Any circular route or 'round' is a really good way to get under the skin of a range of hills, the spectacular views afforded down into the Cwm Owegwm valley are definately worth the effort.
The actual prospect of some fine weather during a period of non-stop rain tempted an all-day venture at short notice to the foothills and high points of the Beacons.
Starting at Tyfry Farm (075258) our route followed the banks of the Nant Menasgin west from the village of Llanfrynach and through open fields for 2 kilometres to Rhiwiau at (057242).
Our prospective horse-shoe ridge walk towered above us in the distance as we approached Pen-Y-Heol before the start of the hard graft!
After leaving a rough bridle path with an avenue of trees lining the route, we emerged onto the lower slopes of Cefn Cyff. It's always good to get the main climb out of the way early and a steady pull through 400 metres of ascent in less than 3 kilometres, saw us arrive at Fan-Y-Big, for the brief but obligatory stop at the 'diving board', a magnetic gathering point for most walkers on a pleasant Summer's day.
The 2.5k ridge walk around Craig Cwmoergwm above the stunning glacial valley of Cwm Oergwm to Craig Cwareli around to Rhiw Bwlch Y DDwyallt, before we started the descent down Rist Wen to eventually leave the mountain and return to Llanfrynach by 3.00pm just as the White Swan was closing it's doors to deny us the opportunity of a well deserved beer.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
The Brecon Round
It must have been the thought of visiting the Cathedral, the remains of a Roman Fort and ending up in the Boar's Head that encouraged a very good attendance for this particular excursion led by the thumb of HRH Mike Thomas.
After a brief nose around the ecclesiastical heart of the diocese we were greeted by a blustery gale and driving rain at the summit of the walk through open fields to trig. point 331 at Pen-Y-Crug to the North-West of Brecon.
The descent led us to Cradoc before we continued with a visit to the village of Battle. Turning south HRH then took the group through a working farm yard to visit the remains of Y Gaer Roman Fort. Leaving in an easterly direction some of the females (Janet and Carolyn in particular) were scared stiff by a herd of charging cows!
A pleasant lunch was taken on the banks of the River Usk in the Coed Fenni Fach forest opposite a splendid country home in Llanspyddid with lawns leading down to their own stretch of the river - I suspect with full fishing rights thrown in!
We returned to Brecon on a muddy bridle path that led us to the Boat House, where we passed Welsh Centre Jamie Roberts (who was with an extremely attractive young lady!) prior to his Man of the Series performance with the British Lions in South Africa.
It was fascinating watching a pair of kingfishers 'bombing' at considerable speed up and down the river bank opposite the Boat House.
The post-walk entertainment in the Boars Head was excellent and just as we were all enjoying the 'live' band it was time to leave - it's always the same when you don't want to go. However, HRH led the way on the mini-bus journey home with his rendition of specific rugby national anthems in an authentic japannese singing style! It was as wierd as it sounds!!
After a brief nose around the ecclesiastical heart of the diocese we were greeted by a blustery gale and driving rain at the summit of the walk through open fields to trig. point 331 at Pen-Y-Crug to the North-West of Brecon.
The descent led us to Cradoc before we continued with a visit to the village of Battle. Turning south HRH then took the group through a working farm yard to visit the remains of Y Gaer Roman Fort. Leaving in an easterly direction some of the females (Janet and Carolyn in particular) were scared stiff by a herd of charging cows!
A pleasant lunch was taken on the banks of the River Usk in the Coed Fenni Fach forest opposite a splendid country home in Llanspyddid with lawns leading down to their own stretch of the river - I suspect with full fishing rights thrown in!
We returned to Brecon on a muddy bridle path that led us to the Boat House, where we passed Welsh Centre Jamie Roberts (who was with an extremely attractive young lady!) prior to his Man of the Series performance with the British Lions in South Africa.
It was fascinating watching a pair of kingfishers 'bombing' at considerable speed up and down the river bank opposite the Boat House.
The post-walk entertainment in the Boars Head was excellent and just as we were all enjoying the 'live' band it was time to leave - it's always the same when you don't want to go. However, HRH led the way on the mini-bus journey home with his rendition of specific rugby national anthems in an authentic japannese singing style! It was as wierd as it sounds!!
Labels:
Battle,
Boars Head,
Brecon,
Cradoc,
Roman Fort
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