Brecon Beacons

On an Ibex walking weekend with Elizabeth, Gusta, Rod and seven others. Had some tripadation about sharing a room with five people but it was OK last night. We arrived yesterday at about lunchtime and did a couple of hours’ walk up to the Sgwd yr Eira waterfall - in thundering form as it’s rained every day here this year. Well worthy rhe walk. We went behind it and got soaked in quite a thrilling way. All very Byronesque. 

We were up and out by 9.45 this morning for a day of jumping around in bogs and mud, interspersed with some decent paths. It had snowed a bit in the night and was crunchy underfoot in places. When we got towards Pen-y-Fan there were crowds of people, all out to make the most of the fist sunny day in ages, and milling around the top. There was even a long queue to be photographed with the Pen-y-Fan National Trust sign. Lots of people with dogs. Then quite a long walk down and back to the hostel.

We saw some amazing ice formations made of ice and hoar frost. 

Ridgeway: Princes Risborough to Tring

 

My final bit of the Ridgeway today, since I’ve already walked the eastern end of it (to Ivinghoe beacon) loads of times.

To be honest, it was quite boring! Saved, to some extent, by the vibrancy of the autumn colours. Also a lot of it was hard underfoot - some road walking (not much) but mainly because the hard-packed chalk paths don’t have much give. 

Thought it would be 10 miles today. Got that a bit wrong!

Elan Valley: Pen y Garreg

  

We knew it would be raining from about 10 o’clock this morning but we walked anyway. Everything was soaked by the end, and I managed to leave without my shoes 🙄 

The dam

Glad we went, as we really got the most out of travelling all the way there - two half days and one very long day of walking. Will be good to be back in my own bed tonight, I think I have some sleep to catch up on. 

Elan Valley: Drygarn Fawr

Today was long and tough, even though only ten miles and not much ascent - the terrain was awful for large stretches. We weren’t on a path and we had to make our way through bogs, trying to leap from tussock to tussock and never quite sure of our footing as our legs disappeared into the long grasses. Lucky to emerge with intact knees and ankles! My feet got wet as I was wearing my trail runners, but fortunately they stayed warm enough regardless. We also had very strong and chilling wind at around lunchtime. All in all it was a challenging but rewarding day. When we got back we had tea and then a drink, then a three-course dinner prepared by various members of the group, then a jolly chat around the table. Convivial. All nice people.

Stunning scenery today - great autumn colours!

Elan Valley: Caban Coch reservoir

 

Slept at Elizabeth’s last night and she, Jo and I set off at about 9 for Rhayader. Arrived at 1.30 and met Gusta at the Elan Valley Visitor Centre. Had a fab walk around the Caban Coch reservoir and its wonderful Victorian dams. Weather very good, barely any wind and not cold. 

The hillsides are auburn with autumn bracken and ferns, and there was birdsong galore. Very lovely walk. Back to the bunkhouse, and we met the rest of the group and had a good dinner at The Crown pub. Walk tomorrow is nothing arduous compared with our recent exploits - 11 or so miles, only 1500 feet of ascent. Piece of piss!

GAS: Campo Vecchio to Visso

 

A mere hop, skip and a jump to Visso today. A long, hard climb followed by a fairly gentle but rocky walk down into the town. Absolutely beautiful weather, clear sunlight threading through the trees and a deep blue sky. 

We stopped briefly at the bakery and then we were off, with Liz valiantly driving g us all the way back to, and around, Rome to the car hire place. Slightly delayed flight back, and am now on the Stansted Express, which now seems to be operating normally again, following disruption due to Storm Amy which swept across the UK yesterday and this morning. 

Had a brilliant week and it was sad to say goodbye to everyone, but if I go to Wales in a couple of weeks’ time we will all be seeing g each other again soon. 

GAS: Colle le Cese to Campo Vecchio

 

 A very hard day today - my legs felt heavy and it was hard even to walk on the level. There was a lot of uneven ground and steep downwards slopes covered in scree. My knees were getting quite unhappy, following on from yesterday. I was really glad when we arrived. It was wonderful sunshine today but very cold, with an icy strong wind most of the day. We saw other walkers for the first time this week - two separate couples. We were very relieved it wasn’t raining!

Portakabin behind us

On leaving our portakabin, we saw this big flock of sheep being herded by six sheepdogs

Lunch

The place we’re staying in tonight is lovely, feels like a castle. Had a go in the sauna on arrival! We played cards and had a good last dinner together, although the food wasn’t as good as at La Citadella. There are others here, an Italian walking group, so dinner was lively.