Skirrid Fawr

First day of a week's holiday and we've decided to take Bonnie up Skirrid Fawr in the Black Mountains. The main aim being to see how well Bonnie coped with a mountain, albeit on a much smaller scale.

We arrived at the National Trust Car Park at the Southern end of Skirrid Fawr with slightly overcast skies and a fresh breeze, perfect walking weather. Being a week day it was also very quiet, save for the occasional dog walker.

The walk is very easy to navigate, following a well constructed footpath and signs through the woods on the lower slopes, climbing steeply up onto the ridge of Skirrid Fawr. The ridge is then followed climbing gradually up onto the highest point at the Northern end, where the remains of an old chapel can be found. 

Being a single peak, Skirrid Fawr affords excellent 360 degree panoramic views. On our walk we could see across to Pen Y Fan in the West and the Severn Estuary in the East.

Bonnie coped remarkably well with the walk, although she scoffed her body weight in sheep poop along the way. She's such a dirty dog.

We stopped at the top for the obligatory photos and rest, and then made our way back down to the car park.

Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail

The weather has finally cooled enough to get Bonnie out and about exploring. Over the weekend we went to the Forest Of Dean Sculpture Trail. Not just some exercise for Bonnie, but some culture too. The route is too complicated to explain, but route maps can be bought for £1 at the Forestry Commission cafe at Beechenhurst Lodge. The trail itself is about 5 miles long, allowing for finding the sculptures and walking around them. Bonnie had a great time exploring, even bumping into wildlife in the form of deer and an unknown beast  we suspect was a bore hidden in the bushes.

The paths around the trail are well maintained and signposted.

Penallt and Millstone Country - 18th June

Having been frustrated recently with my lack of walking, be it through lack of time or lack of motivation, I finally got my rotund self moving on the hottest day of the year. It was too hot for Bonnie so she sat this one out at home. I picked this walk out of my latest version of the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Pathfinder guide. If anyone has got it, this was route 4. 4 1/2 miles in distance.

I decided to pack light. Phone, book and camelbak.

The walk starts at the pay and display car park in Redbrook. Parking is £1.60 all day at time of writing. Setting off from the car park in the direction of the sports field (south) and heading for The Boat pub. (Yes, that's right, a walk that starts with heading for a pub!) Searching out and finding the footbridge across the River Wye to the pub, I was treated to the most beautiful views up and down the Wye Valley. The bridge sits about 15 metres above river level and once carried the Wye Valley rail line between Chepstow and Monmouth before closing in 1964.

After crossing the bridge, turn right and pass in front of The Boat pub. On nice weather days the pub can heave, with customers sat all along the river bank enjoying refreshments. Continue walking along the road until you reach a gate slightly off to the right and signposted to Monmouth. Go through and walk through meadow after meadow alongside the River Wye. In summer the vegetation can be very overgrown so trousers are recommended (I got stung and bitten a few times). Eventually, you'll enter Washing's Wood. Keep a look out for a signposted path on the left, heading uphill. Take the path uphill, turning right at the next 2 junctions. This will bring you onto a narrow tarmac lane, still continuing uphill, but more steeply. Near the top as the gradient starts to level, you'll reach The Old Church at Penallt on the right. Small, peaceful and scenic.

With your back to the church, set off straight ahead and slightly uphill. Shortly after, you pass Church Hill Common, opposite which are some stunning views across the Wye Valley to Gloucestershire. As the road bends round to the right, on the left you will find the Cross Dermond Coffin Stone. Coffins were set upon this to allow pall bearers a rest on the way to church for burial.

From the Coffin Stone, continue along the tarmac lane until you pass a turning on the left. Continue straight on and shortly after take a stile on the left into a small wood. Follow the woodland path to another stile set in a stone wall. Cross this and head straight across the small enclosure towards a gate. Turn right in front of the gate (there's a yellow footpath sign high up in one of the trees) and head along the enclosure perimeter to another stile that crosses onto a tarmac lane.

Turning left along the lane pass a newly constructed house on the left before taking a bridleway on the right signed to Pen Y Garn and Pen-twyn.

Continue along this, looking out for a stile on the left that leads into a field. Continue across the field keeping the hedged boundary on your left and proceed through a gap into the next field. Continue across this as before, keeping the boundary on your left to cross a stile into a hedged path. Follow this onto open heathland, heading towards a property on the right. The lane heads behind this property on the right to cross a stile onto a tarmac lane. 

Turn immediately left, then right at the junction, then left down a lane towards The Inn at Penallt . A lovely village pub that serves excellent food.

Looking towards the pub car park entrance, take a grass track off to the right passing to the right of Pen-twyn cottage.

Follow this to meet another tarmac lane and turn left, heading down hill for 3/4 of a mile. Keep a look out on the right for a new allotment slightly uphill from an old barn building with a totem pole (yes a totem pole). Mid distance along the lane between the allotment and house is a gravel track signposted to the River Wye. Take this and follow it down beside a wood store and through a gate leading to a stepped, down hill path. At the bottom you have 2 options. Either proceed straight ahead through a gate to the river bank, and turn left following the path back to The Boat or you can turn immediately left  and follow the old railway track bed back to The Boat. Both meet at the same place, the only difference being view and terrain. On this occasion I took the riverside view.

Once back at The Boat, you just cross the footbridge back to the car park. An enjoyable and mildy challenging walk, but with some outstanding scenic views and 2 cracking country pubs.

Bonnie needs some miles

With the challenge walks now out of the way, I'll be aiming to get young Bonnie out and about, exploring the Welsh countryside. The little monkey, adorable as she is, has a disgusting appetitite for animal muck. Rabbit, cow, sheep, you name it, she's probably munched on it.

While I have some ideas on where to take her,  I am open to suggestions from other dog owners as to where the good walks with dogs are, so please do get in touch.

Progress update - It's been too long!!

So, it has been a good few months since my last update, which is really very slack of me.

On Saturday 13th May I undertook, and completed, the Big Black Mountains Challenge (BBMC) Route B. This route was 32km in distance and consisted of 2 steep climbs and 2 long ridge walks, which was simple enough for navigating.

Arriving on the day, the sky was overcast, but it wasn't cold. Soon after starting the course during the first climb, the rain started. Light and drizzly to start with, gradually getting heavier the higher I got. At the top of the first climb the wind strength was immense. To make things worse, it was blowing across the first ridge. That 10 mile stretch was awful, driving rain being blown at force into me, was similar to hail.

Thankfully the rain broke at the end of the first ridge for about 30 minutes, before promptly letting rip again on the descent from Lord Hereford's Knob (yes, there really is a hill by that name!). This time it was a short shower and had pretty much dissipated by the time I started the climb up Hay Bluff.

Reaching the top of Hay Bluff and then heading South, the weather improved all the time. The wind died, the skies cleared and Llanthony Priory was bathed in sunshine by the time I returned to the start 7 hours after starting. My feet had blistered (I really do need some new boots), but I felt good. I scoffed no end of cake in the tent at the end.

Black Dragon Challenge Walk - Saturday 8th April

The second of my challenge walks for the year was the Balck Dragon Challenge Walk. 25 miles and approximately 7,000ft of climbing (route details here). The weather on the day was clear and sunny with not even a hint of a breeze. I also had a companion for this walk. Faye, who'd I met on the South Wales 3 Peaks Trial, had also entered.

Having registered at Crickhowell High School, we set off at the 8am start time. A little bit unnecessary I felt, seeing as those who had registered when registration opened at 7am were then hanging around instead of making progress in the cooler conditions.

The first 5 miles was a gradual climb up to the summit of Crug Mawr, half on road and half footpath. the going was relatively straightforward and the cool conditions were well received. We made the summit of Crug Mawr in 90 minutes. Not bad going I thought!

On the climb upto Crug Mawr

Looking across to Table Mountain and Pen Cerrig-calch. To be tackled in the last 5 miles

Having made the checkpoint at Crug Mawr, the next checkpoint was 5 miles north along the ridge to Waun Fach. Along the way we'd take in the peaks of Pen Twyn Mawr and Pen Y Gadair Fawr. The going was a bit tougher underfoot. The ground was cut up and boggy in places, but we still felt like we were making good time. That said we were seeing noticeably less people than in the first 5 miles.

After waht seemed like an eternity, we finally reached the checkpoint at Waun Fach. We stopped to have a quick lunch before the descent to Pengenffordd. Anyone who has been to the summit of Waun Fach will tell you its a barren, awful place. It has been restored and managed in recent years, removing the need to bog hop from grass tuft to grass tuft, although the crater from where the Trig Point used to be still remains.

We took to the new footpath off Waun Fach, heading via Pen Trumau instead of Y Grib. This would save us about half a mile in distance and be and easier descent.

About halfway down to Pengenffordd it became noticeably warmer. We were out of the breeze and could now feel the sun that had been beating down on us the entire time. It was unbearable and couldn't have come at a worse time.

The highest points in the Black Mountains, Waun Fach and Pen Y Gadair Fawr

Looking South from Pen Trumau

We arrived at Pengenffordd hot, red and sweaty. I was out of water so was glad to be able to refill. It was then we were informed we had 2 hours to make the next 3 checkpoints. That was a kick in the proverbial! The first 2 were atop the peaks of Mynydd Troed and Mynydd Llangorse!!

Having filled up with water, we made hastily for Mynydd Troed. Then it happened. I hit the wall at the worst possible time. Halfway into the climb up Mynydd Troed's northern ridge. It wasn't a tough or long climb, but having already banked 14 miles on my legs under the heat of the sun I was out of energy. My heart rate soared to 180bpm as I struggled my way, step-by-step, up the ridge. All the time Faye was encouraging me, moving ahead to keep me motivated.

After what seemed like hours (but was less than 30 minutes) we reached the Trig Point marked with red welsh dragons. That left 90 minutes to make it to the summit of Mynydd Llangorse and then the road checkpoint at Pentre. 

I was having a realisation. We weren't going to make it (well I wasn't). I was spent, my legs were heavy and felt empty, and I could feel the sun burn on my neck (how I forgot to put lotion on there of all places I'll never know) and the heat of the day had got me. I talked options with Faye. Even if we did by some chance make it in time, we still would have to climb Pen Allt-Mawr inside the last 5 miles and I didn't have the energy in me. The guy on the checkpoint mentioned that we could make a decision at the bottom of the saddle between Mynydd Troed and Mynydd Llangorse as the road the checkpoint was on ran right through our path.

We set off down hill and it was steep. I was struggling to control my legs and locked my knees out on a few occasions. This was one challenge walk that lived up to its name as a 'challenge'. Upon making the road I was honest with Faye. I was not going to make it up and down again in the time needed, and I wasn't going to attempt it and risk putting myself in difficulty. Faye agreed. We'd given it a good shot, but the Black Dragon had beaten us, me for a second time. We turned left along the road and set off on the final 2 miles of our day towards the checkpoint and a lift home. 

View from Mynydd Troed over Llangors Lake and towards Pen Y Fan

Upon reaching the checkpoint, I was surprised by how many people had dropped out. The heat had obviously caught a lot of people out, and thankfully people made honest decisions to remove themselves from trouble, me included.

After 18 miles and 4,000ft of ascent, Faye and I were pleased to take a seat in the shade and wait for a lift. It had been a good effort, but a challenge much tougher than any I have undertaken. I may not have completed the challenge, I may never, but I did exhaust myself trying, and still managed 18 miles towards my 1000 mile target. 

South Wales 3 Peaks Trial - Gold Route

Arriving at the Abergavenny St John's Hall on Saturday morning, I was feeling a little fearful about my chances of completing the full 20 miles ahead of me, due to the problems I'd been having with my knee. Those fears were completely unfounded 10 hours later when I returned to the hall to register my completion of the distance. Full route details here.

The weather on the day was fantastic, clear and sunny, but not too warm. Great conditions for the hike ahead. I was, however, doing this one solo. My four legged companion not able to join me due to  the full swing of lambing season in the Black Mountains. I got my boots on, checked in and set off. First stop was Blorenge. Standing at 561m, this would be the second highest climb of the day, yet it was to be undertaken inside the first 3 miles of the challenge. Not a lot of time to get into a rhythm and break the legs in.

This was to prove a tough climb, having to tackle the Blorenge North face, climbing to the left side of the punch bowl. It was very steep and the going underfoot was slippery, but all the walkers were having the same fun. I made it to the summit just past the 1 hour mark of the challenge. I stopped briefly to take a photo and grab a snack then set off West down hill.

On the way down, I found myself walking behind a group from Pontypool. I couldn't help but laugh at some of the banter in the group and started chatting. After that we stayed together for the rest of the walk. I think joining with them actually got me round the course as I think I may have struggled on my own, especially with underlying concerns about the old knees. They were great and I can't thank them enough for letting me join them.

The descent from Blorenge was pretty straight forward, if a bit slippy. We descended to the village of Govilon and picked up the Monmouthsire and Brecon Canal path following it all the way into Gilwern.

We were making good time and stopped for a food and toilet break. Stomachs full and bladders emptied we then set off for the next checkpoint at Glangrwyney Bridge. A few miles before the checkpoint there was a cake stall, a big one. How could we refuse. Chocolate, Lemon Drizzle, Victoria Sponge, so many to choose from, and with tea and coffee to wash it down with. After a brief stop we carried on towards Glangrwyney Bridge where we filled up with water and I made an essential sock change.

View from the Blorenge, looking towards Sugarloaf on the left and Skirrid Fawr on the right.

 

View of Sugarloaf summit climbing the plateau.

The next checkpoint was the summit of Sugarloaf, at 596m, our highest point of the day. Although high, the climb was gradual and phased, unlike the all in one steep ascent of Blorenge earlier in the day. Climbing onto the plateau gave an impressive view and close look at the summit. This was the point that the participants on the 3 other routes converged with the Gold Route, creating a pedestrain rush hour. Ascending the peak it was noticeably windy, but the sunny conditions allowed for some fantastic pictures and views of the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons.

Group photo on Sugarloaf.

We'd now climbed 2 out of 3 peaks and covered half the distance for the day. The next checkpoint was The Crown pub at Panygelli. We duly stopped and took on refreshments following our descent from Sugarloaf, and another change of socks for me. 

Tearing ourselves away from the delightful confines of the pub, we began the next stretch towards Skirrid Fawr. This was relatively straightforward and easy, crossing field tracks and utilising lanes to reach the checkpoint at the bottom of Skirrid Fawr. At 486m, Skirrid Fawr was the smallest of the days climbs, but by no means easy. The route of the walk meant we had to climb the steep northern face. Although this was a short distance, the climb was very steep and after 15+ miles in the legs it was not looked forward too. The consensus was to get it over with, last climb of the day and all that. It was tough and it hurt, but after what seemed an age we made it to the summit and our last checkpoint before the finish. It was the windiest of the 3 peaks we'd visited that day, no doubt due to the isolated nature of Skirrid Fawr and it's unshielded sides.

 View from Skirrid Fawr looking North-West.

Selfie on Skirrid Fawr. A very tired face.

360 degree panoramic from Skirrid Fawr

All that was left to do now was get down off Skirrid Fawr and back to Abergavenny. This was a relatively uneventful stretch of the walk, following roads back to the start point. This provided some relief to the legs, but not to our feet, which were now starting to burn. 45 minutes later we walked into the St Johns Hall to collect our certificates for completing the challenge and our tokens for well earned teas and biscuits. I would like to thank the Pontypool group - Fay, Pip, Lucy, Stacey, Craig, Sam and Emma for letting me tag along with them and making me laugh all the way back.

Hopefully this will raise some money for FOND.

Training Update 23rd March 2017

It's been a couple of months since my last posting, which is pretty slack by any standard. My training for the upcoming challenge walks and 1000 miles target have been hampered by a knee problem. Having seen both physio and doctor, and with a course of anti-inflammatory drugs and strengthening exercises, I may now be getting back on track.

This week I've taken a few days off to squeeze in some practice walks. One, to check how the knee holds up and two, to check that I'm fit enough. I am, thankfully!! I've managed 15 miles over the course of 2 days, with a bit of tension and discomfort from the knee during hilly descents, but I can live with that. The main aim is to keep on track and complete the challenges. Times are irrelevant with such little preparation.

Next up is the South Wales 3 Peaks Gold route on Saturday 25th March. 20 miles of the best Black Mountains walking to be found, taking in Blorenge, Sugarloaf and Skirrid Fawr along the way. Best of all, the weather forecast is favourable.

Wish me luck!!

The diifcult second post - TR Monmouth Dog Walk

It's been a few weeks since my first post, published in the wave of enthusiasm following New Year. That was very slack of me and I must get into the habit of writing up quickly and keeping my progress log up to date.

So here it is, the difficult second post, my short trip report of my regular dog walking route around Monmouth.

Setting off mid morning from the Rockfield estate in Monmouth Nic, Bonnie and I set off along Rockfield Road towards the mini roundabout junction with Watery Lane. It's cold and frosty, a proper wintery day. In the the winter sunshine we walk past the old chicken sheds along the Vauxhall Army Camp access road, which provide stunning panoramic views across Vauxhall Fields towards Monmouth Town Centre. The remains of Monmouth Castle and the spire of St Mary's Church prominent on the landscape.

Taking a 360 degree look around from this spot, you quickly realise Monmouth is a town surrounded by hills. All around in every direction the landscape rises.

We continue walking along the army access road thorugh the middle of Vauxhall Fields, turning left uphill just after passing through the gate. From here you can see across to the old buildings of Monmouth Girls School perched on one of the hills. Further up the road in the same direction is an Inglis Bridge used to span the River Monnow. The bridge was constructed by the army in 1931 and still carries vehicles today.

Continuing uphill, you soon pass the army camp, home to the Royal Monmoutshire Royal Engineers, the only army reserve regiment to feature the word 'Royal' twice in their name.

Continue walking along the road, across the common, passing through a gate by a cattle grid to join Ancre Hill Lane. Follow the lane gradually uphill for about 100 yards where it soon becomes part of the Monnow Valley Walk. The Monnow Valley Walk is approximately 40 miles long and follows the course of the River Monnow from the mouth at Monmouth to the source just South of and below Hay Bluff in the Black Mountains. At the top of the hill you can see Long Hill and Caxton Tower across to the South. Caxton Tower was once a hunting lodge but is now a privately owned residence.

Continue to follow the lane until you rejoin Rockfield Road. Cross the road and turn left, ignoring the footbridge directly in front of you. Continue along the road before turning left on a disuesd construction road. This rises slightly uphill before descending gently. On the right you will see a large house belonging to the Ward Estate.

Continue along the track until you reach a vehicle turning area, and head diagonally left through a gap in the hedge. Turn immediately right walking paralell to the hedgerow on your right. Cross the farm track and then the footbridge across a small brook. Turn left here to pick up the Offa's Dyke Path. 

After 50 yards, pass through the gate and follow watery lane back to the Rockfield estate. From here you can continue to follow Offa'S Dyke Path back to the Town Centre or in my case find your way back home.

A nice walk on a nice day and 3.6 miles off my 1000 miles target.