Far-reaching views between the showers
THE third weekend of May saw 43 members of East Cheshire Ramblers making their way through scenic mid-Wales to Brecon – a first for many.
The historic town of Brecon is ideally placed for exploring the Brecon Beacons, which include the highest mountains in south Wales rising just shy of 3,000 feet.
Staying in a variety of accommodation, many met up at the Brecon Tap for a pie supper on the Friday night.
This newish venture run by the local brewery has an excellent range of beers and very good pies, so no wonder it is the number one place to eat locally on TripAdvisor.
Saturday was a day with some very heavy showers but the group divided into three parties and enjoyed splendid views between the downpours.
The shorter group concentrated on the area around the Mountain Centre, whereas the medium walkers tackled Fan Frynych heading over towards Fan Fawr and returning via the Storey Arms. The long walkers achieved the main four tops including Pen-y-Fan before descending back to Brecon down a splendid spur and many field paths. The group gathered for an evening meal in the grand ballroom of the Castle Hotel overlooking the River Usk.
Sunday dawned bright and much sunnier. All groups walked from Talybont in the Usk Valley, enjoying the canalside walk, Brinore Tramway and pausing to read many interpretation boards en route. The medium walkers had good views from the nearby hill called Tor y Foel, while the long walking group toiled up Allt Lwyd to be rewarded with fine distance views as far as the Bristol Channel and Long Mynd.
Ridge walks allowed for extended enjoyment of the views before descending back to Tal-y-bont through forest.
The café proved a very welcome finish to a successful weekend.
For more details of East Cheshire Ramblers’ programme of weekend and midweek walks ranging from four to 15 miles in length, go to ramblerseastcheshire. org.uk.