Llyn Y Fan Fach in the Brecon Beacons
Thursday, October 06, 2016
I'd love to tell you about the ridge walk we took around the mountains, looking down at Llyn Y Fan Fach, but I can't because it didn't work out. A couple of weeks back we planned a good long walk around the reservoir; the day itself dawned with a heck of a wind. The cottage where we were staying was only a few miles away as the crow flies but by road it was a much more long winded route up narrow and steep roads, with virtually no indication of being on the right route. There was an official car park but the track to it was bumpy. As we'd got up so early we were quite alone in the middle of nowhere for a while. It takes a long long to lace up my boots properly and for someone else to decide where the start of the path is... and exactly where we are in relation to a leaflet...
In a small alteration to the plan we decided to walk the planned route in reverse as that track was unmissable so made much more sense. We set off up a steady ascent towards what turned out to be a trout farm, then up to the reservoir. The path up looked worse than it was, however the wind was incredibly strong at the top and made me want to hit the deck and stay there.
I did mention I wore this shirt for half of the holiday. But it's just so suitable for everything.
This was the view from the top. It was interesting, though I was horrified to see how close the path was to the cliff edge. At this point I want to make it clear that I didn't immediately call a halt to proceedings; though we did linger for a few pictures before C tactfully invited me to deliberate if I wanted to continue. Considering I was being buffeted with quite some force and the route of the path it was only ever going to be a no. So back down we went.
The views were a real treat. Landscape of course was stunning, but the birds were a wonder. Red kites soared in circles. We don't have many red kites in Norfolk so seeing so many was a luxury. This was probably the best of the shots I attempted.
In the picture above, you can see some of the sheep tracks. We followed one over the bumpier brown area at the base of the mountain. We went round, kept going round (expecting to see the second reservoir) and after seeing nothing but more mountains, decided to head back to base.
Two figures atop the mounain, where we would have walked. So close to the edge! NO THANK YOU!
At lunchtime we did prop ourselves up for a picnic on a large rock. It's so satisfying to eat when you've worked up a real appetite.
In all, our walk lasted around 6.5 miles and to me, wasn't really a second best. Many other people did go up to the clifftop path but it really didn't appeal to me, even if it was a still day.
Everyone is different, but I do enjoy a good walk without any drama.
Sophie
In a small alteration to the plan we decided to walk the planned route in reverse as that track was unmissable so made much more sense. We set off up a steady ascent towards what turned out to be a trout farm, then up to the reservoir. The path up looked worse than it was, however the wind was incredibly strong at the top and made me want to hit the deck and stay there.
I did mention I wore this shirt for half of the holiday. But it's just so suitable for everything.
This was the view from the top. It was interesting, though I was horrified to see how close the path was to the cliff edge. At this point I want to make it clear that I didn't immediately call a halt to proceedings; though we did linger for a few pictures before C tactfully invited me to deliberate if I wanted to continue. Considering I was being buffeted with quite some force and the route of the path it was only ever going to be a no. So back down we went.
The path along the base of the 'mountains' was pleasant mostly. We did make our own route in some parts as I didn't want to start going near any edges, nor get wet feet.
The views were a real treat. Landscape of course was stunning, but the birds were a wonder. Red kites soared in circles. We don't have many red kites in Norfolk so seeing so many was a luxury. This was probably the best of the shots I attempted.
In the picture above, you can see some of the sheep tracks. We followed one over the bumpier brown area at the base of the mountain. We went round, kept going round (expecting to see the second reservoir) and after seeing nothing but more mountains, decided to head back to base.
Two figures atop the mounain, where we would have walked. So close to the edge! NO THANK YOU!
At lunchtime we did prop ourselves up for a picnic on a large rock. It's so satisfying to eat when you've worked up a real appetite.
In all, our walk lasted around 6.5 miles and to me, wasn't really a second best. Many other people did go up to the clifftop path but it really didn't appeal to me, even if it was a still day.
Everyone is different, but I do enjoy a good walk without any drama.
Sophie
4 comments