THE mountain forecast for more than 300 metres in the Brecon Beacons was for thick fog and on the journey up to their start point that was certainly the case until after Abercynon, when finally the mist lifted from the surrounding countryside as 12 walkers including leader Barrie from Penarth and District Ramblers made their way to Pontsticill, to take part in the penultimate walk in the annual Ramblers Festival of Winter Walks.

On a calm morning without even a breath of wind and above average temperatures and heading along the path adjacent to part of the Brecon Mountain Railway line, the view to the central Beacons was completely blotted out whilst wisps of mist hung above the mirror-like water of the reservoir and its surrounding trees, with the only noise coming from a buzzard flying overhead whilst being mobbed by a crowd of noisy crows.

Reaching the northern end of this pretty reservoir and joining a quiet lane under the railway bridge which led on to the newly purchased and refurbished Parkwood Outdoor activity centre at Dolygaer, a gateway led into Cwm Callan.

Following the rough stony and muddy track gradually uphill, where most of the trees that once lined the path and met in an archway above it were previously removed to allow access for woodland tree felling, upon nearing the top, a stop for morning coffee and warm mince pies baked by Lorraine the leader’s wife.

As three male walkers were striding past in the opposite direction the offer of a seasonal mince pie was too good a treat to ignore and after admiring all the newly planted trees on the lower slopes of Waun Rydd it was time to continue.

Heading out onto open moorland below Bryniau Gleision, a rough path through an area of shake holes with only grazing sheep and pregnant mountain ponies led them in a north easterly direction to a viewpoint overlooking the mist covered Talybont reservoir, whilst the surrounding hillsides in all directions were still swathed in low cloud and mist that kept lifting then falling again.

After pausing to take in the view down through the Dyffryn Crawnon valley and turning south, in brightening weather the stark outline of the rocky cliff at Cefn yr Ystrad leading to the now fenced off limestone quarries of Cwar yr Ystrad, Cwar yr Hendre and Cwar Blaen-dyffryn along with old disused quarry buildings filled the horizon.

Crossing the slippery boggy and water-filled moorland at Gwaun Nant Ddu, as a beautiful red kite flew low overhead to join the road beneath the quarries, where a slight breeze hit them a descent back onto the open moorland led to an area of flat rocks, a perfect place to stop for lunch whilst the long distance views were still obliterated by swirling mist.

Packing up and moving on to locate the Ogham stone, an ancient small standing stone leaning at an angle and inscribed on one side with lines which could relate back to the 5/6th century and originally represented the Gaelic language, but could also mean a legal claim to land as a boundary marker or stand as a memorial to a dead hero, their route continued along boggy tracks at Cwm Criban.

With a grand view across the reservoir in the valley below and the village of Pontsticill tucked into the opposite hillside, a descent to a stone boundary wall above the disused Abercriban quarries led them through a metal gate and steeply downhill beside a ruined stone wall.

Muddy paths and a rough stone track running with water leading to a tunnel underneath the railway line, led them downhill past a field containing Balwen sheep and a handsome Billy-goat with a fine white beard and horns.

Then joining the road for the journey back to their start point, a short trip by car back across the reservoir dam to the Red Cow in Pontsticill village for refreshments rounded off a lovely day prior to the journey home.

On January 21, meet at 8.15am at Cogan to share transport to Storey Arms in order to catch the 9.35am bus to Brecon for the eight-mile moderate steady climb back to Storey Arms; contact Barrie on 029 2053 0753.

On January 22, meet 9am at Cogan Leisure Centre for an 8.5-mile moderate walk at Llangorse; contact Robin on 029 2051 4051.

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.