Sgyd yr Eira and other waterfalls

A blazing hot week, and a blazing hot sunday and Monday to follow, interspersed with a soggy, rain sodden Saturday. And which day had we picked to go yomping? You got it. Low hill fog in the Brecon Beacons plus 'persistent rain' persuaded us to alter our plans for a peaks walk to a low(ish) level Waterfall walk around a 9 mile circuit near Ystradfellte in the Southern Beacons.

It turned out to be a good choice as the tree cover that we had for most of the route sheltered us from the rain. I was christening my new (and first) pair of Invo8 Roclites and I love em! Very comfy, very light, good grip, blah blah.

The rivers (Afon Mellte and Afon Hepste) were very low following the recent dry period. There were lots of groups of people doing some kind of coasteering (ironically about 4o miles from the coast!) which looked fun...and cold.





Chopper and Nicholls think I'm obsessed with moss, so I humour them by taking photos of it. Honest, I don't really like moss.


Halfway stop was the entrance to the famous and impressive Porth Yr Ogof cave system. This is a timer shot on a one second exposure hence the blurry figures. Nicholls and I went for a wander into the first cavern with our headtorches, whislt Chopper sat on his a*se and ate Malt loaf and Welsh cakes.



The last fall of the day was the well known Sgyd Yr Eira which allows people to pass behind. It was very busy, but very picturesque, as ever. Chance to play with exposure length and gorillapod.




Dog

Neolithic Standing Stones

Took a short walk in the Forest Fawr area of the beacons yesterday. Starting at the Forestry Car Park north of Ystradfellte, we planned a short horseshoe taking in the Neolithic Standing Stones of Maen Madoc and Maen Llia alongside the Roman Road, Sarn Helen.

The weather was fair, with strong, cold winds on the tops. First destination was Fan Llia.

Then we headed down into the valley to Maen Llia. From photos on the net, I thought this stone was around 4' tall. I was therefore pleasantly surprised to see it was more like 12'!

After that it was a short, sharp ascent to Fan Nedd. Fromt he summit there were great views of Fan Gyhirych and distant Fan Brycheiniog to the west.

And PenyFan to the East.

Then we headed south went 'offroad' towards the forest to see the second stone of the day.

Maen Madoc is the more famous of the two Neolithic stones in the area, although, in my opinion, not as impressive as Maen Llia. It also stands around 10' tall.

There are some faded inscriptions on the side. It might say 'Dai from Merthyr Woz Ere' but I think it's actually Roman. Pretty impressive stuff to be honest.

And then it was a short stroll back to the carpark with the rain still holding off, much to Tony's dismay!