AS THE dry period continues and on an overcast morning a group of 10 walkers joined leader Clive for a trip down to Penderyn which is situated on the southern tip of the Brecon Beacons National Park between Hirwaun and Brecon. Its main claim to modern fame is the fact that it is the home of Welsh whisky.

This type of spirit has been produced throughout history utilising a mixture of barley, yeast and honey and following a group of friends getting together to discuss establishing a distillery that would utilise the natural spring water of the area, Penderyn Whisky was launched becoming the first whisky distillery in Wales for over a century.

Setting off across several fields, then through woodland more farming land led them towards Trebanog-fach where they were greeted by the farmer who rather grumpily advised them they were not on the correct path, however after a short conversation the group continued through a field and along the road to Penderyn reservoir.

This upland lake covering 22-acres lying at a height of 215 metres (705ft) was begun by Mountain Ash Urban District Council in 1911 and work was not completed until 1920. It is now mainly used by fly fishermen and has views towards Hirwaun and Hirwaun Common to the south and the Neath Valley to the west.

Permission had been granted for the group to walk along about 20 metres to join the main footpath avoiding a bog in amongst trees and moving on along the base of the reservoir and then across a bridge to Tai-cwplau, then following a farm track to a field entrance there were conveniently placed logs and stones which they could utilise as seating for morning coffee.

After refreshments it was time to move on to Tyle-morgrug situated above the A465 which is a three star cottage and bunkhouse that can be utilised for group rentals. Negotiating their way along poorly defined pathways, then across a couple of fields with a stream in the middle, before a steep slippery descent into a small cwm where great care had to be taken, a narrow path led them gradually uphill.

Tracks on the open moorland led the group to the main footpath leading to Craig Dinas Mine above some waterfalls. During the 1880s this whole area was utilised for the extraction of silica, a very hard rock used in the production of firebricks for lining furnaces and boilers. After this mine ceased production in the early 1960s, the lower galleries became flooded and it has become a very popular area for cave diving.

Re-tracing their steps and passing along a pretty bridleway that leads up through woodland, the paths are at last beginning to dry out after months of constant rainfall. Upon reaching a wooden bench a stop was made for lunch before continuing on to the Hepste River which drops over a 50 foot cliff resulting in the waterfall of Sgwd yr Eira or fall of snow.

Some of the group descended the narrow, rocky steep pathway to admire the waterfall which has a narrow drovers track leading behind it so it can be walked under.

Climbing back uphill, open moorland paths behind Moel Penderyn led back to Penderyn and the late 13th century St Cynog’s Church surrounded by its large churchyard which is opposite the Red Lion public house where some much needed refreshment was enjoyed in front of the toasty log fire before the homeward journey

On April 2, meet 9am at Cogan Leisure Centre for a 10-mile moderate walk taking in the waterfalls in the Neath Valley from Pontneddfechan; contact Clive on 029 2065 4156.

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 please log onto penarthramblers.wordpress.com or Facebook. Programmes and membership advice can be obtained from Pam on 029 2025 5102.