ARRIVING at the ruined Llanthony Priory in drizzle rain and with the surrounding hillsides covered in thick swirling mist, the thoughts of the eight walkers who joined Clive from Penarth and District Ramblers turned to togging up against the elements and the hope that the mist would clear.

Green meadows led them uphill to a gateway on the Beacons Way and an ideal place to gaze back down at the atmospheric ruins of Llanthony Priory, where in the sixth century St David built a simple chapel in the valley which was later discovered by the Norman knight William de Lacy whilst out riding.

After becoming a hermit he was joined by Ernisius and together they established a religious house under the order of the Black Canons of St Augustine, where the first church was consecrated in 1108 and dedicated to St John the Baptist.

Eventually the Priory was built and prospered but during its time was subjected to constant Welsh rebellion because of its Norman connections and after the Dissolution the slow decline set in leaving the buildings to crumble.

After a rather soggy morning break on a bank under a tree, the long and gradual trek up to the ridgeway on Hatterrall Hill led them along a narrow muddy path between ferns which are slowly dying off to form bracken.

Joining Offa’s Dyke Path at the top, a quick visit to the English side of the hill resulted in absolutely no views across the Herefordshire countryside, so returning to the Welsh side and tramping along the ridgeway, suddenly a group of walkers from the Kent area on their way to Hay Bluff emerged through the mist for a quick chat.

Heading south and deviating through undefined pathways in thick heather which covers the area, they came across a stone grouse butt set into the hill and used during the shooting season in August through to December for cover whilst bagging Red Grouse. The path led on through the Cross Dyke, a ditch and bank which relates back to prehistoric times and could be used for defensive purposes, as a cattle droveway or a path for walking, but most likely as a boundary line and which usually cuts across the width of an upland ridge or, as in this case the neck of a spur.

Heading gradually but steeply down towards Cwmyoy the mist lifted slightly affording a glimpse to the west of the roadside meadows in the bottom of the Honddu Valley along with sheep dotting the hillside amongst the ferns. Descending steeply towards the landslide in the small hill overlooking Cwmyoy a short stop for lunch beside an old drystone wall was accompanied by rain.

Moving on through fields where a bridleway led them downhill beneath the steep sides of the escarpment at Darren and quietly heading through the farms of Daren isaf and Daren ganol, a track led down to a stile and then a bridge over the lovely River Honddu.

After some road walking and climbing a stile back into a field containing two friendly horses, a narrow wooden footbridge with metal gates at each end gave them access to open fields at Maes-y-Beran.

Gazing north eastwards finally the ridgeway above was visible as they tramped through a series of lush meadows passing sheep, green acorns on the oak trees and at last the swirling mist revealed a view up through the isolated and beautiful Vale of Ewyas.

A short road walk led back to Llanthony where boots and outer clothing was quickly disposed of before well-earned refreshments in the cosy Cellar Bar prior to the journey home.

On September 24, meet 9am at the Barry Waterfront for a 10-mile moderate walk taking in Castle-upon-Alun, St Brides Major and the Heritage Coast; contact Geraint on 029 2051 5278.

On September 25, meet 9am at Cogan Leisure Centre for (depending on the weather) a 10-12-mile hard walk taking in Blaen y glyn waterfalls and Talybont; contact Joy on 01446 737131.

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.