OS Champion

Chris Knight

Meet OS Champion Chris Knight – Former pro rugby player, avid hiker and cyclist.

Tell us a bit about yourself and how you like to get outside?

Shwmae, my names Chris Knight. I’m a former Welsh rugby player turned freelance content creator and sports media professional.

I also run my own website, offering hiking, photography, and adventure travel guides to Wales the Lake District, and Scotland.

Born and raised in Swansea. My love of the outdoors originates from my time spent growing up on the rugged coastline of the Gower Peninsula alongside family holidays in the Austrian Alps.

I am extremely passionate about the great outdoors with my three main hobbies being hiking, cycling, and trail running.

When I’m not spending time on the Gower, I’m exploring the Welsh mountain ranges of the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia, and when I can get further afield, the Lake District and the Scottish Highlands.

I also frequently look to challenge myself by taking on various long-distance hiking and cycling adventures.

In 2019, I bikepacked 870 miles around the entire coastline of Wales over 15 days to raise money for the charity Restart Rugby.
In 2021, I bikepacked from the north coast to the south coast of Wales via an ancient Roman road known as Sarn Helen.
In 2022 I completed the Welsh 3,000s and Welsh Three peaks Challenge.
In 2023 I completed my first half and full distance Ironman.
In 2024 I summited Mount Kilimanjaro

I try to showcase my hikes and adventures as much as possible across my social media channels and website with the aim being to inform, inspire and amaze.

What’s your favourite route or place to go and why?

Chris Knight’s Favourite Hiking Route – Llyn y Fan Fach and Fawr

It would be the loop of the Carmarthenshire fans, in Bannau Brycheiniog National park

Situated in the west of the Brecon Beacons national park, this mountain range is home to two stunning glacial lakes which are backed by steep sided flat-topped ridge lines.

The regions glacial carved landscape is simply breathtaking and is far quieter than the more central peaks of the national park.

Llyn y Fan Fach and Fawr

Want to find out more about how to start hiking?

Read our complete guide to Hiking for Beginners, everything you need to get started from essential equipment to fitness and safety advice – Hiking For Beginners

What’s your fave bit of kit available on the OS Shop?

My go to for summer hiking. It’s comfortable, lightweight, and big enough to fit all my gear. It’s also got a whole host of functional features, including stretch mesh pockets on the front and side, alongside waist belt pockets big enough to hold a phone. The only down side is that it doesn’t come with a waterproof cover.