From Queens Head car park in Stanton. The walk began at a low level across fields and lovely woodland up Coed-y-Cerig and up Cwm-Coed-y-Cerig through the nature reserve. JL points out late medieval buildings), then north past Pentwyn and across the valley by the Baptist Chapel. MP tells us this was one of the first non-conformist chapels, built in 1837, not long after non-conformist religious establishments were permitted. Then to the Church of St Issui at Partrishow, dating from 14 & 15th C, for coffee. Up onto the Beacons Way and Crug Mawr. Walking off the hill via Blaen yr Henbant and back east along the greenway. Along the NE flank of the Sugar Loaf (Y Fâl) through wonderful oak wood and down to Forest Coal Pit. MP tells us “Forest Coal” was the old name for charcoal. Back along the valley floor to Stanton. Weather start sunny, but clouds over with a little rain.

From Blaenavon. Mynnyd Farteg Fawr, Blaenmelyn farm (Melyn is yellow in Welsh - we wondered whether named after the yellowish colour of Nant Ffrwd stream, in the valley), Craig-Ddu Wood (very pretty), the Dog Stone (above Varteg), Gwastad, Coety Mountain. Return via Field Farm and Big Pit. Interesting to be walking amongst the industrial heritage - with insights from the local farmer, with family connections to the mining era. Glorious weather, with cool breeze on the tops. Such a shame that motorbikes are churning the paths and tracks.

From Llangynidr, along NW side of Mynydd Llangynidr, above Dyffryn Crawnon, around the head of the valley, with several fallen trees, a landslip and patch of deep mud to negotiate. Return via Tor y Foel. Weather mainly overcast and quite blustery wind, but reasonably mild.

In lovely sunshine (at times) from Crickhowell, via Llangattock, Coed Waen-dwrch, Cwn Onnau, below Craig y Cilau passing the cave entrances. The mist and low cloud closed in at lunch time, so we continued towards Waun Watkin, where the weather brightened. Headed to trig at Hen Dy-aderyn and returned to Crickhowell via Ty'r-ywen, the gas depot and Hen Castell. Thanks, Ceridwen for the history and plan of the Castell, showing buildings and moat. Apart from the brief low cloud at lunch time, great weather, but still frozen underfoot on north and east-facing slopes.

Tricky approach for cars to Llanthony, up snowy roads, then Beacons Way, Llanthony Wood, upper Henllan, ridge to Gaer Fort, west side of Bal Bach and return on slightly shortened walk via a challenging steep and slippy-underfoot Cwm Bwchel. Well done Helen and Kay H. for great sledging demo. Lovely (in the main!) to be walking with 1-2" crisp and crunchy snow underfoot, spring-like sunshine and only occasional cold wind, Editor's note: I've never been stood up 4 times on a single date before! It's the lonely hearts club for me.

Route changed in the the face of very poor mountain weather forecast - but conditions better than expected. From Cwmdu VH, across east side of Cefn Moel, onto Beacons Way and Mynydd Llangorse, returning via edge of open-access land to Pencaeau Farm. The r-o-w path from The Darren has been cleared and marked - but not a good path. ~45 mins of light, but steady rain in the morning, then fine and further shower around 1pm - not too bad, but very wet underfoot!

Linear walk from Pandy. Strawberry Cottage, nearly blown off top of Bryn Arw (but well sheltered for coffee), Middle Bettws, east side of Sugarloaf (top missed because of the wind strength) and return via Rholben. Slight rain and very windy in parts!