Brecon Beacons

Present: Claire (organiser), Alan, Keyna, James, Joanne, Steve, Sarah M, David, Sue, Tom, Paula, Annie W, Bruce S, Belinda

Location: Glebe Barn, Llanbedr, near Crickhowell

A return visit to this beautifully appointed barn, complete with sauna, and those on their first visit were suitably impressed – it certainly is the best accommodation used by NMC!

Although only a mere 2 hour drive from Newbury (unless of course there is an accident on the M4 and you are delayed for 2 hours), the walking here is not the walk in the park you might expect. With beautiful spring weather we set off at about 9am to do the Llanbedr horseshoe, a 17.1 mile circuit commencing with a steep climb to the first summit above Llanbedr, Crug Mawr at 550m. Then followed Pen Twyn Mawr at 658m, Pen Y Gadair Fawr at 800m, Waun Fach at 810m, Pen Twyn Glas at 646m, Pen Allt Mawr at 719m – from where Alan was pointing out Sugar Loaf in the far far distance as our destination Table Mountain, much to everyone’s horror. After Pen Cerrig-calch or the Sideboard at 701m it became apparent that Table Mountain was just nestling below us and was not that monster in the distance. There are 2 rules in NMC – don’t follow Keyna, and don’t listen to Alan! The group finally limped into Llanbedr just as it was getting dark, feeling that they had done something today!

A fabulous dinner was prepared by Joanne & Steve and James & Keyna with puddings from Belinda and Paula, and as well as feeling tired, we then all felt comfortably full, and enjoyed a relaxing evening on the comfy sofas.

Sunday was another glorious day, but a rugby game seemed to determine the plans. The decision was a quick 8 mile jaunt up Sugar Loaf, from where the views today were fabulous, returning to the barn mid afternoon, to mop up the left over food and watch the rugby. Those not in a hurry to get back spent time enjoying the sun and watching a couple of lambs being born. And the great thing about Llanbedr, is that it is only 2 hours back home!

Claire White (words & pics)

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