TEN walkers joined leader Barrie at Pontsticill reservoir where overnight snow had dusted the hillsides and in bright sunshine and under blue skies they set off across the dam where views up to the central Beacons were obstructed by low cloud.

They tramped uphill to the road and entered part of the Taff Fechan Forest where a great deal of deforestation had taken place and followed snowy pathways to the wooden footbridge over the Nant Rhyd-ddu. Because the trees had been wiped out there were uninterrupted views up the valley to Waun Wen and turning northeast suddenly a heavy shower of snow hit them which partly obliterated their expected views over the delightful Pontsticill reservoir, which was completed in 1927 following the opening of the Pentwyn and Upper and Lower Neuadd reservoirs, to supply water to Merthyr Tydfil.

They paused on a bank between the Pontsticill and Pentwyn reservoirs for morning coffee in warm sunshine, but views up to the central Beacons soon became hidden behind low cloud and snow showers as they moved on beneath the bridge that carries the Brecon Mountain Railway through to Torpantau and headed past the outdoor centre of Dolygaer. With views over the Nant Callan that runs through the valley below Cwm Callan, the normally pretty pathway where overhanging trees met in an archway overhead had been spoiled by vast amounts of tree felling and heavy machinery had cleared the path in places making for a very muddy journey uphill.

At the top the leader plotted a path across the snow covered open tumpy moorland which led across Bryniau Gleision, that rises to 538m and they trekked on to the rocky ridge above Darren Fach from where there were stunning views down through two valleys, to the right the magical Dyffryn Crawnon Valley and straight ahead the enormous Talybont reservoir in the Caerfanell valley. Fortunately the sky remained clear for some time exposing the mountain tops of Twyn Du, Waun Rydd and Allt Lwyd, with Tor y Foel at the end of the ridge and the Black Mountains beyond but a cool blustery wind meant they moved on again fairly quickly.

Having turned south they meandered across the snowy moor towards the huge disused double quarries of Cwar Blaen-dyffryn and Cwar yr Ystrad which are classed a SSSI’s because the workings contain carboniferous limestone that is around 340 million years old and was laid down in a shallow tropical sea. A lunch break taken in the shelter of some rocks was rapidly interrupted by a snow shower which soon blotted out views and instead of making towards the intended target of the trig point between Carn felen and Carn y Bugail, the leader decided to stay down in the valley which was clear.

Frozen fingertips soon warmed up as they made their way down through snowy tracks at Cwm Criban and paused to view the medieval stone set in a hollow that has markings written in Ogham, an early Irish script. Soon the Pontsticill reservoir came back into view as they descended the open moorland littered with shake holes and there were fine views across Pontsticill village huddled on the opposite hillside. Steam coming from the valley below along with the toot-toot of a train whistle indicated the Brecon Mountain railway train was returning from Pontsticill back to Pant, as they descended through steep muddy fields and under the railway line to join the road for the short journey back to their start where there was a glorious view of the snow-capped Cribyn across the reservoir.

On March 7, meet 9am at Cogan Leisure Centre for an eight mile moderate walk taking in Mynydd Illtud and Cefn Llechid; contact Liz on 029 2051 3698.

On March 10 meet 9am at Cogan for an eight mile moderate walk around Tretower and Cwmdu; contact William on 01446 747239.

Wear suitable clothing, preferably boots and carry waterproofs, food and drinks. Some degree of fitness is required and if you are in any doubt, then please contact the walk leader for advice. To follow the group log onto www.penarthramblers.wordpress.com. Programmes and membership advice can be obtained from Pam on 029 2025 5102.