After returning from my ski trip I was at leisure on my own at home and took a trip out in the van to the Brecon Beacons.
Even just for a day out its great to park up and cook breakfast in warm comfort before heading out to the hills.
A gloomy start to the day but with some hope that maybe it might clear away from the summits.
Its still a grand promenade along the edges to the south of Corn Du. The crowds began to gather as I approached the twin main summits. The usual collection of poorly equipped and dressed people and on this occasion two different parties asking me if this was Pen y Fan when I was stood on Corn Du. I set them straight. Another couple spent at least 20 mins wandering about on Pen y Fan looking for their way down without seeming to have a clue which was the right way or even where their car was! They did have a map and compass but it didn’t seem to be helping them much.
I was able to watch this unfold as I waited around in the vain hope the clouds might clear and I’d get some spectacular views. Whilst it tried very hard to clear and there were glimpses of clear blue sky but this was as good as it got and then, only for a couple of seconds.
When I decided I’d been daft enough sitting around in the cold foggy wind for too long I headed down. Once below the clouds scudding over the summit the views did improve.
And the blue sky did appear – just not above me.
As luck would have it, Cribyn is a brutally steep climb that warmed me up after the chills on Pen y Fan.
As I wandered away down the ridge (the summit was also busy), I was treated to my first proper sunshine of the day, looking back towards the summit.
The perfect glacial valley of Cwm Cwnwyn.
After a well earned lunch stop I was quickly up onto Fan y Big.
A great viewpoint to admire the mass of Cribyn and its edge.
The ridge of Cefn Cyff.
These are the edges that run eastwards from Fan y Big and one of my favourite stretches in the National Park.
The wild valley of Cwm Oergwm.
Looking back to the high summits, Pen y Fan still re-assuringly cloud capped, justifying my decision not to hang around.
I cut across the Beacons Way to another superb edge, Craig y Fan Ddu above the deep Caerfanell valley.
By this point, the clouds had really begun to clear and there was more abundant blue sky and sunshine.
The views from this edge are fantastic, another of my favourite stretches of path and much quieter than the main routes in the Beacons.
Reluctantly I headed back down as the sun began to sink and the light fade.
Time for some arty sun/tree shots.
And a brief sit down by the stream to pause for thought and then head back to the van for a post walk cuppa in comfort.
With the Prof home and a decent day forecast we headed for the hills. As he’s home infrequently we gave the Prof the choice of walk and he picked Mynydd Llangorse (with an e on the end unlike the lake and village).
As he hadn’t done it before we introduced him to the excellent circuit of Llangors lake that includes Mynydd Llangorse.
A gorgeous clear morning of blue skies, fluffy clouds and sunshine.
The first part of the walk is along a quiet lane with great views of Mynydd Troed.
You reach the col between the two and the views open out spectacularly across Llangors lake and the Beacons.
A short steep climb along the ridge of Cockit Hill takes you up to the sprawling summit plateau.
TJS and the Prof emerging onto the top.
A fine view across the broad valley of Cwm Sorgwm. Sadly you can see in the lower part of the image the damage and devastation caused by a recent fire. There were a spate if these recently in this part of the world, all, it appears, started deliberately.
A day of exceptional air clarity and clear views albeit with a very brisk and chilly wind.
After a long walk across the grassy paths of Mynydd Llangorse (and a lunch stop) we dropped down towards the Usk Valley and readied ourselves for the second climb of the day to the small and perfectly formed summit of Allt yr Esgair (another one for the book)
Views across to the Black Mountains as we climbed.
Supposedly in photographic terms, the wall is supposed to lead you eye to the distant mountains. I just like the mottled Lichen patterns on the walls.
Across to the Beacons from the summit.
After lunch hiding behind the wall on the summit to escape the wind we headed down.
Never miss an opportunity to photograph a sparse tree.
We wandered down to the bird hide and lakeshore platform where the views were superb.
The pale grasses contrasting starkly with the dark mountains.
A view back to Allt yr Esgair.
The meadows that surround the lake are normally a fine easy stroll to finish the walk. After recent rains the lake had flooded and only just receded so they were a quagmire of sticky and smelly mud. We had to paddle in the lake in our trainers and then chuck them in the washing machine when we got home!
The tranquil scene at the lake shore by the car park more than made up and I was pleased to hear from one of the locals that the blue green algae has receded and the lake is now safe to paddle. We’ll be returning soon for some SUP and kayak fun.
A final shot of the Crannog that holds a small museum. A lovely spot that we haven’t visited anything like often enough considering its less than an hour from home.
Another day when we should have been out earlier and spent more time over the walk but another day when the weather was much better than the forecast. Looking for somewhere we hadn’t been for a while we plumped for a walk through the Craig y Cilau Nature Reserve.
Not the easiest place to get to. Think very narrow and very steep roads although there is a surprisngly large car park up there.
Despite a forecast for limited sunshine and lots of showers, it was clear and sunny when we parked up.
The Sugar loaf looks especially grand from here.
We set out initially to explore the old quarry workings and their collection of old spoil heaps (at least that’s what I assume they are) that have created a little range of hills and ridges, hence the post title.
A panorama that shows the wonderful breadth of view from up here (click to enlarge)
Some of these little mountains have pretty narrow ridges on them and the dense collection I find great fun and very alluring.
They make very good photo subjects.
With cracking views across the Usk Valley to the Black Mountains.
The route then follows a disused tramway around into the more natural cliffs of Craig y Cilau.
The cliffs are full of small caves and potholes which would be fun to explore on a warm and dry day.
We dropped down on a lower path (rather than my previous attempt to stay high up that ended in undergrowth, brambles and nettles!) and had a brief stop by this little clear stream and surrounding meadow.
From there its a short climb up and the return leg along the top of the edges.
The two paths only a few hundred feet apart but with a completely different feel.
As the edges merge into the somewhat bleak moorland behind you drop back down and come out above the mini mountain range.
Looking even more impressive from above and with the sun casting shadows.
Next time I come up here I intend to follow the edges in the other direction as they look equally interesting.
For today we were happy with our lot and headed back to the car. A Grand Half day Out!
While I’ve been enjoying the life of Riley and not working I’ve been grabbing every opportunity to hike the mountains and enjoy our newly restored freedoms. As TBF no longer works on Friday’s we had plans to use those days to good effect. A glorious forecast a couple of Friday’s back gave us our first chance to test the plan with a trip into the Brecon Beacons.
The classic round from the South seemed in order and we were away early as its busy and popular even on a sunny weekday.
All going to plan until we arrived to find the local forestry operations had decided to close not one, not two but ALL THREE of the car parks in the area. No warning on the approach roads, just at the car park entrances. In addition they deemed it necessary to close most of the forestry roads AND the Taff Trail. The only work going on was in the top car park which I guess was fair enough to close that one but there was no reason to close the others.
We got lucky and managed to grab the last space where the Taff Trail leaves the road but even then we warned not to walk it. We decided to hell with all that and just walked in anyway (there were no obstructions, danger or machinery in operation and nothing more than what we all walk past hundreds of times).
All dressed up in “Health and Safety” terms but the truth is they were just too lazy to have managed plan in place and only close off those areas they were actually working in, much easier to close everything just in case. This was a Friday and with another sunny day forecast for the Saturday I dread to think of the chaos if they didn’t open the car parks the next day. Cue cars parked on verges, in passing places and lots of traffic problems. Again, much like my thoughts from the previous day, how is this allowed to happen. These car parks have been effectively closed and off limits due to COVID for several months yet they wait until the rules are relaxed and the weather improves before they close off one of the busiest and most popular areas of the National Park. Sigh!
Anyway, nothing better than a stunning walk under blue skies to calm frayed and angry nerves.
This time we decided on the route the opposite way round to normal and headed up the thin paths up to Fan y Big, views opening up as we climbed.
Much like the day before it was warm in the sun but there was an increasingly strong NE breeze blowing that made choosing stops a very selective process.
It was a little hazier than the day before with more in the way of cirrus clouds but still stunning.
The classic view of Cribyn, Pen y Fan and Corn Du from Fan y Big
TBF posing on the overhanging rock on Fan y Big.
Cribyn from “The Gap”
Cribyn Summit Ridge.
TBF admires the views from the summit.
Lunch time was proving a challenge as the wind seemed to search us out wherever we sat.
There is a very prominent level grass shelf halfway down Cribyn towards Pen y Fan where I’ve often thought about a wild camp. I’m told its well known and referred to as “Dai’s Terrace”. Just under the cliffs of Cribyn we managed to find a sheltered spot although not a spot to drop anything!
I’m not normally in this part of the route until later in the day but this time we were early enough such that the NE face of Pen y Fan was lit up by the sun.
Looking back to Cribyn, the terrace where we had lunch clearly visible about 2/3 the way up.
The climb up Pen y Fan is long and steep. I always brighten it by following the extreme edge away from the main path that gives superb views over the face.
Looking back over our route so far.
The long ridge from the car park to the north.
As it was Friday both Pen y Fan and Corn Du were relatively quiet. Had this been a weekend its not uncommon to see over a hundred people on the summit and a constant stream of people heading up from the Storey Arms.
Corn Du from Pen y Fan.
And the reverse fixture.
Looking down to Llyn Cwm LLwch, a popular wild swim with a mermaid legend to boot. I’ve not walked that route for many a year.
Looking back to the twin crowing summits of the Beacons.
As soon as you head down the long edge above the Neuadd Reservoirs (or what’s left of them), you lose the crowds.
It’s a stunning walk but the wind had become ferocious by now and I was struggling to find any shelter for afternoon tea.
I figured the steep path that runs straight down to the valley bottom would afford some shelter from the forest.
An so it proved. We could hear the wind roaring through the trees but a ground level it was calm and very warm in the sun.
I mentioned the reservoirs before. There used to be two but both have been empty of water for many years. The smaller lower one has now been completely drained and the dam removed. This is all that remains. The dam is still in place for the upper one but I have no idea if they will remove that or whether it will ever be re-filled.
All that was left was to repeat our highly dangerous and risky walk back past the very small piles of logs next to a 20m wide open track to end a day that started with annoyed frustration but delivered a superb day out in some long missed mountains.
I’m doing well with efforts to keep the blog current and up to date. Here’s yesterday’s little excursion.
Despite being relatively pleasant at home, it was very much winter when we parked up by the waterfalls on the Nant Bwrefwr. They looked particularly fine after all the recent wet weather.
We had a couple of options but TJS hasn’t been to the Beacons for over a year and asked for his favourite walk, a circuit of the high edges around to Fan y Big. It’s a superb walk, a classic and no argument from me.
The forecast was mixed, sunshine and showers and we got the former on our way up the first and only climb of the day.
Just as well as its a brutal start, 800 feet straight up in about half a mile.
We needed to stop at the top as TJS is very much not hill fit after a term of lockdown restrictions and hard course work. As we did the showers began, first of heavy rain and then wet sleet.
It was wild and windy but we were below the cloud and I quite enjoy this sort of winter day. The shower only last about 30 minutes and in fact was the only significant rain that fell despite the dark and moody skies.
The walk along these edges always delivers and its a pretty much level path for a couple of miles with spectacular views out over the northern escarpments towards Brecon and beyond.
Pen y Fan summit was in the cloud all day but Cribyn appeared from time to time.
It wasn’t as wet as TJS and TBF mak it look in this photo although the wind was ferocious at times. Plenty of buffeting as the team at MWIS would say.
The walk along the ridge that leads to the summit of Fan y Big was superb with shafts of winter sunlight to light the way ahead.
Cribyn was catching the light beautifully.
It’s a superb little summit, not much higher than the surrounding moorland but with a precipitous edge overlooking the valley below. We stopped briefly and admired the views. Its an exposed and windy spot and not a place to linger in these conditions.
The storm clouds looked to be gathering and Cribyn was cloaked in cloud so we decided we’d had a decent enough leg stretch and headed back to the car (via the Roman Road and a lunch stop). We had a few very light showers and a rainbow to guide us home.
There are limitless walks around this part of the Beacons so I’m hoping we will still be allowed into Wales over the holidays to take advantage of whatever decent weather we get and fit in plenty of walks. TJS needs the exercise at the very least!
Another weekend and much better weather. Cool and breezy with showers normally delivers some great views, cloud effects and sunny spells so it was off to the Brecon Beacons (before talk of more lockdowns might prevent us). Keen to stay away from the crowds on the central part of the range we headed for the peaks of Fforest Fawr just to the east. Named after an old hunting forest, the trees have long since gone.
The route starts with a long traverse across the base of the cliffs of Craig Cerrig Gleisiad.
A fine start to the day with grand views towards Brecon.
And over to the central peaks of the Beacons, here looking moody and magnificent.
Turning back south the views over the pastures and hills of mid-Wales open up
And back towards Herefordshire, Shropshire and the Black Mountains.
The threat of showers seemed to be diminishing and it was turning into a rather gorgeous sunny day.
On to the summit of Fan Frynach.
We stopped for an early lunch (for TBF mainly, I’d had a big breakfast)
Cracking views and hardly anyone about. Perfect peace and quiet. Until……
The new plague of the mountains – trail bikes – arrived. Around ten of the buggers noisily buzzing their way around the hills, churning up paths, and stinking the place out with fumes. We took a narrower path to keep a bit of distance. They were halted by a locked gate. We were close enough to hear their discussion, seriously considering taking the gate off its hinges so they could get through! That’s the senseless and selfish attitude they have. Fortunately they seemed to think better of it and returned the way they had come. These things are becoming a real problem in South Wales such that it’s rare to take a walk down here without them these days. Not sure what can be done if anything. I head to the hills to escape from the noise and fumes of everyday life. It saddens and angers me in equal measure.
Let’s get back to enjoying the walk. Onwards and across a fairly soggy stretch towards the highest summit in Fforest Fawr, Fan Fawr.
It’s a steep but short off piste bash up to the top but the views were superb with abundant blue sky and clear air that comes with showery weather.
Looking across to the Black Mountain.
And Corn Du.
We found a nice sheltered spot for second lunch and a brew, tucked under the edge near the summit. Another stop somewhat spoiled as the trail bikes returned.
A very steep drop down to Storey Arms. Steep enough for me to slip over and realise the easiest way down was a bum-slide!
To return to the car involves a very quiet and pleasant stroll along the Taff trail and then a steep climb back up to the road. As we crossed the river we were treated to a gorgeous clear patch of blue sky and sunshine.
It made the final uphill push a little more bearable
The autumn colours really starting to put on a show.
And I’m always a fan of an autumn tree silhouette shot.
All the talk over the weekend of my previous two walks had been about the good weather and the crowds out in the mountains across the UK. This included scenes of madness at places like Pen y Pass and the Storey Arms as sunshine and panic over the impending COVID-19 crisis really started to hit home.
It was becoming clear that any trips to the mountains would have to be carefully planned and discrete to avoid adding to the crowds and the potential spread of this unknown foe. I hatched a plan that I would get my walking fix by only heading out either very late in the day or early in the morning. I figured if I got up the same time I head to work in the office (around 6am) I could fit in a walk and be back home at my desk before 9am, avoiding any people as far as possible.
The Monday after our two previous walks I put this to the test with one of my favourite short walks, Bryn Arw.
Even in the peak of the day and on many visits I’m still yet to meet anyone on this diminutive hill and its fine little ridge.
At 6:45am when I set off that was more than true. Despite feeling somewhat bleary eyed it was grand to be out at first light and the chill air and sharp frost soon had my eyes open!
The usual range of views was there but its rare for me to see them in this light. I’m not much of a morning person. Sunrise behind Ysgyryd Fawr.
The fabulous grassy path along the ridge. It’s one of my all time favourite stretches in South Wales. Mainly as I always have it to myself. Its one of those places I’m surprised isn’t better known as an easy couple of hours walk.
Across frosty fields to the Sugar Loaf.
The Social Distancing measures yet to reach these ladies…
A really enjoyable outing and one I was looking forward to repeating in the coming weeks while working at home.
I was back at my desk before 9am, bright-eyed and ready for the day.
What that day brought was increasing talk of Lockdown, a phrase none of us had ever used before but is now in the global psyche. By lunchtime it was clear that staying at home would be the instruction for all of us.
My thoughts turned from outdoor activities to my son, TJS. He was still in his student house in Lancaster, on his own and was planning on coming home by train later in the week. I was really worried about his train travel or whether the lockdown would stop him travelling at all. I just wanted him home, safe with us. By lunchtime I’d convinced him that he needed to come home now and that I’d collect him. I left at lunchtime and had him back home in time for a late tea. By the time we got home the new Lockdown was in force.
He’s become used to the lively atmosphere of a University city and finds our peaceful home in rural Herefordshire a little dull. However in the current circumstances, even though he is obviously missing his friends, I think he’s relieved to living somewhere that’s much safer than a city with more opportunities for outside exercise (and a regular supply of beer from the old man!)
For the foreseeable, hill walking was off the agenda and our local fields are not very good for walking. An alternative means of exercise would be needed.
Another day, another poor forecast but another window in the weather. In fact quite a decent window as it happened. I could have gone out for a much longer walk if I’d realised, but no matter I was pleased just to see some glimpses of sunshine albeit backed by a ferocious wind.
Another high start needed to keep the walk manageable and unmuddied so Blorenge it was, parking at just short of 500m.
Moody clouds and lake reflections set things off to a good start and a popular walk was very quiet after the very poor weather of late.
Views over to the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons showed quite a bright day, very much better than anything the forecast had promised.
The fine views over the Forest and Dean and Abergavenny.
The summit walk was very soggy indeed but I enjoyed being out in the wild weather so it was no real hardship on such a brief outing.
The trig pillar has been given a lick of red paint for some reason. Makes it a more photogenic foreground I think.
It was just such a relief to get out. I was going stir crazy at home!
After my last post about hill lists time for a report based on its inspiration. I was missing just one Nuttall from South Wales so time to bag it. The Forecast wasn’t much better than the dreadful day above Cwmbran the day before but I woke to blue skies so I headed out.
Parking up in Llangynidr things were much better than yesterday. Abundant blue skies and even a hint of snow high up. Normally a positive but not when you weren’t expecting it and had trail shoes on! The views through the village and out in the fields were gorgeous if a little chilly in a cold wind.
My planned route was a long circuit around the Dyffryn Crawnon Valley to pick up my missing Nuttall of Cefn Yr Ystrad, a high point in the middle of nowhere just south of the Beacons.
The walk up through the fields to the access land was rather pleasant and less muddy than I’d thought.
Looking back towards the Black Mountains.
It was a long steady climb through the bracken until I reached the grassier slopes of the limestone plateau. It was great walking here on cropped grassy paths and a fine spot for a wild camp.
As I reached the quarry road a snow shower hit me, quite a nasty one. Not sure on the official duration of a “shower” but this one lasted about two hours!
I enjoy walking through quarry landscapes. The have lots of false edges, ridges and deep holes with lakes. This one came out of nowhere as I thought I was heading into the hills behind I crested a slope to find it. Took quite a walk to get around it.
Distant blue skies while it continued snowing on me.
The benefit of OS Maps on my phone came to the fore when looking for the summit in the mist and snow. Its a fairly vague expanse of small knolls and bumps and pretty sure I’d never have found it without the software such is the confusing terrain created by the quarries. Not the most inspiring summit but it was nice to climb it in winter conditions.
Continuing my route took quite a walk to get safely around the quarries. As I dropped around the back to the path it stopped snowing and the sun came out.
Nothing better than walking in a snowy landscape in the sunshine although it was bitterly cold.
Heading back down the other side of the valley, the Talybont reservoir came into view. I needed to stop for a late lunch but it windy and pretty wet everywhere. Lunch stops were not forthcoming.
Still, the views were magnificent.
Eventually I found a dryish and sheltered spot for a sit down although it was raining. Just as I thought better of it, it stopped and the sun came out again.
The views were sensational. Gorgeous browns of the bracken and the white caps on the Brecon Beacons.
I’d planned on finishing off the route with the hill of Tor y Foel but it was getting late and I was pretty knackered (drawing in the route I discovered it was 16 miles!)
I headed off down the Beacons Way back to Llangynidr.
Some nice sunny views along the valley but the path was a sloppy mess. As soon as I hit the road I decided I’d had enough mud for one day and followed the road back to village and the car.
After the previous day’s soaking this was a superb day. A new hill, some exploration of wild and weird terrain and a real feeling of winter.
Another late afternoon dash after a job interview and a very nice lunch with a good mate from my previous role. As ever with a late start, a high summit with a high starting point was needed and the Sugar Loaf always fits that bill very nicely.
I followed my classic route around to the ridge of Mynydd Pen y Fal.
Late afternoon sun working its light magic on the Bracken.
There were banks of clouds building, a sign that the good weather of the past few days was coming to an end. Rain and winds were set to return.
It was a brisk walk as I could see the sun sinking towards the clouds and horizon and wanted to be on top for sunset.
The clouds created some wonderful light effects as I reached the summit. As it was a weekday afternoon I only saw a handful of people on what is normally a very busy mountain.
The summit rocks provided their usual excellent foreground for great photos.
As does the Trig Pillar, catching the pink late afternoon sunlight.
The gathering clouds out to the west began to look more and more ominous. I was glad I’d made the effort to catch one more sunny walk before it came crashing/washing down.
The walk down gave some nice sunset images as the sun passed through and peeped out of the cloud bank.
And a final shot of a surreal looking colour to the bracken as I reached the car.
Back to normal from there with the rest of the week a long sequence of grey days and heavy rain. I enjoyed the sunshine while I could.
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.
surfnslide 