WITH a weather forecast that heralded rain showers clearing by mid-morning, four walkers and Ramakin the dog joined Penarth and District Ramblers leader Robin and his spaniel Pepper for a trip up to the Black Mountains and sure enough as they approached their start point at Capel-y-ffin in the pretty Vale of Ewyas, what turned out to be the last shower of the day had passed through and sunshine ruled.

Heading up past The Grange a pony trekking establishment since 1957 and upon reaching the base of the ridge outer layers of clothing were hastily removed in readiness for the climb ahead.

After slogging steeply uphill and arriving on the ridgeway, the search was on for the Blacksmith’s Anvil which is clearly marked on the OS map as a stone, but seems to be totally invisible on the ground and after unsuccessfully hunting around for a while the group gave in and settled down instead for morning coffee.

Continuing along the open ridgeway in a north westerly direction towards the cairn at Trwyn Talycefn at a height of 702 metres, the views stretched out in all directions, over the beautiful Grwyne Fawr Valley and reservoir in the south and across the stunning Vale of Ewyas and Offa’s Dyke Path running towards Hay Bluff to the north.

The ridge was boggy and much churned up in places with some patches being about 20 yards wide, so some significant detours followed and one of the group attempting to take a short cut by bog hopping, ended up with a very wet foot.

Arriving at the trig point on Rhos Dirion which always seems to be surrounded by a pool of water the wind was rising, so a place just beyond the escarpment was sought out of the breeze for lunch whilst overlooking the beautiful Wye Valley and hearing the first echoing call of the cuckoo.

During their lunch break the strength of the wind was increasing and continuing along the uneven moorland above the escarpment, another climb led up onto Twmpa or Lord Hereford’s Knob, which is situated above the Gospel Pass just to the southwest of Hay Bluff.

After drinking in the views and turning southeast along the Darren Lwyd ridgeway high above the Honddu River which flows through the Vale of Ewyas, a steep descent led back to Capel-y-ffin which translated means the Chapel at the End.

Then making their way to the Church of St Mary the Virgin which was built in 1762 on the site where it is said the Virgin Mary appeared in a vision to a Norman lady, this small immaculately kept church with its seven ancient yew trees and collection of teddy bears sitting inside on a pew, rounded off the day which everyone agreed had been a perfect day in the mountains.

On 19 May, please note the change of meeting point, meet 7pm at Penarth Clifftop car park for a 3.5-mile easy walk taking in Penarth cliff tops and Cosmeston; contact Geraint on 029 2051 5278.

On May 21, meet 9am at Cogan Leisure Centre for a nine-mile moderate walk at Henllys; contact Rachel on 01446 410545.

Alternatively on May 21 you can join part of the Vale of Glamorgan Walking Festival by meeting at 11am at Dinas Powys Village Square for a three-mile moderate walk led by Geraint on 029 2051 5278.

On May 22, please note this walk has been brought forward a week because of the Spring Bank Holiday, so meet 9am at the Barry Waterfront for an 11-mile moderate walk on South Gower taking in the Bishopston Valley; contact Joy on 01446 737131.

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