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.

Dyffryn Crawnon from Llangynidr. We started in light rain, walking into a fresh southerly breeze. The rain increased to moderate and the wind picked up as we climbed up onto the open land, with multiple streams running off the hillside. Some spectacular gushing ‘springs’ and streams emerged direct from the limestone, and for the second time in three walks we encountered table-sized areas of grass providing less supported than a soft trampoline! Today’s was balancing on top of a leaking ‘water bed’. Some respite as we headed round the top of Dyffryn Crawnon in the lee of the head of the valley, crossing several raging streams. Dropping down into the beautiful mossy wood for lunch, we continued north in lessening rain and even a few seconds of sunshine and decided to skip Tor y Foel and walk down the very muddy farm track to the east. Despite being rather damp at the end, a thoroughly enjoyable walk!

Cotwolds Walk from Crickley Hill Country Park. Along the escarpment with stunning views, the Cotswold Way to Coberley, with lunch in the porch of St Giles Church. A “glacier” of snowdrops, a hunt, and a very light drizzle saw us back for a well-earned coffee.

From Goytre Wharf CP. Gentle ascent via Cwm Wood, The Bushes and Craig-y-allt to the Cambrian Way above Cwmavon. South via Little Mountain and the War Memorial / Folly to Twyn-gwyn. North to Upper Govera, a short section along the canal towards Mamhilad and an uphill section towards Tir-croes Bleddyn. North again to Ty’r-ywen then through the very brambly Coed Howell woods (note for future walks – this stretch is definitely best avoided) and down to the canal at Bridge House, returning to the cars via the canal. Overcast for most of the day with light wind at times and good views. Good deed performed by Denise, Martin and Ceridwen to free a sheep totally entangled in brambles.

From Cwmyoy Village Hall, up by church and up to Hatterrall Hill via the western ridge. Then south along Offa's Dyke Path, coming off the hill by Three Wells. Looped around to Blaenyoy and at Ty Charles, proceeded west to Daren Uchaf, which we climbed up to inspect. Back along fields near the river. The weather was quite good, but getting a bit windy on the ridge, good views, dry.

The walk started in good weather and proceeded from Capel-y-ffin up onto Hatterrall Ridge with strong gusting winds (from Storm Jocelyn). Attempted to stay on the east (leeside) of the ridge, but no decent paths and lumpy underfoot. Early decision to reduce the walk via the paved section of the main Offas dyke path to find safe exit path as soon as possible. Proceeded to Gospel Pass and decided to stay at lower level and took the path on the lower eastern slope of Darren Lwyd. This cut the day short and we concluded the walk back into Capel-y-ffin at 2.35pm.

From English Bicknor. A figure-of-8 loop via Holly Barn, Mailscot Lodge / Wood, Biblins Bridge, below Seven Sisters Rocks and up to ‘King Arthur’s Cave’ - a cave system formed when this limestone was at sea level. Visited the small section of the UK’s most southerly limestone pavement and the Doward Hill fort enclosure’s distinctive remains. Descent via Great Doward and return to Biblins via interesting caves and iron mine remains. Along by the river to Symonds Yat East, Yat Rock and Redinthorne to the cars. Cold and overcast in the morning, clearing to sunshine and little cloud in the afternoon.