Another weekend and another bit of time to myself with the Funsters off down for an open day at Winchester University.
The weather on the Saturday morning was grim, gloomy and wet, but the forecast promised a brighter afternoon with showers.
Bryn Arw is a favourite short walk for this sort of day although I realised I hadn’t been up for a while (the car park also serves as a jump off point for the Sugar Loaf and its become way more popular since COVID).
After such a gloomy start to the day the car park was empty. Most of the new converts to the outdoor world have yet to discover the delights of accurate weather forecasts so it seems.
Having said that, I struck way luckier than I ever thought with pretty much unbroken sunshine. Great view of Ysgyryd Fawr from the end of the ridge.
What the photos don’t show is just how ferociously windy it was. Hard to stand up and definitely not a day to stop for a brew.
Sugar Loaf and the skies beginning to darken again.
Looking south along the ridge towards Blorenge.
North west over Herefordshire.
North over the main Black Mountains.
The summit cairn and a more distant Ysgyryd Fawr.
Hatterrall Hill before I raced the rain back to the car. A brief outing, lucky to catch the only real spell of sunshine during the day. It was good to be back on this fine small hill.
Since I started my blog over 13 years ago, one of the real pleasures has been striking up virtual friendships not only in the UK but as far aways as Colorado and Washington State in the US and Queensland, Australia. Its always a nice lift when someone takes the time to read my posts and writes a nice comment (just one negative one!). I’ve never actually had an opportunity to meet up in person but that’s now been put right.
Since coming across the Treks and Tors blog some years ago I’ve been able to learn a whole load of stuff about Dartmoor and the coastal paths of the south west and even been able to plan some of my own walks in that area that were all superb (apart from one utterly miserable wet day when the forecast sold me down the river). This year I was finally able to meet up with its author/owner (whatever the write title is for a blogger). Steve and his partner Linda were on a trip to south Wales and this time I was able to join them and show off a bit of my home patch.
Steve and Linda were wonderful company and we were immediately chatting away like we’d known each other for years, which, in a way, we have I guess.
We’d discussed some routes beforehand and had settled on a round of the Grwyne Valley, taking in the highest points in the Black Mountains. We’d set off early s the forecast had been for an ok morning but deteriorating later. Sadly the weather was looking grim as we approached the top of Pen y Gadair Fawr, enveloping us in cloud and heavy drizzle.
A group summit photo and I look a lot happier than when I take my selfies!
We thought we were in for a bit of a soaking but as soon as we left the top the rain stopped and it brightened up a little and even gave us some views over the Black Mountains.
It wasn’t a day for long stops so we covered the ground pretty quickly. Its kind of re-assuring that people who share you own passions for the outdoors and walking make such easy and fun company. Had I been out on my own on a day like this it would probably have turned into a bit of dreary route march (or more likely I wouldn’t have gone out at all). As it turned out I look back on the day with great memories of a fine day in the mountains with new friends. We had a good laugh at many points and I was particularly reassured that both Steve and Linda also “go to the pictures” when heading out to watch a film (and not go to the Cinema as the young people now say and roll eyes when I use the correct term!)
My only regreat is that I was so busy enjoying the walk I didn’t take all that many photos. Steve took a lot more so you might get a better idea of the walk from his write up of the day here.
Steve is very much a man for a post walk pint so after we finished the walk we headed down to the wonderfully named Llanvihangel Crucorney and The Skirrid Inn. Its supposedly the oldest pub in Wales and what a fine old place it is, all old slate walls and character (and a fine pint of Butty Bach). Surprising therefore that its the first time I’ve been in despite living in the area for 22 years
Steve and Linda were off back home to Devon so we bid our farewells and parted company. Really hope we can meet up again either in my patch or theirs. A really great day out.
As expected the forecast for the next day was much worse and the weather actually much better!
Just a few photos from a very short solo walk on my local Garway Hill.
Very muddy and wet up there still at the start of March. I would be hoping the recent nice weather would dry things out but its been raising at home all day today – again!
Back to early March and after our adventures in Scotland and all that snow, we had a little more of the white stuff in our backyard.
We headed out to find some snow in the Black Mountains on a gloriously clear and blue sunny morning.
Its been a rare event over the past few months (longer in fact) to have such a glorious day.
Ysgyryd Fawr dominates the start of this walk.
Distant views of the Bristol Channel and the Mendips on the skyline.
We were heading up to the hill fort at Twyn y Gaer. The Black Mountains looking quite white.
TBF enjoying the snowy walking.
The summit view from Twyn y Gaer.
Across to Hatterrall Hill at the southern end of Black Mountains – the ridge we can just about see from home.
Highest peaks of the Black Mountains.
The Sugar Loaf.
In truth, the snow cover was pretty thin and melting quickly. It was mostly all gone by the end of the day.
Still, it was nice to hear the crunch of crisp (and slop of wet) snow underfoot.
The village of Cwnyoy and its wonky church.
The green fields were lush (and wet) after a winter of ceaseless rain.
We scrambled up onto the small peak above Cwmyoy, created from an ancient landslip.
Its a favourite spot of ours for a lunch break when we are in the vicinity.
Our plan was to walk the usual circuit around Hatterrall Hill but TBF was out of sorts with a cold and I was suffering with a bad back so we decided this was more than enough for the day.
We took a leisurely stroll down through Cwmyoy on our way to the car.
Stopping to admire this fine and ostentatious feathered specimen.
Back to the endless grey skies of the UK winter and a chance for an overnight in the van.
Back out to the wilds of mid-Wales and the hills around the Nant-y-Moch reservoir.
We parked up in decent spot with a view across the lake, had a spot of lunch and then headed out for awander.
Last time we walked around here we were in the cloud the entire time so it was nice to see it it in all its austere glory.
Our objective (well, primarily mine actually) was this small hill, Disgwylfa Fawr, a Marilyn missing from my collection.
Once we left the main track I’d feared we were in for a serious bout of tussock and bog bashing, in fact we found a decent sheep track on to the flanks of the hills and very little sogginess.
Views over the collection of small lakes towards the coast from the top.
We took a more off piste route back to the van. Something of a gamble in these parts especially with fading light.
With some judicious use of small ridges we avoided most of the tussocks and again it seemed mostly dry.
Looking back to Disgwylfa Fawr.
Nant y Moch reservoir.
And the final stretch down to the van parked up below.
A nice little stroll over some little walked terrain but I quite like it round these parts.
We settled in for a pleasant evening, a nice meal and a couple of beers for me.
Next morning was glorious when we awoke with a light frost.
Beautiful early morning pink skies and a mirror calm lake with reflections.
Its a lovely spot by the reservoir and we were enjoying our good fortune for such a splendid morning.
Until within a few minutes of these images it started raining and stayed wet for a good part of the rest of the day.
Still keen for a bit of walk we drove over to a car park at The Arch near Devils Bridge.
It was actually a pretty miserable and dreary trudge, out and back on a seemingly endless forest track. Just the occasional view over the steep valleys below the forest.
These wind turbines loomed out of the mist with their eerie sound as they turn.
And we eventually reached our/my goal of another un-ticked Marilyn and Nuttall, Pen y Garn, in a sleet shower. Its the highest point in this part of Wales but on a day like this a grim achievement.
We headed back to the van and unsurprisingly the rain stopped and the sun came out weakly.
The Arch after which the car park is named. You used to drive through it when I was a kid. A somewhat grey and damp weekend but fun nonetheless.
A an extra bonus addition to the post for you.
From a few weeks later some photos from a local stroll up Garway Hill.
Sun setting over a hill, it has a name with not enough vowels which I can’t be bothered to type!
Not as warm as the summer visits where we watch the sunset with a beer.
I’d forgotten about these photos and the walk until Im opened the Flickr album to write the post.
Sunshine has been in very short supply of late and it seems a while back in November when the sun came out to any meaningful degree.
A frosty day back in early November and me and TBF were out and about to make the most of a glorious morning.
A circuit of the Grwyne Fawr valley in the Black Mountains. The autumn colours on the trees as we set off was magnificent.
I think this is the first time I’ve walked this route at this time of year so it was a delight to see it in full technicolor glory.
My O/S mapping wasn’t working properly so I crossed the river a bridge too soon and the boggy walk through the forest was not ideal. With views like this it didn’t matter too much.
Onwards and out onto the open fell and the only real ascent of the day onto Pen y Gadair Fawr.
Fabulous, crystal clear views all around.
TBF joins me on the summit.
A view south over towards the Sugar Loaf, Bristol Channel glinting in the distance
Summit panorama looking westwards towards the Brecon Beacons.
Waun Fach, the highest if not the most impressive of the Black Mountains summits. Pen y Gadair Fawr is by far the more impressive peak and looks higher from everywhere else than Waun Fach itself.
Zoom shot over to the Brecon Beacons.
And another panorama, this time looking east.
They’ve done some superb work up here on the summit plateau. What was once peat hags, black soil and soggy bog is now wavy grass with an excellent path. Easy going over what was once a really wet and tiresome stretch. Always good to seen the ponies as well.
Looking back to Pen y Gadair Fawr and its more distinctive summit.
We didn’t linger on Waun Fach and instead pressed on looking for a decent lunch stop.
I think you can agree this one was a bit of a cracker.
The clarity of the air was amazing and we could see for miles. The clouds hanging over the mountains making fro some dramatic effects.
Always pleases me to take a stop in this area with a view to my very first mountain, Mynydd Troed.
Suitably refreshed and relaxed we moved on. Fine views along the Dragons Back ridge of Y Grib, a route I’ve not done for quite a while.
The clouds that had created such fine views earlier raced across and obscured the blue skies from earlier, heralding the next spell of wet weather that arrived the following day.
It stayed dry for us though. We took in a stop just by the reservoir dam for second lunch. A great little spot overlooking the Grwyne Fawr valley.
A fine stroll along the easy path above the valley and back to the car to finish the day.
After our Black Mountain walk we headed off for a night out in the van. We headed back to one of our new favourite places, Llyn Brianne.
We’d originally hoped we could have a late afternoon swim but it seemed the colder than expected weather would put a stop to that.
We headed back to the lovely little spot at Fannog and were suprised to find it calm and relatively warm.
Time for that swim.
I’ll leave you guess which one of us is skinny dipping!
With it being a Saturday many of the off grid spots we’d earmarked on previous visits were already taken. However, after a bit of a drive we found one I hadn’t come across before. A really lovely and lonely little spot on a mountain road up over 500m. It’s a road from nowhere in particular to the back of beyond so there was barely a car passed by while we were there.
I took a short wander up onto the nearby hill. The van is just visible in the centre of the photo.
There was a reasonable sunset but the terrain, even over the few hundred yards I walked was a reminder of just how rough these mountains can be.
A cosy night in the van and the next morning was warm with some watery sunshine.
We breakfasted outside, pleased that we’d been gifted what was probably the last warm weekend of the year.
We took a drive around and came across this lovely little picnic area overlooking the Berwyn valley.
And a short walk through the woods to the hidden Llyn Berwyn.
A tranquil spot that I’d thought might be a place for a swim but the water looked a little brown and less than inviting.
So we headed back to Fannog where we’d swum the night before.
It’s quite a popular spot in summer and we were surprised to find it deserted on such a lovely day.
We took to the water for another swim.
They were brief swims. In the intervening few weeks after our last visit the rains had added a few inches depth to the water and reduced the temperature markedly. Cold enough to make your – ahem – “bits” ache!
Suitably refreshed we settled down for lunch.
This small rocky peninsula makes a perfect picnic spot
We had thought about moving on from here and taking in a walk on our way back home.
However as the weather was so calm and pleasantly warm and the fact that this might be last time we’d be sitting outside like this for a while, we decided to stay for the rest of the afternoon.
There would be opportunities for sunny walks through the winter (hopefully!) but it could be a long wait for the next warm afternoon to relax in the sun.
We spread lunch out over 2-3 hours and just enjoyed the peace of this stunning corner of Wales.
Neither of us could quite bring ourselves to take another swim though!
Eventually we had to pack up and head home.
Next time we visit will likely be winter and a swim before retreating to the van may not be quite so attractive an option. Not a bad way to bid farewell to warmer activities as winter descends.
Still back in early October on the blog. We were away for a couple of days in the van on the basis of a very promising forecast for some warm sunny weather to finish off the last of summer/autumn.
We were away early with a plan for an al fresco breakfast before heading off for our classic Black Mountain walk. What wasn’t forecast was a roaring gale of a wind blowing up the valley that made it feel decidedly wintry rather than summery. Breakfast inside the van then.
When we set off the signs were promising. Blue sky above and the prospect of the summits clearing from the cloud.
By the time we reached Llyn y Fan Fawr we were immersed in cloud and stayed there all the way to the top of Fan Brycheiniog. There didn’t seem to be any prospect of the cloud clearing but we pressed on.
The wind on the tops was ferocious and we were struggling to stand up, a far cry from what the forecast had said. Then suddenly the clouds parted and the sun started to break through. It revealed Bannau Sir Gaer with a stream of cloud pouring over the edges. It was amazing. I don’t recall ever seeing anything quite like it
Photos don’t really do justice so here is a short video to get the mesmerising effect. You can hear just how windy it was.
Most of mid-Wales appeared to still be covered in a blanket of cloud.
We continued to the summit of Bannau Sir Gaer with the clouds still rolling over our heads and pouring down to the slopes below.
One of the best experiences I have had on a mountain summit for many a while.
Another video of the clouds pouring down to Llyn y Fan Fach.
As we carried on round the edges, the cloud effects began to lessen but as always its a fabulous walk.
Llyn y Fan Fach.
TBF strides out.
There was someone swimming in the lake. It was a very cold day and they weren’t in for long!
The last of the flowing clouds.
We found a sheltered spot above the lake for a long lunch.
As we walked back under the edges, the wind dropped and it was reasonably warm, much more like what the forecast had said.
I really like the grassy paths that traverse back around to Llyn y Fan. Fawr. Another part of what makes, probably, my favourite south Wales walk.
Back to Llyn y Fan Fawr.
We had our swimming stuff with us (based on that forecast) but while it warmed up considerably from the morning, it was still far too chilly for a dip.
We settled for a stroll around the shores of my favourite south Wales lake.
A rather dark and moody shot.
After a very uncertain start it had turned into a memorable day.
The warm weather that started the previous Sunday continued through the week into a full on heatwave.
Time to try and rekindle that Italy vibe with short trip out for some van camping and swimming.
On our way to wilds of mid Wales we stopped off at the Irfon Wash Pool swimming hole. Last time we were here was a cold and showery February day when swimming wasn’t a terribly attractive idea. This time with temperatures up in the high 20’s we enjoyed a fine hour with TBF swimming in the wide & deep main pool while I swam in the gorge upstream and had a little play in the waterfalls.
Suitably refreshed, we headed over to Llyn Brianne for the evening. We found a fabulous little van spot, a short gravel track with room just for one van.
Our private little corner with great views over the reservoir.
After an fine al fresco meal we headed down to the water for a late evening swim.
The sunset wasn’t too bad either.
With such warm weather even at 8pm it was perfect for a dip.
Just me in the water this time, TBF deciding it was a little late.
Perfect reflections in the water. Unfortunately the glass smooth surface indicates it was completely calm and as the sun went down, out came the midges, swarming as I hurriedly got changed. Put something of a dampener on the evening as we had to hide in the van behind my newly installed insect netting over the doors which I have to say worked pretty well.
Next morning was stunning, gorgeous blue skies and still warm, thankfully with a light breeze to keep the midges away.
We went back to the lake shore for a pre-breakfast swim.
TBF taking to the water this time.
Fond memories of our early morning swims at Lake Garda.
Back to the van for breakfast.
Our days entertainment was more water based fun in the Irfon Valley. Far too hot to go hiking.
Its a superb valley especially on a hot and sunny late summer afternoon.
Parking is limited so rather than occupy the limited spaces we stopped at the far end of the valley and walked the 15 minutes to the main attraction.
There are a series of spectacular deep pools, perfect for swimming and jumping. The most impressive feature is the slot canyon you can see at the back of this pool. The river flows through a small gorge only a couple of feet across and its a real adventure to swim through it to the waterfall at the other end. If you look at my post from a visit in 2015 you can see some photos taken within the canyon and if you watch the little musical slideshow at the end there is some video.
We settled down for the day with a large picnic lunch and a cold beer.
It was pretty quiet when we arrived but as the morning ticked on, more and more people showed up.
There seemed to be numerous groups of young people who all seemed to know each other. I was worried they might be the noisy, loutish types but they were in fact, friendly, good natured and good fun to watch them messing about. A trio of lads were the life and soul and spent the afternoon amusing everyone by chucking themselves in boggy pools and mud trying to get as mucky as possible. One of them even tried to ride a bike in the deepest pool (he failed!). It was all very funny and a happy respectful party type of atmosphere.
I took a walk upstream to look at the upper reaches of the gorge. Whilst not as narrow as the slot canyon, it is still impressive.
Lots more deep pools for swimming and small waterfalls.
It would be a great place for canyoning although I’ve not done that for many years.
The gorge suddenly emerges onto the more lazy stretch above.
Back to base for more eating, drinking, and swimming.
And for me to behave like a big kid sitting in nature’s jacuzzi.
Time to head back home after a superb 24 hours out in the mountains as summer bid us farewell.
After all that hot sunshine, water based fun and sightseeing, it was back to the UK.
Our return in September coincided with a fine and hot spell of weather, a late replacement for what had been a pretty miserable July and August.
For TBF’s birthday we had a breakfast at the local farm shop followed by a trip to our local swimming spot on the Wye at Bredwardine Bridge.
Unlike the height of summer when there are dozens of people on the beach it was pretty well deserted.
We enjoyed a swim in the now much cooler waters.
And a relax with a beer (for me anyway) to celebrate, before a meal out later that evening.
The following day we headed out to the Black Mountains for a stroll. We were late setting off so took one of the shorter walks to take in Crug Mawr.
The summit – again – was swarming with flying ants (why do they love mountain summits) and yet a few yards away there were none. We ate lunch with a cuppa in relative calm and comfort.
When we set off earlier the weather was sunny but cool. As we continued the walk the temperatures began to rise.
I always like this small pond on the way down towards Patrishow.
After dropping into the valley we had to climb back up onto the ridge.
By this time the temperatures had soared and it was a hot and sweaty climb. This was heralding the heatwave that would stick around for the following week.
Numerous times when we’ve come back from a hot and sunny summer trip the UK has welcomed us back to reality with cold slanting rain. Males a change to feel a continuation of summer.
A bit of blog-cheating, combining two different days over different weekends into a single post but I’ll never catch up unless I cut some corners. Having said that, its my blog so I can do what I want! 🤣
Firstly one of our standard walks at Blorenge. Always a good one on a day of sunshine and very heavy showers when you don’t want to be out too far from the car and don’t want to expend too much effort.
Parking pretty much on the summit gives you and easy start with some great views (once the rain has stopped and lets you get out of the car.)
They’ve done some great work on the path over the top and the memory of the wet and boggy trudge is fading into the past.
TBF tackles the bouldery summit.
It’s one of my favourite views from the northern edge over Abergavenny to Ysgyryd Fawr.
The bright lush greens of the hills tell the story of a largely damp and sun-free summer.
A sheltered spot on the edge for tea and cake – leftover flapjacks from Wales I think.
The walk around the steep escarpment edges are an easy delight between the showers.
Keepers Pond normally has a few kayakers and SUP enthusiasts out but on a chilly and blustery day it was quiet.
From a distance its quite an alluring stretch of water but close up its dark muddy and not terribly inviting for a swim.
That didn’t deter TBF though who took to the water for a brief swim. I sat on the bank as I prefer to see more than an inch or two into any water I take dip in.
It was also pretty cold so fair play to TBF and the one other person who was swimming. Both us hubby’s looked on and shook our heads.
Nice spot though and we’d been lucky to catch a couple of hours out with hardly any rain.
Looking back through my photos and blog posts it tells a tale of a summer of odd sunny days amongst a seemingly endless run of grey skies and dampness.
Onwards. The following weekend we took a day trip to London. For me, THO and UF to watch the footy and the Funsters to go to the theatre. And here to visit the Tate Modern on the South Bank. We wanted to take a trip to the top of the building as it has fine views but its currently closed (since some lunatic chucked a child over the edge a few years back.)
Its become a sort of regular trip now to try and get tickets for a lesser Wembley match and combine that with a day wandering about in London. It works really well
We took a very nice long stroll along the south and north bank of the Thames
The Shard looking very impressive.
I’d love to go up but can’t justify the £25 they charge you.
Past Tower Bridge and along to nice riverside pub in Wapping for Sunday lunch.
We then went our separate ways to theatres and stadiums. A decent match for a friendly – shame we lost it on penalties but when you’ve just won the Treble who cares!
Now I can focus on our summer holiday trip – lots of sunny posts coming up!
I spend alot of my time surfing the web looking for ideas on places to go, walking routes, travel ideas and tips to plan the perfect holiday or day out. (I'm a project manager I like to plan). I thought it was time to share my own experiences and contribute to the vast amounts in information that's already out there.
I'll also add in some gear and tech reviews and when something irks me I may even use this forum to have a rant - I do that pretty well I'm told.There are a few pages at the top that give a bit of background to what I like to get up to and what you can expect to see in my posts. I'm not exactly a creative writer but I hope some people will find my stuff useful or inpsiring or at least enjoy some of my photos.
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