A SMALL group of four walkers and Ramakin the dog joined Robin and spaniel Pepper from Penarth and District Ramblers for the journey up to the Brecon Beacons National Park on a beautiful sunny morning with the prospect of fine weather in the forecast affording them spectacular views from the mountain tops.

Making their way to the car park at Cwm Gwdi on the northern side of the central Beacons which was already packed despite the recent installation of pay and display ticket machines by the National Trust, they prepared themselves to take the traditional northern horseshoe route.

Crossing a small stream and passing through a delightful tree-filled dell whilst enjoying the sunshine, the path was muddy in places reflecting the bouts of recent heavy overnight rainfall.

Reaching much firmer ground and heading across fields, a small track led them to the bottom of the ridge leading up to Cribyn where they stopped for morning coffee to fortify themselves for the climb ahead.

During their climb it soon became evident that the fine forecasted weather was a load of tosh as already the mountain tops were swathed in an overcoat of low mist and dark clouds were rapidly moving in.

A prolonged climb up the steep north face of Cribyn along Bryn Teg where the path was very slippery underfoot eventually led to the summit at 795 metres, where it was decided to enjoy a partial lunch break as the summit of their next target Pen y Fan was shrouded in low cloud.

This break was shared with a friendly group of students from Bangor University and with banter being shared they explained they had come south to climb the best mountain in Wales.

Refreshed and continuing the journey, a steep descent into the valley at Craig Cwm Sere before another steep climb up the rocky pathway through the mist led to Pen y Fan, which at a height of 886 metres above sea level is the highest peak in south Wales and both this mountain and its fellow peak Corn Du, have Bronze Age burial mounds on their summits.

Through the mist on the rocky cairn which bears a sign of the name of the mountain and its height lay several poppy wreaths, a testament to a memorial service for Remembrance Sunday which had taken place several hours earlier along with lots of people who had braved the mist to climb to the summit.

But unfortunately the expected and stunning views were not to be had on this day and making their last climb by taking the short journey on a well-worn track across to Corn Du, the second highest peak at 873 metres, they soon returned back to Pen y Fan.

A rather scary track over the steep edge of the escarpment where a very narrow path led them straight into the depth of the low cloud and mist brought them gradually downhill along the ridge of Cefn Cwm Llwch and back into the safety of the valley below for their return to the car park.

On November 26, a train ramble for a nine-mile linear moderate walk from Eastbrook Station back to Cadoxton. Please note train times and information can be found on the group website or by ringing the leader Joy on 01446 737131.

On November 27, meet 10am (not 9am as in the programme) at Cogan for a 5.5-mile easy walk taking in the Glamorgan Canal; contact Pam on 029 2025 5102.

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.