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 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.
Seeing as we were unable to travel to warmer climes this Xmas and New Year we were left with walks in the UK. As expected, since our wonderful two days in Yorkshire, the weather reverted to type and things were largely grey and wet. We did manage a few sunny intervals between the wet patches though. Firstly a break between heavy showers on Garway Hill.
We were lucky in catching the sunniest period for a few days while we were out.
Don’t be fooled by the expansive blue skies. This was very much against the run of play as they say in football circles.
It was wild and windy up top, not a day to linger on the summit.
Our summer time visits when we sat on the top watching the sunset with a chilled glass of beer seemed a very long time ago.
At least the bracken had receded and was providing a welcome splash of colour.
The next band of showers was already under construction.
I always find the transmitter on the ridge to make a fine photo subject.
Fine views out over the Shire.
Looking back to the summit.
TBF on her way back from, well, I’ll leave you to fill in that blank.
It looks like summer finished a couple of weeks ago. A few days of hot sunshine and clear blue skies. Its been pretty unsettled ever since.
Before we get to that, a few pictures from the previous weekend. We had S over for the weekend and with the weather gorgeous we used that as an excuse to take it easy. A day in the garden (preceded by breakfast and ice creams at the local farm shop)
Only time we’ve been able to eat out in the garden this year so far.
A day spent by the river at Bredwardine. Picnic and swimming the order of the day.
Seems lots of other people had the same idea!
TBF enjoying the cool waters of the Wye.
A lovely spot only a few miles from home (although I cycled there and back).
A couple of days later, with the forecast set to change back to more normal British weather we took an post evening meal stroll up Garway Hill to watch the sunset.
Late evening as the sun goes down is always a fine time to be out and about. Garway Hill is perfect for this. You can park a short walk from the top and the views are wide and expansive.
Looking out to the distant Clee Hills.
And over to the Black Mountains.
Garway Hill summit.
Nice place to live.
The summit construction on Garway Hill.
After a bit of research by a FB friend I now know what this is (having pondered over it for 20 years!). It’s the basis of a construction for aircraft direction finding that had a wooden part on top. Link here if you’re interested
Ysgyryd Fawr and the Sugar Loaf in the distance.
We settled down on the top for sunset with Brownies and fresh Strawberries.
This distant clouds heralding the incoming change in the weather.
Whilst it was warm and clear, the lack of clouds didn’t make for the most spectacular of sunsets.
But just being able to sit out at almost 10pm on a small hill and watch the peaceful scene unfold is pleasure enough.
Last rays of the sun.
We had a few pink cloud effects as we walked back to the car.
Seems like a while ago now that the sun shone so abundantly. No sign of it returning any time soon as I write with the sound of rain on the conservatory roof.
Quick post from another morning stroll up Garway Hill, a firm favourite when a short outing is required.
Stunning clear morning after our Stiperstones walk.
Reversing the usual direction of the walk to finish on the summit. The fields that were sodden just a few short weeks ago now dry and a perfect walking carpet.
The trees along the lane looking superb against the blue sky backdrop.
Out into the open on Garway Hill Common.
Hazy views over the Black Mountains and Sugar Loaf
And no finer way to celebrate a warm spring morning than a fresh brew of tea on the summit.
Easter “staycation” (I hate that word) working out rather well.
Staying local has needed some places to head for walk away from the crowds and away from being stuck inside the house – hence the post title.
Garway Hill has been one of those “Escape Valves”, a short 20 minute drive from home and for the most part pretty deserted and unspoilt (although over the Xmas holidays it became a little more popular).
These photos are taken from 2 or maybe 3 walks up there over the past two months or so. We head up early before breakfast to have the place to ourselves and be back to make something of the rest of the day with TJF.
A couple of the days were cold and frosty, hence the frozen pond on the summit.
Fading sunrise in the east.
Views over The Shire.
The summit.
Across to Wales, Ysgyryd Fawr and The Sugar Loaf.
Monmouthshire and The Forest of Dean
Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds.
Wild Ponies and Sheep living in perfect harmony.
Orcop Hill.
Took us a few years of living here to appreciate its charms (one of which is being able to drive most of the way up!) We have a standard walk with a couple of options (or just walk the route the other way round). Its been one of Lockdown escapes to release the pressure
After plentiful sunshine at the end of September the move into October told us to get real and get used to rain. The weekend after our wonderful day out in Roaches was dreadful. It rained pretty much non-stop from Friday morning through to Sunday Morning and it looked like another walk would have to wait. As afternoon was ending the skies started to clear and it looked worth heading out.
Garway Hill was the obvious choice with its high car park.
By the time I set off the weather had improved significantly with even some blue sky and watery sunshine. This is Graig Syfyrddin, the hill with not enough vowels.
I followed my usual short route across the eastern flank to the ridge and up top the top with its strange wall-enclosed structure.
To the north into Shropshire the weather was actually looking pretty decent. If I’d realised, we could have probably got a decent day walk in, up that way.
Looking out over Gloucestershire, May Hill with its small woodland patch prominent in the middle of the photo.
Ysgyryd Fawr and the Sugar Loaf.
The rolling fields and orchards of Herefordshire
Moody skies.
And the more cheery blue variety.
I was enjoying being out having been cooped up in the house for a few days so I went back to the top again on my way to the car.
A view to the Malverns on the skyline.
And the local ponies sending me on my way.
I was expecting gloomy skies and nothing more than some fresh air. Turned out to be a pretty decent walk. Glad I made the effort.
Whilst my local mountains in Wales have been closed off, Garway Hill became my release valve for a high level walk and views to keep me sane.
This one was taken after dropping TJF in town for a socially distanced meet up in the park with one of her friends. We thought we could grab a walk in between drop off and pick up.
Another day with heavy showers forecast but we were lucky again and avoided a soaking even though there were clearly damps spells about. We even managed a cheeky summit beer – a very nice Brewdog Lock-Down Lager!
More bracken starting to rear its head.
Some of the paths I use on this walk will shortly disappear until winter when it dies back.
We had time to take the longer route, down the ridge, back along the lane and cutting back across the fields to the open common land.
An enjoyable if short walk.
Next day I was on my own while the rest of family visited my Mum-in-Law. I took a long ride out to see if could cycle all the way to the top of a local hill (a missing Marilyn) called Burton Hill.
I managed it with some stiles to haul the bike over and few interesting moments on a muddy path riding on slick tyres. The photo below gives flavour of what trying to find summits in these out of the way places can be like! Steep hard work on the way up but a fabulous long downhill ride back down!
Whilst the gorgeous summer weather continues and we now have chance to head out short distances for a walk we’ve been doing walks after the evening meal. We have a couple of candidates. Merbach Hill, subject of my last post and Garway Hill, which features here.
This first visit looks clear and warm but in fact it was really quite chilly.
We even managed to convince TJF to join us!
Its but a short walk to the summit from the car park. Its quite an isolated spot so the views are expansive. As I’ve mentioned before you can see several counties from up here. Pretty sure I could make out 11 when I checked.
There were a few people about and we got lucky to find the bench in the sun and out of the wind for a sit down and a summit beer.
The plan had been to watch the sunset but it was far too cold to wait around.
No matter. We’d had some exercise and fresh air to end the day on a high and nice to walk together as a family which is pretty rare and special. Something to savour in these dark times.
Our second visit was just a couple of evenings back. Much warmer this time.
Views across to the Forest of Dean.
And to the Welsh Mountains, sadly still out of bounds.
A close up of May Hill, one of Gloucestershires highest points and a fine hill I climbed back in January when it was cold and everywhere was sopping wet and muddy. Seems an age ago. With its coppice of trees on the summit its very distinctive and can be seen from a distance. I always look for it now when I’m up in the hills.
Out of luck with the bench seats but the grass was soft and dry and made another fine overview too watch the sun go down – again with a cheeky beer.
I’m enjoying my evening walks and its becoming a regular event at least once a week now in addition to my cycling exploits.
Even though we have to use the car to get here I can report its considerably less than 250 miles and my eyesight is perfectly acceptable for driving……
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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