A GROUP of eight walkers joined William for a journey up to the National Trust car park situated below Ysgyryd Fawr for a 12-mile walk that would take in the undulating countryside between the two Monmouthshire hills translated as big and little Skirrid (Ysgyryd Fach).

Heading uphill by means of a lane and clambering up steps in woodland on the lower slopes of Ysgyryd Fawr, upon finally reaching the ridgeway they were buffeted all the way to the trig point at 486m on the northern end by strong winds.

Also known as the Holy Mountain or Sacred Hill, with Ysgyryd meaning shattered which perfectly describes the hill’s shape, the holy tag comes from an ancient legend that the hill broke in two at the time of Christ’s crucifixion during a fierce storm, but in reality the jagged western side of the hill was caused by glacial action.

After pausing very briefly to enjoy the magnificent 360-degree views towards Abergavenny and Sugar Loaf Mountain, with Blorenge to the west and the lovely Herefordshire countryside in the east, they began their descent on the eastern flank of the hill.

Joining a footpath and crossing fields towards Pentre Farm they journeyed on to reach the village hall in Llanddewi Ysgyryd for the chance to enjoy their morning break utilising handy picnic benches whilst bathed in warm sunshine.

This village is translated as the Church of St David by the great divided hill and the hall which originally served as a tabernacle was donated by Crawshay Bailey Jnr in 1875 and listed in March 1998 as a rare example of a late 19th century pre-fabricated, unaltered church hall.

Following help from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Monmouthshire County Council the building is now refurbished and serves as a very active village hall.

Carefully crossing the B4521 and following a farm track towards Parsonage Farm before locating an old overgrown byway which led them on to Llandwr and Elms farms, the wind was beginning to ease but unfortunately rain clouds were fast gathering on the western horizon.

In the midst of the delightful and remote Monmouthshire countryside, they moved on past Lower and Upper Pant farms making towards Ty-Hir and Ffawydden in order to stop and enjoy lunch sitting on a bed of dry leaves beneath a couple of magnificent oak trees, after which William recited a poem from WH Davies before it was time to move on.

Heading towards Pen-y-Parc, ahead of them filling up the skyline the shape of Ysgyryd Fach or Little Skirrid and heading steeply uphill on a narrow path through thick woodland it was time to pause for breath whilst taking in the views from the 271m summit.

Translated as little shattered hill it was planted with conifers because the land is too steep and poor to grow crops, but a great deal of de-forestation has taken place affording more open views.

To the north Ysgyryd Fawr, to the east the rolling Monmouthshire hills and Edmund’s Tump, in the west the Black Mountains and to the south the beautiful Usk Valley.

Then a short but sharp shower enveloped them and wet weather gear was hastily donned before making their way down the eastern side of Ysgyryd Fach towards High Leas and the across fields past Ty-draw Farm.

Crossing a stile and passing along the edge of Wern-ddu golf course in order to join part of the long distance Beacon’s Way, they made their way back through the village of Bryngwenin just as dusk was falling.

On November 26, a train ramble for a nine-mile linear moderate walk from Eastbrook Station back to Cadoxton. Please note train times and information can be found on the group website or by ringing the leader Joy on 01446 737131.

On November 27, meet 10am (not 9am as in the programme) at Cogan for a 5.5-mile easy walk taking in the Glamorgan Canal; contact Pam on 029 2025 5102.

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.