Cefn Cyff

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.