On the Rambling day of Christmas, twelve Ramblers chanced to see..... 26 December 2010
Twelve Pints a-pouring....
Eleven chimneys smoking....
Ten children sledging....
Nine trees a-glistening....
Eight stiles a-sliding....
Seven hills a-soaring....
Six ducks a-skating
Five Snow Drifts
Four icicles hanging
Three paths uphill
Two routes to follow
and old bridge over the River Ebbw.
So, only three for Mince Pies, then? must be the lack of mulled coffee - 19 December 2010
I'm strolling over the the frozen wastes of Hyde Park beside the Serpentine, along with the Wives Club and other members of the family, towards a Winter
Wonderland, a pretty good carnival that serves up a pleasant mulled wine....
Back home, the snow is deeper, crisper and even evener which accounts for a select turn-out for the Mince Pie Walk. But Twmbarlwm is there to be conquered.... The canal is frozen,
feet, hands, noses and ears are frozen, trees are frozen in a natural version of the London extravaganza. The route varies as paths are tested. rejected or grudgingly crept up to make
certain the precious Mince Pies reach their destination unbroken. And they do !!! Terry reaches the Tump first, only to find it occupied already, and we did put 'Reserved' signs on it. So
the Mince Pies were shared, pictures taken and our trio of Ramblers slithered, slid and skidded back down to Blackvein Road, roll on, Boxing Day !!
The Season's greetings, but just a little unseasonal - 28 November 2010
I know it's our Christmas Lunch Walk but it's not even December and the snow lays round about. deep and crisp and even - and the ice - and the freezing weather.
But the sun shone bravely as we set off up Gray Hill in Wentwood, passing a 15 inch icicle on a drainpipe. It's a long plod uphill until we reach a modern medieval hamlet, complete with
farmhouse, outbuildings and a thatched outside toilet - well, daub my wattle! bet there's no Andrex for miles! Around the corner we collide with another group of walkers, time for
one-way paths on these congested routes. But finally, glorious views over the channel from the top and - YES!!! - you can see Twmbarlwm from here! What goes up must come down
and that even applies to Ramblers. Some cool but pleasant paths past ice-covered puddles that just cry out for something heavy and worthless to be dropped on them, by the way,
anyone seen Mandy? The woods fizzle out and bring us to somewhere we weren't quite expecting..... a quick conflab agrees that we're at 449946 (according to the GPS), or
NP16 6LN (according to the local postman) but Cribau Mill on Castrogi Brook sounds so much better (according to the trusty OS map). So all we have to do is follow the brook past
some rather valuable properties back to the Woodlands Tavern just in time for a rather good lunch if it is in a rather cool room - it's my radiator, I saw it first.....
.....And this report is so late because I caught Man Flu......
It's a disaaaster, Darling, an absolute disaaaster !!! - 20 November 2010
as Clive Revel Horwood would say, and definitely not 'Seven!!!'. So after three weeks of not getting a ramble I was really looking forward to going to Trefil and the
Chartist Cave on Sunday. I've got a new camera to replace the one stolen in Amsterdam (I'll never trust that lady sitting in the window again, that bright, red light must have dazzled me!).
I'd bought crisps, an apple, banana and a hi-energy chewy bar. My boots were both Nikked and Waxed. The weather forecast was good, my bag was packed and I was ready.
By Midday on Saturday I was all of a quiver !!! And then I wondered why we had two Sunday walks, one after the other. OH, HORSE MANURE !!!! But it was raining in Newport so I
probably wouldn't have gone anyway (that's my excuse, anyway). However I was surprised to hear later that, in the course of the ramble, they found that the Chartist Cave has actually
been demolished and replaced by Llangynidr Reservoir. You just can't trust the Council these days, can you?.
Is it Bovil, Bofil or Bowvil? Am I boffered? No, I'll just drink my Bovril - 30 October 2010
Is the Fwrrwm Ishta Inn a Forum Seat? or just a rustic bench? And Bovil Farm? Where did that come from? There's some funny names in Machen, not to mention
Machen itself, But we aren't too bothered with linguistic gymnastics as we take in the stunning views from Bovil up the Rhymney Valley. Its amazing that someone hasn't restored it.
Talking of old ruins, The Royal Oak is boarded up, Machen corn mill is tumble-down and Machen woollen mill has lost it's roof, it's a restoration project and a half, this place! Across the
river bridge and no walk would be complete without some mud, so here it is. And now the only way is up....
but at the top it's lunchtime, sitting amongst the Roman lead mines above the Draethen, though I doubt if the Romans did any mining themselves. On through the maze of little, twisty
tracks over another tongue-twister - Coed Cefn-pwll-du or 'Wood at the back of the black pool' - so we've been to Blackpool, then? Don't think much of the illuminations. We're almost
back at the start when we swerve to the left for another loop through the fields and down to an old railway line. Easy walking past a grand old viaduct and along the river. The end is in
sight but I've got this horrid Halloween weekend feeling that we're being watched........
Atishoo, Atishoo, We all fall down - Well, I do, and you, and you... - 23 October 2010
Back to the hills this week, to follow the 900ft contour from Llanhilleth to Six Bells. So that's a fair climb to get there but then its a doddle.
Apart from the permanent limp from being on a slope.... It all goes perfectly until we stop for coffee and the one on the end of the telegraph pole decides to play see-saws.
And, as her feet don't quite reach to the floor, falls off backwards..... Risk assessments don't cover that but she bounces well. Time for a health and safety lecture methinks.
Now its a treasure hunt and we find a dead vole and a rams horn, both treasures quickly discarded. Down a gully there's a very strange rock - it is a pig?, or a rhino? And the
slope gets slopier so, soon enough,
one of us takes a tumble. Being a concerned citizen (and looking for a good photo opportunity) I hurry over.... and end up apex over dignity in a heap on the wet grass!!!
Ah well, I'm sure my dignity will remain intact. hmmmm. I take my mind off my aches and pains by enjoying the autumn shades, the valleys are quite stunning. Back in the valley
we visit our 'miner' standing proud on the site of Six Bells Colliery, and the 45 names on the base reminding us of the true 'price' of coal. We end with a little bit of 'ancient' history -
The packhorse bridge at Aberbeeg is first recorded in 1659 but even though it's been 'improved' and 'enhanced', underneath it IS still the original, a little bit like us really.....
But we always finish our Rambling with a quick fling of whitewater rafting - 16 October 2010
Something rather different today - an urban ramble, a complete circumnavigation of Cardiff Bay - and not a hill to climb anywhere..... It's a beautiful day and
the River Ely could be mistaken for somewhere on the Mediterranean. Across the bridge and we're amongst the expensive boats and apartments of Penarth marina. In fact we have
to wait while one such expensive toy is let loose into the Bay. Wouldn't want one anyway, white is such a common colour... Past the old Custom House, now an expensive restaurant,
and off to the barrage.
Wonderful views out beyond Penarth head with the sun shining over Flatholm and Steepholm and just when we'd given up the barrage rumbles into action and the
lock releases a flotilla of ships, all sizes and all shapes. First time I've crossed the barrage, some work still to do where the dry dock sits derelict, but a great improvement. Lunch
in the sun at the Norwegian Church and off through the throng on the waterfront. It seems Cardiff Ramblers were heading past us but in the crush we only realised after they'd passed.
On the Taff a swan was doing underwater ballet, hope there was something nice down there, and so back to the start. But that wasn't quite the end as the Whitewater Centre was in
full flow, now that gives me an idea for next season......
Dear all, Having a misty, windy time, wish we weren't here - 9-10 October 2010
Not a lot of words yet, I only know it was misty and very windy on the Saturday but much nicer on the Sunday. Hotel good, food good, I'll have to add something
more later....
The Grand Opening of the Trinant Black Ash Path - 9 October 2010
In these days of footpath closures and re-routings through new housing estates, it's a real privilege to be invited to the opening of a newly-refurbished footpath.
So with due ceremony, and in the presence of Councillor Fussell, Mayor of Caerphilly, complete with chain of office, the children of Trinant duly cut the ribbon, popped the balloons
and scampered off into the distance. They were quickly brought to a halt by a loud "What are you doing on my land?", coming from a very large, very angry landowner. Having explained
their purpose, and that they had the Mayor's personal permission (and had the Mayor in tow to prove it), and having listened to the history of the Llanover Estate, the throng carried on to
the next gate. Here, a lady demanded to know their circumstances and was amazed to find that they lived in houses with more than two rooms and ate pasta and curry. After
exchanging recipes for cawl and bolognese our intrepid youngsters were really pulled up at the last gate. The gentleman there was looking for workers in his mine, four-year-olds being
ideal for door-opening in the darkness under our feet. No takers so it was all the way to the top of Crumlin incline - and then all the way back for coffee and sandwiches. So thank
you to the children of Trinant, the players and of course Caerphilly Council for a Grand Day Out.
Nothing much to say, so just enjoy the photos - 2 October 2010
A day trip to the country seems to have been totally without incident, just the usual lovely houses, lovely scenery and lovely company.
So just sit back and enjoy the views.
If this is California, my name must be Arnie ! - 26 September 2010
Luckily it's a beautiful, clear day as I lead our brave party from Ebbw Vale to Blaina across our moving mountain. It seems it wants to go down to Newport and is
tearing itself apart in the process. We very cautiously examine one of the deeper crevasses and despite our suggestions, Maggie just will not jump in to see how deep it is. Shame.
But onwards across the top and if we followed the footpath on the map we'd go straight over the edge of a very steep drop... A zig-zag path is a much safer option. But halfway down
a cry of "Where am I?" from the tail-end. Quick as a flash I shout back "40ft above me", well, it's true! "NO, you idiot, what am I looking at?" comes the swift response, looking straight
at me. "Why, ME, of course" I say, but it doesn't seem to satisfy.
The going gets easier at the bottom, level tracks and and Autumn shades on the trees already and we're out of the wind.. We pass a very old cottage that seems to be in a
deep depression beside us but its at ground level, we're on an embankment right round it. This was once the most polluted part of Monmouthshire, coalmines everywhere and
we've arrived at the site of the wonderfully-named 'California Colliery', which as you can see, is now a puddle, a deep puddle mind you, but still a puddle. Not quite Santa
Barbara. and I'm not Arnie.... Past the Nantyglo Round Towers, 'Cosher Baileys' hideaway when the natives were revolting, and these Ramblers are revolting - they want feeding.
Lunch over, we wander over the the lunar landscape above Brynmawr and without climbing any mountains we're back in Ebbw Vale. For once 'There's no more hills' was true.
The highest golf course hole in Wales and a plague of midges just lie between us and a well-earned rest....... and congratulations to June for completing her first '9 miles'.....
Tilting at windmills without a donkey - 11 September 2010
As I was in darkest Europe, another report from our clever Linda...
First photo (after the one with my thumb in it) was entrance to Brynna Woods. Our SENSIBLE (hmmm.. think that's a dig at me - I'll sort her) historian narrator - Peter - said this was
a Community Wood occupied by dormice - who lived in the trees and the March Millitaria butterfly which, unfortunately, lives mobile and has not been seen for a while - shame.
A little further on we came to Brynna Primary School where a 'teacher's' chair and a desk made of wood had been erected. I took a picture of Lyn as Teacher (scary) and Maggie as
Pupil (scarier). (In fact, poor Linda was so scared that the photo was too blurred to use unfortunately). The pupils also had a plot of land where they grew vegetables and there was
a birdhouse with sunflower 'heads' in it for the birds to feed off - good idea said Lyn. There was also a greenhouse made out of plastic bottles - all clever stuff.
With all the recent rain, the track was very wet, in fact there was a huge pool at one point - Jill asked where the boat was? The windmills of Taff Ely Wind Turbine farm barred the way
across the countryside, we soon charged past them - but Maggie suggested they were being propelled by a lot of hot air (us) not the wind - cheek! The cows were out in force with their
menacing glances. (what - scared of a few cows???) After all that, we needed lunch, which we had at remains of St Peter's Church - so a lot of old relics there then! Peter said the
Normans took over this land but left the bits they didn't want for us! Peter was very informative all the way through the walk but kept on repeating a 3-letter word beginning with
P and ending with B - what could that be?
And Finally....... Proof that Mandy didn't jump off that precipice at Lord Hereford's Knob.....
Custard with your blackberry crumble, Sir?? - 31 August 2010
Here we go gathering nuts in May - or blackberries in August, and damsons but they're not their best yet, it seems. Today we trundle around the Darran Valley
with just the one or two hills to surmount....but we get up the first to enjoy some of the widest views we've seen for a long time, just look at what the others have missed?. Along a
Roman road to a spot overlooking Deri for lunch, strange place, you could trampoline from one end to the other without touching ground.... Down to the river to start the blackberry
picking and across to a kiddies playground that looks suspiciously like a set from the 'Lord of the Rings'.
The other side of the valley is full of surprises, ancient graveyards and Celtic Crosses on the bare mountain tops and games of peek-a-boo amonst the trees. Those Ramblers,
now you see them, now you don't!! Stunning waterfalls hidden away in side valleys and even Maggie makes a surprise friend in the middle of nowhere. No arguments there then!
And then, right on top, a close encounter of the weird kind, a massive array of aerials and electronics. So when you're flying from Heathrow to L.A. just turn left at Brithdir......
Lord Hereford's Knob - nudge, nudge, wink, wink - 22 August 2010
I kept well away from this one, too. But the intrepid Linda is equal to all of this and more, so don't let me stop you....
We walked up the valley to Grwyne Fawr reservoir and our leader said "NO MORE HILLS" - I was incredulous but very pleased - this was going to be the easiest 12 mile walk ever!
Beautiful weather and stunning scenery but 'no more hills' - he's having a laugh! Just take a look at the photos! We struggled through bottomless bogs and got laughed at by young
horses who obviously had no respect for their elders! We thought we'd taken a wrong turning at one point - a quick check at a handy farm confirmed that we were on the right track.
"Just carry on past the tomb of the Unknown Rambler", they said. Finally, it was Sooooo lovely just to sit at the top, eat and drink and admire the view and rest our weary bodies!
A few of us (me, particularly) were struggling towards the end but like troupers we kept going even though the emergency rations chickened out made her escape. Maggie was
singing to keep our spirits up - 'wherever we may roam" and a few others - the things we have to suffer! Overall, although knackered, I'm glad I went. Some people were
disappointed though - we'd been to Lord Hereford's Knob and not a phallic symbol anywhere! (Linda, behave yourself !!!! )
From our very own special correspondent in the Beacons - 8 August 2010
Today I turn the "The Talk" over to someone special..... Someone who's going to climb Snowdon in the Autumn (whether she likes it or not!). Just needs a
bit of training and today's the day! Up Fan-y-big, 12 miles, strenuous, over 2000 feet uphill, and where am I? - Nowhere to be seen! So, Linda, this is all yours...
The coffee stop is probably the great success of the trip, we seem to be on the set of a remake of 'Invasion of the Midgies' and they're everywhere. Three times we try to have
a breather and three times we're defeated - but finally we avoid them for a few minutes.... but they're soon back! The countryside is amazing, hills, lakes, lanes, trees, even the bees
are out making thistle honey. Maggie's trying to make movies but Mandy just refuses to jump off a precipice for the camera - what a spoilsport! - it was probably only fatal.... but I'm
hungry........
Eventually the midges relent, or find more succulent food, and we are able to stop for lunch But lunch with stupendous views over the Beacons. At least it's downhill from here
as we pass the Brecon Mountain Railway Station. But there's not a train in sight, just sheep and they're in no mood to offer lifts. One last look at the mountain streams and it's
back to civilisation (well, Islwyn, but it's as good as it gets).
Grandad? Did you really walk with the Western Mail centrefolds? - 31 July 2010
Yes, I did! Today! Fresh from their star-studded debut in the Western Mail this morning, they give up a couple of hours from their hectic publicity whirlwind
to join us today. If you missed it, (and how could you!!), two of our young ladies are gracing the Mail's centre spread on their life with the Ramblers. Now, I've got this idea for a
calendar..... But forget stardom, there's walking to be done. So from the Maen Llwyd we set off towards Caerphilly along the ridge before dropping down the lane towards Rudry
Mountain. It seems it's dangerous work as I get poked by a pointy pole. The pointy pole gets transferred to the other hand so now Ken gets a poke instead.
We wisely decide to keep our distance as we wend our way in single file to the top. Don't know how I got to the top first, must know a short cut...
After lunch with a view we soon find the bracken gets rather deep and closing in on us. I wonder if we've lost a few folk in there. But nothing to worry about, the bracken releases us
to the wide-open country again. It all looks incredibly rural, lush and green, as if its never seen human hands. But this area was once the centre of a complex of brickworks, tinplate
works, collieries and forges and hardly a trace remains now. Even the woods hide their secrets - ancient Roman lead mines waiting for an unwary Rambler.
Follow our leader? Not down there, I'm not ! - 25 July 2010
No chance to catch up on the gossip today. They haven't learnt their lesson and have put me in the lead, silly Ramblers!! We're in Blaenavon to circumnavigate the
Tyla (or Gilwern Hill if you prefer). Only problem is - its down and up and up and down and up and down, come on, keep up.... But its all pretty gentle so not really a problem after all.
We have a tussle with an oddly designed gate latch but does it defeat us? No, of course not, and through we go. Funny how there's lots of interesting industrial remains to look at as we
cross the ridge to Pwll-du, it's almost as if I'd planned it. And now we go round The Tyla with ever-changing views up and down the Usk Valley. We're not alone as we pass and re-pass
another group of walkers. When we stop for lunch there's even time for me to explore a small cave in the quarry.
We come across a touching little incident amongst the wild ponies. A foal has fallen over a low ridge and is lying awkwardly, but as we consider the options, the other ponies gather
round and one gives it a good hard shove back to its feet. Its a little unsteady but seems none the worse for its fall. Onwards and despite the rain, the waterfall has barely a trickle.
Next comes a steep but short climb back up the ridge and a diversion to see Blaen Pig Pond before its all downhill back to Big Pit. And while the rest of us weary-footed folk go through
the gate, guess who shows off by scaling the stepstile.....
'They've Broad Beams' ??? No, NO, I said 'They're Broad Beans' - 11 July 2010
It's so easy to be mis-understood if, like me, you are shy, retiring and often lost for words, but more of that later.... It's a lovely day today, great weather, great
coastline, great country and a great group. We race up to the cliff top at Llantwit Major for our first views of our heritage coast with its bijou seaside residences and somewhere to
park your yacht. In some places the coast path has crumbled but short diversions through the fields bring us down to a cosy, little spot - St Donats Castle.
Back up to the top and we head towards the Nash lighthouse, even in broad daylight it's flashing it's warning. Wow! look at the foghorn on that! Lunch at Nash Point and off up a cool,
shady valley towards Marcross and it's ancient church. We head across a field and I'm sure I said 'They're broad beans', really... As if I would make personal comments, but the photos
prove the truth - not a broad beam in sight. Another shady lane drops us down to St Donats Church, completely dominated by....
.... St Donats Castle. It's a vast pile of stone and its great to see it being used, unlike places like Ruperra Castle which continue to crumble away. Did I mention being 'broad of beam'?
The gate into the playing fields was not designed for us lot, only our economy, pocket-sized Rambler got through easily, the rest of us squeezed and huffed and puffed.A bit of a break
on the cliff top and one of us can't resist playing up to the camera - there's always one. But another field, this time it's corn, and a couple seem to be lagging behind, must watch out for
reports of crop circles looking suspiciously like the Ramblers emblem......
I need a walk after my holiday, come rain or shine - 3 July 2010
It's freezing cold here after Egypt's 51c and just for a change, it's raining. But that's all wrong because it's not supposed to rain today. So there's a mass sort out
of cheap plastic macs and rusty, fraying umbrellas. With everyone equipped we head off, over the sylvan River Taff and up the zig-zag path to Gwaelod-y-garth. Then it's up through
the woods towards The Garth. Guess what? The clouds have gone, the sun is shining and I'm carrying this stupid umbrella, getting hotter by the minute! Sadly, our leader is not too
well today but his deputy is doing a grand job, with many useless suggestions from the floor, not the least, me, who isn't even sure which mountain he's on! But time for a break, the
views are beginning to reach the horizon.....
On to the Trig Point and some interesting twmps, more modern earthworks from the 40s, exceptional views to North Devon and lunch. There's a herd of jet black cows to be by-passed,
gosh, he's a big cow, oh, keep walking, keep walking. We dive off left through the bracken to find the path.... and there it is, just where they left it. On down through pleasant woodland
along a path that gets narrower and narrower until it bursts out on the a forest track. Great views in front of us to The Garth and I nearly persuade some of the team that the path
actually does lead up that sheer bank, but they see through my little trick. Bother! Easy going now back to Gwaelod-y-garth, very picturesque so time for a picture ( and a pint) before
heading dowen the zig-zag path to Taffs Well.
And now for something much gentler, but a little steamy - 5 June 2010
Ah, this is more like it, a nice, gentle day and a nice, gentle stroll right around Blaenavon. And compared to last week , we're looking pretty smart today...
Up past the Garn Ponds and onto the Canada Tips, where the Blaenavon Light Cycle Brigade whizz past us - after we beat them to the top !! The tips are a lunar-like district,
all valleys, gouges and gorges - and all completely man-made by Canadians in the 1940s, hence the name. Across the main road we are walking through ancient iron workings,
to pass Balls Pond and out on the Llanover Road. Completely different scenery now, all rural and countrified, past an old barn, through woodland, over the river and up the farm track.
A greeting to the farmer, sunning himself on his patio, and we have a stiff but short climb to the old railway line. There's a new railway station up here, not quite finished yet, but
where's the train? In true pantomime fashion, it's behind us.... Now if all rail rambles were on a steam train I'd be there every time.
I do apologise - I really am suffering with a severe case of wind - 30 May 2010
After a strange diversion around some of the narrowest and steepest lanes in Monmouthshire we set off towards Pen Allt Mawr on a nice, sunny but breezy day.
It's a little steep so, as you see, we stopped for a breather, now and again, and again. Then on, up above Tretower Castle, as the breeze becomes a wind, which becomes a gale and
the wind chill factor rises alarmingly. Backpacks are raided for fleeces, hats, coats, the sheep get worried about their fleeces and Gok Wan would have his work cut out to smarten
this bunch up. But we're being watched - A Red Kite swoops past us and disappears upward like a rocket and a Buzzard below us gets mobbed by a Crow.
We struggle head-on into a force 9 gale, past a bloke in shorts and t-shirt going the other way, to reach the cairn and top it with another stone. The whole thing rocks .....
It's time for lunch and we find a little shelter but now we've got to get to the valley and it's steep. It looks easier around the side but the gale turns into a hurricane and the ladies
have to hang onto something large, heavy and of very little use to stop them being blown away. Oh, lucky me!! It's so much more peaceful in the valley, the sun shines, and we
can enjoy the views. But fighting the gale took it's toll and our feet are dragging. Luckily we don't have to go through the field of cows and calves - or the big fella with them -
and one of us is wearing red....
Emergency, which service? - actually, all of them, at different times - 22 May 2010
It's Walk-in Caerphilly Day and I'm leading the massed hordes up Twmbarlwm. The massed hordes turned out to be 12 humans, 3 dogs, a few million tadpoles
and 1 hairy caterpillar ( for a few feet) but Peter and I coped superbly!! My usual ploy of boring them witless by excitedly pointing to holes in the ground and shouting 'Coalmine!' had
no effect, I just couldn't shake them off. So up past Cwm Byr, pursued by the hairy caterpillar, across to Coed-y-Darren and through the brand-new kissing-gate up to the lane to the
summit. Which was gently smoking.... As we watched, it wanted to play volcanoes and burst into flame so '999' and the fire brigade were on their way. Lunch was taken on the pimple
watching those hunky firemen (don't I get all the fun?) before the descent through the woods to Cwmcarn.
All downhill through Cwmcarn back to the canal bank passing those doing the 12-mile route trudging uphill. Millions of tadpoles cling to the canal banks enjoying
the sunshine while some surprisingly big (and possibly hungry) fish lurk in the deep. And so to the barbecue, tea and drinks department doing a cracking job. And humble apologies
to the 'inside' ladies, I forgot to take a photo.... And as we enjoy ourselves, one of the rugby players takes a tumble which results in the Paramedics arriving at speed. Then, just to
finish the day off, an 'off-roader' makes the mistake of trying to come down the footpath right into the arms of a waiting Police Officer. One motorcycle confiscated and one 'off-roader'
now very much an 'off-biker'. Which just leaves behind some very tired 22-milers........
That Orchid is spotted - yes, I've just spotted it - 15 May 2010
Well, two and a dog fooled us this time - by taking us the wrong way round our circular trip around Ruperra. Completely confused us all, "never been here before....",
but it just looks totally different from the other direction. A new path with views over Caerphilly and Machen Mountain brought us back to the woodland and a rare sight.
A Spotted Orchid, allegedly, just nestling at the side of the path - so that got a few cameras clicking. But don't look now, there's a bluebell behind you..... and to the side, in front,
in fact, we're surrounded.... Even more cameras and a small army of mobile phones began clicking away but even I must admit they were a beautiful sight.,, and the cottage in
Draethen was covered in blooming Wisteria, blooming heck!
It's funny how the helter-skelter path down from the viewpoint is actually very steep when you climb up it! But we did it and ended up in front of the fast-collapsing
Ruperra Castle in the company of an American lady. Having told her it was the Americans that burnt it down, she promptly phoned a friend called Barack who said the cheque's in the
post. Result! Another result is that really bright yellow cottage next door has been repainted in a much more pleasant shade of cream, could even be Magnolia seeing as it's flower
day today, and they've filled the worst ruts in the lane. Along the stream and up through the woods brings us to the Maen Llwyd Inn, oh, look, someone's left the door open, I'd better
pop in and tell them......
Excuse me, but there's a hole in this planet - 25 April 2010
Llangattock is a beautiful, little village with a church across a field and fascinating lanes and courtyards. It's also a high, rocky escarpment with occasional
drizzle and that's where we're heading. It's an easy walk from the canalside limekilns along the old tramway to the foot of the quarry incline and then, decisions....
Straight up the incline, steep, long and rocky or through the woods beside the stream? Not much choice there then, the stream and the Spring flowers are much nicer. But now the
drizzle catches up with us and we play jackets on, jackets off, on, off. Boring... We bypass the boggy area that caught us out a year or two ago and then, restored by a coffee break,
the uphill route to the quarries has to be tackled.
Once you've got up to the quarries, you're back on the old tramway again, flat and easy walking. The drizzle disappears and we can now enjoy the great views
over Crickhowell. But there are all these interesting holes in the ground and they run for miles under the mountain. Perhaps there's all sorts of trolls and monsters down there, perhaps
someone should peer in just in case. Oh, here's a brave victim, um, volunteer. Nothing in there, but it's best to stay outside anyway. On round the hillside the path becomes a lane and a
very rough and stony lane leads back down to the canal past an old chapel thats now a bat roost. It's a short walk across the fields to Crickhowell bridge and the aptly named Bridgend Inn.
And then take the fork on the right...... - 17 April 2010
The sun is shining in a cloudless blue sky and our select team of highly skilled Ramblers head for Henllys to conquer the Upper Cwmbran Massif. Industry and
religion are either side of us with Henllys Colliery and Llanderfal Chapel, one 150 years old, the other 1150 years old, and both just ruins. Llanderfal Farm isn't ruined, it just looks that way,
what an amazing homestead. The green lane gets us closer to Upper Cwmbran but first the path dives down a double line of tall pines. It looks like a Black Hole down there from which no
light ever escaped - and it's freezing. Spooky!! And suddenly, back out into the sun and The Square all pristine and white-washed. Up to the reservoir for coffee and we watch a shoal of huge
fish in this corner cunningly ignore the angler in the other. We pass the Cwmbran Cavalry out on manoeuvres and one of our partially-sighted Ramblers out on his own. He's quite happy and
gently strolling the hillside in the sun. An inspiration to us all. And so to Cwm Lickey Pond for lunch.
The pond is so quiet and peaceful that we could stay for hours but.... Onwards and upwards to the aerial, the easy way, not straight up, and off along the ridge.
It's rather hazy so the views over the channel are not the best which means we can only see things in black and white - black lambs and white lambs all over the place. We're all alone
up here, it's wonderful, not even planes overhead. And soon we come to a major fork in the path, we came across a smaller fork two weeks ago but this is big! But why does someone
bring a brand-new fork with a broken handle halfway up a mountain? It's a remote path at the best of times.... But it's all downhill from here on.
The Return of the Silver Surfers - 3 April 2010
It was a beautiful, sunny blue-sky day at Merthyr Mawr but that was two years ago.... Todays version is grey and ultimately wet. Time for the crumbling remains of
us Ramblers to inspect the crumbling remains of the castle. We're in much better condition but not quite 600 years old. Off down the track past a curious tree stump that looks like a
dinosaur and then the sea!! Grey, rough and crashing about wildly - just like us, really. We resist the urge to strip off and join the surfers - had both the water and sky been blue and an awful
lot warmer it may have been a different story - and you'd have had far better photos. Beach combing for shells, pebbles, flotsom and jetsom keep us amused til we reach Newton for coffee,
just as the rain begins to fall. Not a lot of shelter so we cross the dunes towards the trees. Of course, if I knew my right from my left we would have been on the correct path, so following
a brief diversion into no-mans-land we get back on the right path. Nothing like a bit of exitement!
Lunch is a soggy affair, wet crisps are not the best food , these woods a beautiful and peaceful in the dry. On up the lane past some ancient settlement to
Candleston Farm where a choice of routes awaits. The rain has stopped but the ground is very slippery so the shorter, more sensible route wins. We'll keep the extension for another
(drier) day. Back at the carpark, the burger van and the carpark attendant have both disappeared so no hot coffee or bacon roll today. Instead we stop at the church to look at the ancient
stone crosses and the sense and smell of calm, peace and quiet inside. Got to go - someone says there's a pub not far away with a roaring log fire and real ale...
Old dogs, New walks, No tricks, just Light n'Leisurely - 27 March 2010
I've had a wet week off and I've squeezed in three good but wet walks. Tomorrow's forecast sounds rather wet again, particularly for an energetic romp over the hills.
Today is sunny and the dog is giving me filthy looks because he hasn't had been included. So we join up with the Light n'Leisurely crew for a 'one and a dog' return to Ynys Howell. Having
sorted out the subtleties of the different time zones between Newport and Risca, we head off through the forestry and ex-forestry towards Ynys Howell. Sun and views and little lambs
put a spring in our step and thoughts into our head - such as why do frogs lay frogspawn on the top of fence-posts? The cream of the counties' teachers are to hand but they're stumped
(or is that posted?), probably worrying more about all that housework that they're neglecting than the serious housing shortage in frog-world. But it's good to be out, the pigs are asleep in
their pig-sty, water falls from rocks and mosses hang from the trees in bright green tresses. Enough literacy, it's coffee time and we're actually getting quite warm sitting in the sun -
come on, before we get too comfortable. We cross the river and wander back down the other side past some crazy abseilers on the bridge, what a way to enjoy yourselves!!
Uphill this way? or uphill that way? Doesn't matter, it's still uphill! - 14 March 2010
Back up to Hafodyrynys Canyons again - but a completely different canyon from completely the opposite direction. But first, it's decision time - do we walk up
the steep lane or up the equally steep footpath. Whichever, it's still UP, but we've done the lane before so we take to the footpath up to a farm and a chance to get our breath back.
We catch up with the lane a little further on and soon we're out on Cefn Crib Common. A little different to our last visit in torrential rain and biting wind, today there's blue sky, fluffy clouds
and its actually quite warm. At the end of an old tramway we join an ancient trackway, deep in fallen leaves, very deep as it happens, which means its soon deep in fallen Ramblers too!
At the top there's a twmp, or it might be a Motte? and St Illtyds church (open) and the Carpenters Arms (closed) and time for lunch amongst the gravestones,
mute testimony to so many earlier generations.
We strike off across the Common again to reach the rim of the Western canyon. Compared with the other, this one is pretty inaccessible and even if it were, there's a fair amount
of water in it so we'd have to swim. We work our way around the rim through some rough country and onto the dividing ridge between the two canyons. We can throw stones at our
route of a few weeks ago from here but we're up here and it's down there and we're not going down to come back up. Back on the Common there's more decisions to make, follow
the lane round the edge or strike off across the trackless wastes towards Hafodyrynys. We choose the trackless wastes and we're still wandering around up there, totally lost.
This is a recording.......
Grand Designs - and not a McCloud in the sky! - 6 March 2010
New faces and new places and Millionaires Mansions, oh, and some mud just for a change. We're on the moneyed side of Newport where houses start at
'expensive' and then the sky's the limit. We soon find some mud, posh mud, mind you, only to meet some locals at the end who gleefully point out the dry route... Across to the
right, Pencoed Castle is 11th century Norman and well worth a photo, across to the left is 21st century Vodafone and not worth a first glance, let alone a second. But then the
'Ahhhh' factor kicks in, big time, two little lambs, only a few minutes old and still in need of a lick-down. So again, 'Ahhhhh'.
Penhow Castle is also 11th century Norman but you
can have too much of a good thing so no photo of it this time. Across the A48 and limekilns, charcoal burners and quarries bring a different view of the area, plus a couple of
very old abandoned vehicle, one an old 'Thames' van from the 60's. Didn't I learn to drive in one of those? But back into beautiful houses, the next vast stone-built specimen
has its own duck lake, it's far too superior to be called a pond!
Down through a muddy stream and muddy field where one of our 'New Faces' gets closely acquainted with the mud - that'll teach you to wear new trousers! But rusting farm
machinery in a wood gives way to a rural chocolate box cottage with snowdrops, crocus and heathers all in flower. More, woods, more mud and lunch beside a stream.
So very restful.... And having lulled us with a peaceful stroll so far, the hard work begins, a steep climb up to Caer Licyn and its Iron Age fort. But thats not the gem,
its Kemeys Folly.... A few million pounds worth of 18th century residence, as seen on 'Grand Designs', honoured by Kevin McCloud, and today - walked past by Islwyn Ramblers.....
You really can't get more famous than that!
I've forgotten the headline, it was good, too! - 20 February 2010
D'oh! I thought of a perfect headline during the walk... Can I remember it now? No, not a chance. Goodness knows what I'll be like when I'm old -
no comments from you lot, thank you! And it was a fabulous walk, too! loads of sun and enough snow to make it interesting. We followed the stream with the lovely
name - Nant Cae Dudwg - down from the Llanfabon Inn through the woods over old, rickety stiles to the old, rickety bridge. No trolls underneath it but it's so old and rickety that
our membership would have decreased rapidly if we'd tried to cross it! So on down to the next, more solid bridge where two bravely went exploring for a route that avoided the stream
on the other side, easy to cross if you're wearing green wellies but not so easy for mere mortals. The two phone to say there's no way over so they're going to catch us up when they
appear behind us 'just like that'. Magic! The trees are frosty and the streams are steaming in the sun so a good spot to break for coffee.
Through the terraces of Cilfynydd and uphill to the slopes of Eglwsilan. The lane was its usual icy self so we headed across country, steeper but a little surer underfoot.
We reach the track over the top but have to pull over to let the sheep's 'ice-cream van' past - a tractor and three bales of hay. The sight of all that tasty hay attracts the
sheep just like a flock of sheep, except one, who seems to be playing mazes in the snow. It puts us in mind of lunch and a fallen telegraph pole makes a good bench to
enjoy the views up the valley to the snowy Beacons in the distance. Over the summit is the site of prehistoric Carneddi Llwydion but they're not too impressive on the ground,
just a low heap of stones but they show up better from the air on Google Earth where you can see they are circles. A long gentle descent brings us back to the Inn and a
very tasty ham roll and hot coffee.
A quarter of Monmouthshire Mixture, please - 14 February 2010
According to Profs Holland and Thomas of Islwyn University, "The free and independent Shire of Monmouth has the most amazing variety of beautiful scenery
to be seen anywhere." Well, who am I to argue, they'll only make my life a misery, so I won't. But we certainly saw the variety today.... Setting off up Cwm-nant-ddu we pick our way
through the desolation left behind after the coal ran out, the ruins of pithead baths, washeries and the monument to the 180 men and boys who never came home. On the other side of
the valley are the shafts, looking like giant wishing wells. It seems I've been rushing (not like me at all) so we stop for coffee with a half-mile deep hole under us! Then we plunge into
sunlit ancient woodland, deep leaves and green moss and pre-coal charcoal burners platforms. At the top we've crossed over into the Cwm-ffrwd-oer valley and the ruins of a large farm,
house and barns, wouldn't want to here in the dark, it's got to be haunted. Out of the woods and onto the moor and lunch in the sun...
We enter the canyons, old opencast workings, quite silent, where you feel Cowboys and Indians could ambush you at any time. The walk's been pretty mud-free up to now but there's
enough here to satisfy those with withdrawal symptoms. The rock faces close in and we pass the spot where the last pit pony finished work in 1999. And out of the canyons into
farmland, fresh air, country smells, chickens, ducks and these two horses, who wanted to chat over the stable door. The bridleway becomes a country lane and seems to be very
straight, almost as if it's Roman, and indeed it is! In a remote section the original-ish cobblestones are still in place. So we end the day walking on 2000 years of history.
That's a fair few Ramblers, then.....
And today - another shaggy donkey story - 6 February 2010
Not too much mud today, in fact, quite Springlike. Clytha Castle stands proudly looking out over the Usk Valley - and Islwyn Ramblers, as they toil up the hill
towards it. Last week the snow dropped, this week there's snowdrops, big clumps and little clumps standing out amonst the dead leaves. After the last few weeks we're experts
on mud and we sail over the one pitiful excuse for a mudpatch in front of us as if it doesn't exist. And into a nice, clean field complete with an old, shaggy donkey, very friendly
and quite delighted to be given an early hot cross bun. Coed-y-bwnydd is an iron age fortress, that once contained four roundhouses, also mythically the home of the giant Clidda
but now the ideal spot for a coffee break. If this was April there would an amazing carpet of bluebells covering the whole site. We must come again...
On down the lane and across the fields to Bettws Newydd Church and its very ancient Yew trees. The 15C church itself is an absolute gem but the one Yew tree, allegedly 1000 years
old, with a new tree growing through the middle is awesome... will we still be rambling around it in another 1000yrs?? Down past a relic from the war - a crumbling pillbox - defending us
from unseen enemies and so to the riverbank. Puts me in mind of 'Wind in the Willows', the slow river lazily flowing down to Newport and - look - There I am, fast asleep, sitting outside
Trostrey Lodge, bottle of beer in hand - zzzzzzzzzzz
But Officer, we weren't doing more than 4 mph, honestly - 23 January 2010
The snow has gone but it's left very muddy and waterlogged fields and paths. We are supposed to walk around the reservoir, we might have been drier
walking through it. Undaunted, on we go with the sun beginning to shine on pretty, cottagy scenes, at least as far as a sign saying 'Bull'. Is this a comment on our conversations?
or is there something horny in the field? You go first - no, you - No, you, you're on committee.... anyway they're only cows without udders. and back to some more pretty,
cottagy scenes where the sheep come racing up to us, in the mistaken belief we're going to feed them but how did three llamas get in on the act?
At the top of the hill, the Vale of Usk spreads out below us, all swirly, misty and mysterious, gosh, I'll be getting all poetic soon.... So a good place to stop for lunch before we tackle
one of our more interesting paths, so heavily overgrown that I have to get my clippers out to stop folk taking their eyes out. And as an added obstacle, there's a full, flowing stream
rushing down the middle along with us. At least it slows us down so no chance of a speeding fine and 3 points on our Ramblers card ! The walk back up the Sor Brook to the reservoir
is more of a paddle through the low-lying fields, they should be growing rice. Those six miles felt
more like sixty...
Why is it always a Dogstone, never a Hamsterstone? - 17 January 2010
We should have gone to Capel-y-ffyn but it was likely to be worse than the Dogstone, which we should have gone to last week. The Dogstone was bad enough.
We very gingerly picked our way up the hill to the old railway to Varteg Top through ice, slush, snow and mud. At least the railway was flat but the 'Ramblers on ice' show continued
up to the farm and round behind it. The snowdrift blocking the footpath hadn't thawed at all so all we have to do is climb the bank to the clear ground above it. As if !!!!
Ramblers up, down, half way up, half way down, all in a heap. and the camera in the middle of the heap - shame! So snow in boots, socks, gloves and worse.
Closing in on the trig point I almost stood on a little mouse enjoying the weak sunshine. Luckily he scurried off into the heather before my size 9's connected. And then the Dogstone.
Poor old dog but where are all the courageous hamsters, budgies and goldfish? No-one ever erects memorials to their heroic deeds. So with views out over the Blancmange
(no, its called the Blorenge) and the Skirrid we elegantly slither back down to the beginning.
Maggie takes us to the Dorallt Inn... and it's shut - 3 January 2010
The snow and ice is still with us, not quite so severe but we avoid Darren Lane and go up past Cwm Byr farm instead.
The old oak tree has finally collapsed so here's a reminder of it in its prime-ish. We circle round Coed-y-Darren and test the weather on the Henllys ridge, not too bad, so we press on
to Henllys Colliery. Its time for break but the sheep are being fed and there's a certain covering and a certain smell, not ideal. So Maggie leads us down to the Dorallt Inn but we're too
early and it is firmly shut! The alternative of the kiddies playground seems strangely appropriate. A serious-sounding barking follows us down a fence but the owner turns out to be a
lovely old sheepdog that just wanted to walk with us. Back over Twmbarlwm and a difficult drop down to the Scenic Drive and we brave Darren Lane. Not too bad but why is it always
me that ends up on his backside?
And the judges scores are....10, 10, 10, 10 - 1 January 2010
All walks are very pleasant, some walks are "COR" but a few are Oh My Gawd - WOW!!! Today was one of those.......
We set off from Goytre Wharf, not too much snow and ice, and up through the woods with this little robin for company. The path got steadily worse and at the top of the hill
the pond was frozen. The local sheep decided to join 'Dancing on Ice', one doing a brilliant triple salko before she reached the bank.... and still upwards through the snow.
Out on top the snow was between 1ft to 2ft deep, but with a crisp frozen coating on top, just right to crumble under you and plunge you into icy, murky water underneath.
The views over the Sugar Loaf and the Skirrid were stunning, icicles hanging off the fences and the few tufts of grass encased in ice. The low sun made the landscape look as
if we were on another planet, perhaps Mars or the Moon. or trekking over the Antarctic wastes.....
Whichever direction we were heading in, the sheep were going the other way, not a good sign. But in fact it was an excellent sign!! They'd just been kicked out of the Goose and Cuckoo
for Baa-d behaviour so there was plenty of room for us to enjoy bean soup and home-made rolls. Could have stayed there all day by the roaring log fire.
However we still had to get down the steep, ice-covered lane back to the car park...... and I managed it - even if some of it was on my backside....
Have a look elsewhere in the dungeon for all the talk, the walks and and the photos from 2009...
