, accessible from the forest trail. Here, you can enjoy lunch in a charming, leafy cafe nestled in the woods. This family-run business, set in a beautiful forest environment, even boasts the occasional peacock wandering about. Barry to Porthkerry Park - Boofys Barry Island is worth exploring A delightful coastal walk from Barry to Porthkerry Park is another option. The journey, which is part of the Wales Coast Path, offers stunning views of the Bristol Channel and spans approximately three miles. You can start your walk at Barry Island, accessible by train or bus. This route features a pebble beach and a clifftop traverse, offering views of the Bristol Channel, known for having the world's second-highest tidal range, between 12 and 14 metres. Along the way, you'll pass the ruins of a Roman building and another pebble beach as you follow the promenade. There are numerous cafes and ice cream shops along the route for refreshments. The walk concludes in the beautiful Porthkerry Country Park, where you can photograph the iconic viaduct that dominates the park. If you choose to do this walk in reverse, be sure to visit Grab Lush Fish and Chips, a chip shop with a connection to the beloved sitcom series Gavin and Stacey. Join the long queue for Boofy's Chip Shop, Nessa's favourite chippy, where you can get a Smithy special, three battered sausages and chips. What a splendid end to your coastal jaunt. Cardiff Bay Trail - Coffi Co This lovely walk goes around Penarth Marina, then over the River Ely, past the international pool and across the River Taff to Cardiff Bay (Image: Portia Jones ) A great city and waterside trail is the Cardiff Bay Trail, with Coffi Co being a notable stop. A simple, mostly traffic-free, circular trail of just over six miles takes you around Cardiff Bay and over to the seaside town of Penarth via Pont Y Werin. To complete this easy and picturesque loop walk, be sure to follow the 'Cardiff Bay trail' signs. This picturesque and relatively level trail is designed for walkers and cyclists, providing a perfect opportunity for people to explore the waterfront in a low-impact manner. Parts of it are also suitable for wheelchair users and families with pushchairs. As you journey along the trail, you'll encounter some of Cardiff's historic and modern landmarks, including the Norwegian Church, Wales Millennium Centre, the Senedd and the Pierhead building. There are ample spots to pause for refreshments, with the vibrant waterfront area boasting a variety of cafes, bars and restaurants, including Coffi Co, which is guaranteed to give you a boost. Devil's Bridge Falls Nature Trail - Hafod Hotel After your hike, why not have lunch in the Hafod Hotel? (Image: Portia Jones ) The Devil's Bridge Falls Nature Trail is situated in the mystical Devil's Bridge area in Ceredigion. This circular trail takes approximately 45 minutes to complete, depending on your family's walking speed. Entry is through a coin-operated turnstile, allowing you to spend as much time as you wish exploring the falls with your children. However, the circular route is a challenging trek, featuring steep trails, steps and slippery surfaces, so it's more suited to families with older children who enjoy a nature hike. There's an alternative, 'Three Bridges and Punchbowl Trail' that takes around 10 minutes. It's an easier trail to manage if you have young children and dogs that can't manage big treks. After the walk, head over to the Hafod Hotel, located opposite the Devil's Bridge Falls Nature Trail, for a lovely lunch in a hip setting. The food here features local produce and seasonal flavours, and their Devil's Beef Burger is highly recommended. Stackpole to Barafundle Bay walk - Stackpole Inn The Stackpole Inn, situated in Stackpole near the highly rated Barafundle Bay, recently ranked among the world's best beaches, is a fantastic spot for lunch. (Image: The Stackpole Inn ) Pembrokeshire is home to numerous picturesque walks, one of the most popular being the Stackpole to Barafundle Bay trail. Starting at the National Trust car park at Stackpole Quay, south of Pembroke (with a £5 all-day parking fee), you can join the Wales Coast Path. The trail takes you along craggy clifftops before descending into Barafundle Bay, consistently voted as one of Wales' most stunning beaches. The Stackpole Inn, situated in Stackpole near the highly rated Barafundle Bay, recently ranked among the world's best beaches, is a fantastic spot for lunch. The inn's restaurant has won many awards, and its bar has a fine selection of ales and ciders. It might even be worth booking a room for the night if you want to extend your visit. Moel Siabod - Olif The view from Capel Curig (Image: Flickr/Byn Jones ) Capel Curig offers a variety of walks, ranging in length and difficulty. A popular choice among hikers is the climb to Moel Siabod, situated south of the village. This mountain has an impressive peak of 872m, making it the tallest in the Moelwynion range. The summit offers breathtaking views of Snowdonia, Glyderrau, and the Carneddau ranges on a clear day. Before or after embarking on your Eryri hike, you could drop in on one of the many restaurants in Betws-y-Coed, including Olif, which has the highest rating on Tripadvisor and serves Spanish tapas and traditional Welsh dishes as small plates. Article continues below
STV News
4 hours ago
- STV News
Tourists flee after Mount Etna erupts, sending plumes of ash into the sky
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Wales Online
12 hours ago
- Wales Online
Amy Dowden 'forever grateful' as she appears with rarely seen husband
Amy Dowden 'forever grateful' as she appears with rarely seen husband The trip comes after a busy few months for the Welsh dancer, and she has shared some holiday snaps after a trip to Dubai Amy Dowden (Image: Karwai Tang, WireImagevia Getty Images ) Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has reflected on her recent holiday abroad with her husband, Ben. The couple spent a few days in the Dubai sunshine after a busy few months for the Caerphilly-born professional dancer. On Instagram, the star shared a few snaps of her holiday with her husband of three years, Ben Jones. The dancer described the holiday as "beautiful" and said she was "forever grateful" of their time away. The Instagram's post caption read: "Full of quality time together. Sun, sea, swimming, great food, spa treats, kayaking with tortoises most mornings, peacocks and just total relaxation. Exactly what we both needed. Memories made and forever grateful". The trip comes after a busy few months for Amy. The dancer completed her UK tour, Reborn, with close friend and fellow dancer Carlos Gu at the beginning of the year. The Welsh star then found out she would be rejoining the professional dancer cast of Strictly Come Dancing's upcoming series, which is set to air later this year. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . Last year the star returned to the dancing competition following her breast cancer treatment and receiving the news that there was 'no evidence of the disease'. She was paired up with JLS member JB Gill, but sadly had to pull out of the competition when she sustained a foot injury. She was then replaced by fellow professional dancer Lauren Oakley. Article continues below Dowden, alongside Carlos Gu and Lauren Oakley will be returning to the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing, which will air this autumn. Content cannot be displayed without consent Before her holiday in Dubai, Amy was spotted at the Royal Chelsea Flower Show, where she was presented by a sweet pea named after her. Article continues below As explained by the English Sweet Peas, who launched the Sweet Pea Amy Dowden plant, 10% of of every packet would be donated to the star's two chosen charities - CoppaFeel!, a breast cancer awareness charity, and Crohn's & Colitis UK, which is a UK based charity dedicated to Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and other forms of inflammatory bowel disease. You can read more about the sweet pea here. The star has also found out that her candid BBC documentary, Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me, has been nominated for National TV Awards (NTA) for the 'Authored Documentary' category. The dancer said it had been a "tough decision" to let a film crew document her "raw emotion", which you can read more on here.
