ROBIN and Pepper were joined by four walkers at Llangynidr and upon their arrival a huge rainbow arched high in the sky. Setting off in dry weather through the village to the lovely old stone six-arched bridge erected in 1700 as a link between the Usk valley and the growing industrial areas of the south Wales valleys, they scrambled along the rocky, slippery muddy pathway beside the fast flowing River Usk. Further on the pathway was completely under water, which meant a swift about turn in order to join the towpath of the Brecon and Monmouthshire canal for the journey along to the lock gates at Cwmcrawnon, where a picnic bench came in handy for an early coffee stop.

Crossing a canal bridge and climbing by quiet lane to join a bridleway at Pen-y-bailey, they continued up through fields onto the lower slopes of Tor y Foel where a strong southerly crosswind buffeted them for the whole of their climb to the summit at 551 metres, which is marked by a small cairn. Panoramic views of the Usk Valley, Brecon Beacons and the Black mountains were quickly enjoyed and to try and escape the wind, a steep underused narrow path led them downhill in a northerly direction to a lane, and joining part of the long distance Usk Valley Walk they entered fields with glorious views across the Talybont reservoir, descending past Welsh Black cattle to join part of the Brinore tramroad, which is an anglicised version of the Welsh Brynoer.

Several cyclists passed them as they continued along the rough tramroad, which in places was covered with carpets of falling autumnal leaves and as another rainbow lit up the sky, further on they stopped for lunch utilising the picnic benches in the Henry Vaughan garden. Henry Vaughan was a Welsh author, poet and physician who used herbs to make remedies for his patients and has a short walk named after him that meanders through the quiet beautiful landscape of the surrounding area, with swing posts dotted along at intervals containing excerpts of his poetry.

Lunch was cut short by a downpour of rain and after identifying some of the herbs in the garden it was time to continue to Talybont-on-Usk and crossing a stone bridge over the Brecon and Monmouth canal opposite the White Hart Inn, they turned east following the towpath towards one of the old trams that brought limestone rock down the Brynoer tramroad to a row of limekilns on the opposite bank of the canal.

Reaching the only tunnel on the canal at Ashford there is no towpath, so whilst the horses that pulled the canal boats were led over the grass above, men lying on their backs would speed the boat through the tunnel by pushing the tunnel walls with their feet which was known as ‘legging’. This tunnel is now part of the Beacons Water Trail which enables canoeists to go through as long as they carry a torch and blow a whistle to alert approaching canal boats in the darkness. Continuing beside the canal in a rain shower and passing a group of five sturdy, but sleepy rams and several canal boats on the canal and in the locks, they returned to Llangynidr and fortunately for them the heaviest rainfall of the whole day arrived as they arrived at the car park and for the journey home.

A gentle reminder to everyone that on Monday, November 3, the group will be holding its AGM from 7.30pm at the Old Library, Britway Road, Dinas Powys and all are welcome; for more information contact group chairman Robin on 029 2051 4051.

On November 1, meet 9.45am at the Barry Waterfront for an eight mile moderate walk with the theme ‘Three saints with a difference’; contact Barbara on 01446 794313.

On November 2, meet 9.30am at Cogan Leisure Centre for a 5.5 mile moderate walk from Barry Sidings north to Pontypridd, contact Jan/John on 01446 418514.

Wear suitable clothing, preferably boots and carry waterproofs, food and drinks. Some degree of fitness is required and if you are in any doubt, then please contact the walk leader for advice. To follow the group please log onto www.penarthramblers.wordpress.com. Programmes and membership advice can be obtained from Pam on 029 2025 5102.