Meet Report: 15-17 July 2022.

12 members came to the Star Bunkhouse in Bwlch, South Wales to walk part of the Beacons Way. The weather was really good although it did get hotter during the weekend. Michael and Helen arrived at Bwlch early on Friday and decided to make life easier for themselves on Saturday by completing the final third of the walk a day early. They parked the car near the small village of Llanbedr and set off via Table Mountain back towards the bunkhouse at Bwlch. Walking conditions were pleasant although a fresh breeze made it quite cool on the higher, more exposed tops. The views were superb. With 6 km of the Beacons Way to go they treated themselves to a full Welsh breakfast at a cafe in Cwmdu. Thus, fortified, they did a ‘bit extra’ and added the top of Pen Tir on their way back to the bunkhouse.

On account of several members not arriving until nearly 11.00pm on Friday evening there was not too much enthusiasm for a crack of dawn start. But by 6.35 am eight members had been dropped off at the Skirrid car park by Tim and John. That was the last Michael and Helen saw of several who set off at a cracking pace. By clambering down off the steep end of the Skirrid, they did catch up with Barbara and Fliss who had been joined by Martyn and Dan – who had been dropped off a bit later and nearer by Tim. All six walked together until reaching the priory at Llanthony – a beautiful spot – where Michael, Helen and Fliss managed to lose the others whilst visiting the tea rooms.

It became very hot during the afternoon and the climb out of the village to Bal Bach was taxing. The final climb up to Crug Mawr seemed endless in the increasing heat. However, it was all downhill from there and the prospect of reaching the Red Lion at Llanbedr provided some incentive – a total of 33 km and 10½ hours. After a quick drink in the pub, Michael and Helen collected the car and drove down to Crickhowell to pick up Fiona and Dave. Helen, after a refreshing cup of tea at the bunkhouse, went back to the Red Lion to pick up Martyn, Barbara and Dan. Mike Gregg had made his way into Crickhowell and managed to catch the bus back to Bwlch, and the bunkhouse.

John was dropped in Crickhowell from where he walked the 20km back to Bwlch, taking in Table Mountain where he walked up with 2 Americans who had only just arrived in the country. They hoped to be traveling here for the next 3 months and were grateful for the company and the navigation! The walk was great with some impressive views of the Brecon Beacons and with lots of stonechats singing in the bracken.

Tim assumed the responsibilities of dog sitter. He and Bailey completed a 5 mile circuit around the local area, much enlivened by a convenient swimming hole half way round. (for Bailey, not her minder).

Hats off to Richard Smith though who walked the whole distance. In the hot conditions this was no mean feat.

A profile of the route gives some idea of the difficulty in mid 30 degree temperatures.

Tim provided a good meal for all the tired walkers on Saturday night and we were all in bed early after our long day. 

On Sunday Michael, Helen, Richard, Fliss, Fiona and Dave did a circular 4 km walk along the Usk where Fiona and Bailey went for a swim – some had a paddle. Then Michael and Helen drove along the old Ross Road from Abergavenny stopping for coffee, cake and castle viewing at Skenfrith.

Tim and John walked down to the river, this was really busy with swimmers cooling off in the shallows. After a cup of coffee in the café  John walked further along the Usk and Tim made his way back to the Bunkhouse.

It was a great weekend and everyone achieved what they set out to do in really warm and dry conditions.

Present: Tim Josephy; Mike Smith; Helen Smith; Barbara Salmon; Richard Smith; Fliss Roberts, Martyn Trasler; Dan Curtiss; Fiona Booker-Smith; David Booker-Smith; Mike Gregg; John Brown.