Val and Steve and the long walk group travelled via. Libanus to the Brecon Beacons mountain centre. As always, these high places inspire those with the eyes to look. The centre is to the north west of the celebrated 3 summits and provided a gratifying panorama with just the right amount of haze and broken cloud to provide atmosphere.
The 11 who travelled north had an almost perfect day. Surplus layers were soon discarded as the excellent wide grass paths crossed unchallenging sheep runs. Then things changed and Twyn Y Gaer provided a climb which took us from just over 300m to 370. The Trig point with its Red Dragon gave all a feeling of achievement and the customary photos were snapped. This ancient hill fort illustrates the conflict once seen in this now, almost deserted, region of Wales.
The terrain thereafter could be described as moderately hilly, not mountainous. Many calories were utilised, but walkers were within their comfort zone. The countryside was bucolic, contrasting with the bleak high altitude acid moorland found to the south. The Usk valley to our right looked it’s summer best with its chequered fertile meadows.
Abandoned quarries lay between fields of livestock, then lunch was taken in a cleft in the rocks on the edge of one quarry. An isolated shower threatened the pleasure of lunch plus a gusty breeze. We were lucky, as this soon passed.
Clinging to the field boundaries we walked a level tract of land which provided further insight into the events millennia ago. The activities of the Romans were illustrated by the almost invisible Sarn Helen Roman Road where the Legions were tested in controlling the local Silures, the most formidable adversaries. The Welsh were further subjugated by the Normans in 12C, evidenced by a nearby castle motte. Recent more peaceful activity was revealed by the 2007, massive trans Wales oil pipeline. Only frequent sign posts indicated it’s existence in seemingly unspoiled grassland.
The last mile of the 7 we walked passed, and included reference to a small ancient settlement, apparently claimed by axe throwing to determine its boundaries. Thence back to the excellent Mountain Centre for the usual post walk tea and buns, taken ‘al fresco’ in pleasing sun. Thanks to Val and Steve again.