FOUR ramblers joined Liz for a walk in the most easterly part of the Black Mountains beginning from a small picnic site at the base of Crib y Garth or the Cat’s Back, which derived its name from the fact that being viewed from an easterly direction the mountain appears to be the shape of the back of a hunched sitting cat.

Following the obvious track steeply uphill via a series of rocky steps quite unlike anything else within the Brecon Beacons National Park, upon reaching the ridgeway they followed it as it became sharper and narrower.

The weather was fine and clear, ideal walking weather except for a strong breeze and stunning views were to be had all around, towards Hatterrall Hill which would be their return route, the Brecon Beacons and Bristol Channel to the south and away on the eastern horizon the Malvern Hills.

The rocky path continued upwards levelling out after a while and reaching the trig point on Black Hill at 640 metres it was time for a brief stop and rest for a morning cuppa.

Continuing in a north-westerly direction along the ridge and joining part of Offa’s Dyke Path, they eventually reached Hay Bluff where even more glorious views, this time of the lovely Wye Valley towards Hay-on-Wye and Glasbury were spread out before them.

Finding the wind a little sharp for comfort a warm and sheltered spot was located for a picnic lunch whilst enjoying the views.

Retracing their steps back onto Offa’s Dyke, originally built by King Offa in the eighth century to defend his kingdom of Mercia from the marauding Welsh as an earthwork with the ditch on the Welsh side and running for 177 miles from Prestatyn down to Chepstow, a well-defined path led them in a southerly direction. This route often muddy in places has been much improved for walkers with large slabs of rock laid down in many sections and passing a group of mountain ponies straddling the path, they paused to watch cute young foals snuggling up to their mothers.

At a signpost that resembled a tombstone above the Olchen valley, finally Offa’s Dyke Path was left behind and making their way in a zig zag fashion the path led steeply downhill to the valley floor. This valley featured in a book entitled Resistance by local author Owen Sheers, telling the fictitious story of a failed D-Day landing, after which half of Britain was occupied by the German forces and a group of farm women, abandoned by their husbands that were forced to endure a harsh winter alongside the occupying army in the Olchen valley and which was later made into a film.

This valley is also an Area of Special Scientific Interest because there is no light pollution so it is a fantastic place for star gazing and is the reason why the Brecon Beacons National Park has become only the fifth place in the world to be granted international Dark Sky status. Following the road for a short distance before crossing a stile, a waymarked route led them back across the Olchon Brook for the last steep climb back to the start.

It is always hard to lose an old friend and they say a fond farewell to Derek Smith who died on July 10. Derek was originally a member of Cardiff Ramblers but along with his wife Nina became one of the founder members of the Penarth group back in 1993 serving on the committee, leading walks and doing a brilliant job as the group’s first countryside officer. The group will always be indebted to him for his support and input and their thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

On July 25, meet 9am at Cogan Leisure Centre for a 13-mile mod/hard walk taking in Vaynor and the Llwyn-on reservoir; contact Geraint on 029 2051 5278.

On July 30, meet 7pm at All Saints Church, Park Road Barry for a four-mile moderate walk in the Porthkerry area; contact Val W on 01446 734925.

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 log onto penarthramblers.wordpress.com. Programmes and membership advice can be obtained from Pam on 029 2025 5102.