AN INCLEMENT weather forecast may have deterred some people but nevertheless six hardy walkers turned out to join Barrie from Penarth and District Ramblers for a trip up to Talgarth which is situated at the foot of the Black Mountains in the Llynfi Valley.

Two small rivers, the Ennig and Ellywe flow through the small town from the mountainside to join the River Wye and Talgarth is famous for its horse fairs up until the end of the 19th century, along with its present day sheep market.

Leaving the small town and making their way to Cwm Pwll-y-Wrach which is owned by the Brecknock Wildlife Trust, this pretty steep-sided valley opened as a nature reserve in 1984.

The reserve stretches through ancient woodland along either side of the River Ennig and at its eastern end the river plunges over limestone rock in a spectacular waterfall, where the sheer power of the cascading water over the years has created the deep pool of Pwll-y-Wrach or the Witches Pool.

Legends abound that this was used in the chilling test for witchcraft during the middle ages, when suspects were dunked into the water and if they sank they were innocent whilst if they floated they were declared a witch and punished accordingly by being hanged, tortured or burned.

Following lanes their next point of interest came in the form of the Black Mountains Gliding Club, which is 970 feet above sea level and offers breathtaking overviews in a glider above the fantastic Black Mountains.

Journeying on across fields towards Pengenffordd, time to visit the remains of Castell Dinas which began its life as an Iron Age hill fort upon which the Normans built a castle around 1070 to guard the Rhiangoll Valley.

Unfortunately the castle was destroyed in the 15th century during a Welsh rebellion led by Owain Glyndwr, but parts of it are still visible with the best views being seen from the air.

After hearing of its history from the leader whilst enjoying a break for refreshment and with low cloud affecting visibility on Y Grib, or more affectionately known as the Dragon’s Back because of its rocky humped back appearance, the leader changed his planned route and instead the group set off to tramp pathways and tracks below the huge escarpments of the north western Black Mountains.

In the valley towards the end of the escarpment towering above them, a stop for lunch with brilliant views across the Llynfi and Wye valleys before continuing across the common at Rhos Fawr and Fach translated as Big and Little Moor, which was ancient grazing land used by people with commoner’s rights.

Then returning to Talgarth via pretty trails through Park Wood a nature reserve in ancient woodland owned and managed by the Woodland Trust, a chance for a sit down to enjoy coffee and homemade cream teas and remark upon the fact that apart from the cloud sitting on the mountain tops, the day remained dry and the views were outstanding, prior to their homeward journey.

On July 28, the evening walk will leave Rhoose Railway Station car park at 7pm for a five-mile easy/moderate walk taking in Nurston and Pleasant Harbour; contact Joy on 01446 737131.

On July 30, meet 9am at Cogan Leisure Centre for a 10-mile moderate walk in north Gower; 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.