Much as I like the more famous Carneddau in Snowdonia they are long way to drive for day out. I’ve discovered there are a bonus range of Carneddau near Builth Wales in darkest mid-Wales. Another Marylin to bag as well, what was I waiting for.
It was a wild, windy and stormy looking day when I set out but the current outlook was sunny.
Looks like Pat hasn’t been keeping up the repayments on his van.
Its an area I’ve not walked before so I was enjoying some new vistas of the upper Wye Valley.
Once on top the wind was ferocious but it was a stunning area dotted with small outcrops and rounded summits with plenty of paths. Easy going and peaceful if you ignored the howling wind.
Most of the area is access land but one of the summits with a Trig pillar was outside it. There were gates and paths to reach it but I saved it for another day.
This was the most substantial cairn I found but not the highest point.
That was the one behind with was marked by a cairn with stones in single figures!
The area was clearly heavily used in ancient times with small hill forts and ditches everywhere.
Expansive views across to mid Wales, Elan Valley and beyond.
A walk around here to take in every bump and crag would be very fulfilling on a warms summers day but on a cold windy winter one, I settled for a shorter route.
The various summits and valleys were stunning and it was pleasure too explore them, added to by the fact that I was the only person there. I’m guessing visitors are rare.
Looking back the way I came down.
I dropped back down to the road and decided I had time to fit in Aberedw hill as well (another new Marylin). After a brief stop for lunch I pressed on up the steep slopes onto the expansive plateau. I stopped for a breather, turned around and saw this coming my way!
The walk to the top of Aberedw Hill was in a mix of heavy hail and snow showers for a good hour. I was never in the cloud though so navigation was easy.
I was surprised to look down and see that I was plastered in wet snow! As quickly as the bad weather arrived, it was gone and the sun appeared again.
The final walk along the fields and green lanes was splendid in the low afternoon sunlight.
As I reached the car the weather was much as I’d started. A walk of contrasts between different mountains and very different weather. Hills well worth seeking out if you prefer solitude over big mountains. A great day.
surfnslide 