Up the lane from Llanfrynach, skirted the west side of Pen y Bryn and up to ‘the crossroads’ with a blustery wind from the west. Around the edge of the cwms to the Fan y Big windbreak for a quick, early lunch as light rain had started. Descended via Cefn Cyff and returned to the cars along the Three Rivers Ride. Cool and blustery in the morning, 1hr+ of light rain during/after lunch. The afternoon much warmer at the lower levels and even a bit of sun tried to break through.

The walk started from North Malvern (Clock Tower) after taking a taxi from the Hollytbush car park. South along the Geopark Way via Table Hill, Sugarloaf Hill, Worcestershire Beacon, Upper Wyche, Perseverance Hill, Jubilee Hill, Pinnacle Hill, Black Hill, British Camp (Iron Age Hill Fort), Millennium Hill, Hangman’s Hill, Swinyard Hill, Gullet Wood, another large area of iron-age fort and return to the cars via Midsummer Hill … a lot of hills, with magnificent views over the surrounding countryside. A very scenic walk, with pink granite outcrops in parts – and warm, with sun and periods of high cloud cover.

Beacons Way, Day 3. From Crickhowell to Llangynidr. After a bus shuttle from Llangynodr, we climbed from Crickhowell to about the 400m contour and followed the path around the lower SE and E slopes of Pen Cerrig-calch and Pen Gloc-y-pibwr. Across the Rhiangoll at Cwmdu, up the valley to Blaen-y-cwm and west to the saddle, before heading south to Cefn Moel and dropping down to Bwlch, returning via fields and the lane to Llangynidr. Lovely to have some spring-like weather (at last!) and lovely display of bluebells at lunch-time.

As so few of the group were able to join this walk on 17 April, Denise kindly offered to repeat it today.
From LLanellen village hall, up through the forestry area to Coed-y-Prior Field and the Blorenge, along the Cambrian Way towards Upper Llanover, returning by Blaen-Ochran and the very pretty vale at Cwm-celyn. The morning was overcast, but mild and very little wind, and some low cloud. Afternoon much brighter with some sun and very pleasant walking conditions.

Beacons Way, Day 2. From Llanthony Priory, Cwm Bwchel, Bal Bach, gentle descent via Garn Wen to cross the Grwyne Fawr. Up to Crug Mawr via Partrishow and down to cross the Grwyne Fechan before final stage via Table Mountain to finish in Crickhowell. A little cool wind at times, but mainly sunny and lovely views.

From LLanellen village hall, up through the forestry area to Coed-y-Prior Field and the Blorenge, along the Cambrian Way towards Upper Llanover, returning by Blaen-Ochran. Mostly sunny morning, with blustery northerly winds, followed by a few rain and hail showers in the early afternoon. After last week's start of the Beacons Way walk, the 180 degree view of The Skirrid along different parts of this route was particularly rewarding.

Beacons Way Day 1. From Skirrid carpark to Llanthony, via Hatterrall Hill. A wind-assisted walk over the Skirrid, down to Llanfihangel Crucorney, passing the Skirrid Inn (one of the oldest inns in Wales) briefly joined the Offa’s Dyke path before taking the ridge through a hill fort to the trig point on Hatterrall Hill. Following the ridge line, before gradually descending to Llanthony Priory. Wet and windy with low cloud for most of the day, started to brighten up as we arrived at Llanthony Priory. Very wet and muddy under foot. Thank you to Ken and Bolette for the logistics!.

From Pont Cwmyfedwen CP. A short section of the Taff Trail and then Cambrian Way, up onto the Craig y Fan Ddu edge, with strong blustery winds. Along the north-facing edges of Bwlch y Ddwyallt and Craig Cwareli up to Fan y Big - very strong winds on these edges, thankfully blowing from the north. Return via the disused Upper Neuadd Reservoir and the path through the woods to the west of the Taf Fechan. Drizzle / light rain at first driven by strong winds, but brighter later. Quite busy on the hills, despite the weather - and flattering to be thought that we were a DoE group! Afternoon teas were taken at the Old Barn Tea Rooms at Ystradgynwyn.

From Llanfoist Crossing CP. Under the canal, and through the lower Llanfoist Wood to the south east, under and over fallen trees. Across to Castell Prydydd, lower edge of Ffrwd Wood and up the road towards Upper Ninfa. Via the cattle grid, out onto open land and followed the tramway around the NE, N (this really is a lovely path, with great views to the north) and West side of Blorenge to Keeper’s Pond. Across to Pwll-du and down the lane to Maes-y-felin. Climbing again to follow the track (indistinct through the woods) back to the tunnel and the cars. Very mixed weather, with rain, warm sun, hail at lunch (driven by v.cold wind) and a vivid rainbow to follow. Thank you to Neil who provided delicious and very welcome home-made hot cross buns at 11am!

From Llanthony Car Park. Llanthony Wood, up to The Beacon's Way, Garn Wen, Bal Mawr, drop down near Capel-y-Ffin and back along the valley. Some misty drizzle but mostly dry and no wind!! Still muddy under foot.

From Fro car park, Pont Esgob, Partrishow church, a very muddy track to Crug Mawr, Grywne Fechan, Pengilfach and Sugarloaf. Rather cold wind in the morning with driving drizzle/ rain. Improved after 1pm, with brighter skies and even a hint of sun. Wonderful to hear so many skylarks on the hills.

In glorious sunshine, we started from Cwmdu Village Hall up Pen Tir to Mynydd Llangorse, with clear views across the Beacons, then along the Three Rivers Ride and Beacons Way towards Cefn Moel, returning by Pen-y-Gaer. Mostly sunny, with a light breeze, and with the opportunity taken for us to visit the memorial for Kevin John Thomas above Llangorse and the site of the Roman auxiliary fort and camp at Peny-y-Gaer.

From Talybont Village Hall, along a stretch of the Taff Trail, up through Craig Danywenallt woods, through Upper Wenallt farm and up into the low cloud and light rain on Tor y Foel, ascending by the steep path from the cattle grid. Descended to the Beacons Way corner and continued down into the woods and over the dam. Over the fields to Tyle-Clydach, up towards Cwm Banw and returned via Talybont Forest, Usk Valley Walk and the Taff Trail. Fortunate that the forecast afternoon rain held off, but cloudy all day.