ON AN overcast morning a group of 10 walkers joined Penarth and District Ramblers leader Clive for a 10-mile walk taking in Fan Fawr and Fan Frynach in the Brecon Beacons.

The walk began from the Storey Arms car park which sits above the beautiful Glyn Tarell valley and whose name derives from a coaching inn which stood nearby that was abandoned in the latter 1890’s following the construction of the Beacons reservoir.

Leaving the car park and heading south beside the busy A470 towards Pont ar Daf before joining part of the long distance Taff Trail, a path on open moorland led behind the Beacons reservoir.

During the latter part of the 19th century as Cardiff and Swansea grew because of industry the need for water intensified and as the Taf Fawr rises on the slopes of Corn Du and heads down Cwm Taf to Merthyr Tydfil, the Taf Fawr valley became a perfect site for new reservoirs.

There are three situated in a line, with Cantref, the centre one being started in 1886 and taking six years to complete, followed by the opening of the Beacons reservoir in 1897 at the northern head, which holds 160 million gallons of water and Llwyn-on in the south at the bottom, taking 16 years to complete after being started in 1926.

Passing through a wooded area before a short stretch of road walking led back onto open moorland at the base of Fan Fawr and beginning the climb at a steady pace, with frequent stops and eventually arriving at the summit of Fan Fawr, which stands at 734m and is marked by a stone cairn, a stop for morning break whilst gazing at the lovely view across the valley to Corn Du and Pen y Fan.

Whilst packing up in preparation for continuing the walk, a lone female walker from Exeter was passing by and following a short conversation during which the route that would be taken by the group and the expected finishing time was discussed, she readily agreed to join the rest of the walk, so the 11 became 12.

Heading slightly southwest along the plateau back to the trig point which unusually sits at the lower height of 715m before turning north and following the contours of Fan Fawr whilst losing height gradually, with improving weather the views extended across the Dringarth valley towards the great humps of Fan Dringarth and Fan Llia to the west. Crossing open moorland their intended target of Fan Frynach grew closer and reaching the trig point situated at 629m a stop for lunch.

Continuing northward and upon reaching a gate, the route turned south and slowly losing height the rough undulating path led them downhill back to the A470 to cross the road with great care.

Heading steeply downhill through a field in the pretty Glyn Tarell valley and crossing a footbridge over the Afon Tarell, a short climb led up to the old drover’s road to Brecon, which is now part of the Taff Trail and led the group back to their start point at the Storey Arms where their visitor took her leave.

Then on the homeward journey a brief stop at the Nant Ddu Hotel for a refreshing drink and a chat to wind down after a great day.

Please note the change to the programme on July 2, meet 9am at Penarth clifftop car park for a nine-mile moderate walk with lunch on Sully Island; contact Joy on 01446 737131.

On July 7, the evening walk will leave Dinas Powys village square at 7pm for a four-mile easy walk taking in the Salmon Leaps; contact Sue J on 029 2070 2901.

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.