FOUR keen walkers joined leader Robin from Penarth and District Ramblers and his spaniel Pepper for a trip down west to the northern Black Mountain and a spectacular tramp in the Carmarthen Fan area.

Making their way to the isolated car park just east of Llandeusant near the Afon Sawdde, whose source is Llyn y Fan Fach from where it tumbles 250 metres down the hillside into Cwm Sawdde on its journey to meet the River Towy at Llangadog, they found the wind veering in from the west had caused on otherwise bright morning to give way to cloud.

With a low mist hanging over Fan Brycheiniog they set off along the track towards the Llyn-y-Fan Trout and Salmon Hatchery set up in 1994 at an old disused Welsh Water supply site and with a natural water supply from the lake above, which is free from pollution brown trout, rainbow trout, sea trout and salmon are raised to stock Welsh rivers for angling purposes.

As the path led them closer to Llyn y Fan Fach or the lake of the small peak and with the weather improving all the time, upon their arrival at the lake they had a chance to remove unwanted outer garments whilst stopping for morning coffee.

Formed by glacial action there is a magical legend here about the Lady of the Lake which involves the story of a young farmer who saw a very beautiful woman sitting on a rock in the lake that he immediately fell in love with.

In order to woo her he resorted to baking bread and after three attempts she agreed to marry him but with one condition, he had to promise to take care of her and not strike her, for if he hit her three times she would leave him forever.

They married and had a three sons moving to live at Myddfai and during their life together the promise was broken by the farmer in complete innocence with just taps on the arm or shoulder, but after the third blow the lady returned to the lake disappearing into the water never to be seen again leaving her husband heartbroken.

It is also said that when her sons grew into manhood they became part of the 12th century Physicians of Myddfai who made their remedies from natural substances from which it is claimed the origins of modern medicine came into being.

Climbing gradually up above and around the lake with its enchanting views and heading along the craggy steep escarpment of Bannau Sir Gaer to Picws Du, which at a height of 749m is the second highest point of the Black Mountain and which has a large Bronze Age barrow on top, the sun began to shine.

Making the journey up to Fan Brycheiniog which is the most western peak of the Brecon Beacons and at 802m the highest point on the Black Mountain, they made a stop at the trig point where like magic some friendly German walkers appeared just in time to take a group photograph.

Making the descent from the ridge down to Llyn y Fan Fawr or the lake of the big peak it was time for lunch in lovely sunshine with water gently lapping on the shoreline. Refreshed and crossing the open moorland below the ridge back in a westerly direction to Llyn y Fan Fach, they made their way back down to the car park after a fantastic autumnal walk accompanied by stunning views.

On October 2, meet 10am at Dinas Powys Village Square for a six-mile easy walk taking in Dinas Powys and Cosmeston; contact Geraint on 029 2051 5278.

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.