ON a crisp and sunny autumnal morning a group of seven keen walkers joined Robin and Pepper from Penarth and District Ramblers for a trip up to the Black Mountains and arriving at the small parking area beside the road which was already full, a search to find alternative parking ensued.

Fortunately a lady from a nearby farm solved the problem quickly when in return for a donation to her local church which she was en route to, it would permit them parking space safely within the farmyard.

To the accompaniment of barking farm dogs which did not deter Pepper in the slightest, the group set off climbing gradually to 451 metres above sea level and the site of Crug Hywel or Hywel’s Mound, which is nicknamed Table Mountain because of its flat shape which gives the appearance of having slid down the mountainside on the southern flank of Pen Cerrig-calch.

The summit contains the Iron Age hill fort which has a defensive ditch cut into the rock and finding shelter from the cool north easterly wind, it made the perfect place to pause for a brief coffee break with its glorious views over Crickhowell in the valley below and towards Sugar Loaf Mountain in the east.

A further steep climb past the spring on Trwyn Ysgwrfa, or the promontory of scouring or lathering, led up to the summit of Pen Cerrig-calch or limestone top, which is marked by a trig point at 701 metres with its brilliant views of Sugar Loaf and Ysgyryd Fawr, Pen y Gadair, Waun Fach, Pen y Fan and Corn Du to name but a few.

Then making their way along the slightly difficult ridgeway path through upturned rocks whilst drinking in the views, upon reaching Pen Allt-mawr at 719 metres, they made a stop for lunch in the shelter of a circular rocky cairn which afforded them protection from the cool wind.

Refreshed and continuing their journey they went past several other walkers including a couple enjoying their lunch which immediately interested Pepper as food was on the agenda.

Heading around the top of the valley in a north easterly direction and following the long grassy slope gradually downhill through Tal Trwynau above the delightful Grwyne Fechan Valley, whilst passing mounds of stone indicating the sites of old quarries, a rocky track led them back to the farmyard.

Then by common consent on the journey back home, whilst passing through Crickhowell there was a slight deviation to the Bridge End Inn which overlooks the River Usk for refreshments and a history lesson.

Most of the pub dates from the 19th century except the western end nearest the famous Crickhowell Bridge and during the 18th century this part was a tollhouse where travellers had to stop and pay a toll to use the bridge, following an Act of Parliament that was passed in order to widen roads, which were then turnpiked in order to raise money.

However drovers and smallholders were incensed by this and started crossing the Usk by means of a ford below Glanusk Farm and in order to stop this from happening, the road leading to the ford was purchased privately which meant every traveller had to pay their toll.

On October 22, meet 9am at Cogan Leisure Centre for a seven mile moderate walk taking in Sharpness and the River Severn; contact Jan or John on 01446 418514.

On October 23, meet 9am at Cogan for an eight mile moderate walk taking in St Briavels and Hewelsfield; 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 contact the walk leader for advice.

To follow the group, visit www.penarthramblers.wordpress.com or find them on Facebook.

Programmes and membership advice can be obtained from Pam on 029 2025 5102.