That old favourite, inspiration of J R Tolkien’s The Lonely Mountain: the Sugar Loaf above Abergavenny. A gentle, simple walk on the whole with just a few long steep climbs but generally straight forward and easy on the feet with lots of soft springy grass to walk on. After 6 weeks being confined to the lowlands it was particularly inspiring to be able to stand at the trig point and take in the sweeping views.
Category: Black Mountains
Rhiw Cwrw – the Beer Track!
Walking from Llanthony Priory, up to the Hatterall Ridge along the track known as the Rhiw Cwrw (Beer Track) an ancient track used by the monks of Llanthony Priory to transport casks of beer from Llanthony to Longtown on the other side of the Ridge. All I can say is they must have really liked their beer to do this. Rather them than me!
On the Black Hill
Up the Black Hill (of book and film fame) along the Cats Back and across the ridge to Hay Bluff.
The sun shone, the snow was crisp and deep on the ridge and all was calm. It was easily the best weather conditions I’ve ever experienced up there.
Birthday on Blorenge
The Blorenge, parking at Keepers Pond, across to the summit and down to the Punch Bowl.
Bleak with a cold wind blowing but we met a gang of enthusiastic local ramblers who promptly told us we were far too young to be walking with them. They are out all year round and include some active eighty year olds!
To the hills…
Walking up Pen Allt Mawr in the Brecon Beacons above Crickhowell. We walked this way in March but changed the route to have a picnic on Darren – thanks Darren! It was an incredible spot – one of our favourite picnic places now with panoramic views of the Black Mountains and Brecons.