SYLVIA and her group of eleven walkers set off for the drive to Glasbury or Clas-ar-Wy which refers to an ancient monastic settlement or college upon the Wye and Glasbury historically lies on an important crossing point over the river. They parked near the scout hall and crossed the bridge over the River Wye for the climb by lane past Tir-uched Farm and through the foothills of Hay Bluff.

Upon reaching Penygenhill, they passed some old mill cottages with the millpond still in situ and crossed the ford over the Nant Ysgallen, gradually climbing up to the small village of Lanigon which is situated on the very edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park to the north of the Black Mountains. The village church is dedicated to St Eigon (or Eigen) many believe was the daughter of Caratacus and who may have been the first Christian female saint.

The footpath cut through the Old Post Office, a 17th century house which has been converted into a hotel that appeared to be fully booked for the bank holiday weekend. The only reminder of its connection with the Royal Mail is the Georgian post box by the front door, which is still emptied twice a day despite its change of use.

They moved on through Long Wood, beautiful woodland containing mainly beech trees from where they enjoyed splendid views across the Wye Valley to the arable land on the opposite side of the river and towards Hay-on-Wye to the north. Having descended through a new and tastefully built industrial estate in keeping with the surrounding buildings, they joined a footpath that skirts the River Wye on the south side to the outskirts of Hay-on-Wye.

At a sharp rounded bend in the river called The Warren which is a site of special scientific interest and believed in medieval times to have been a breeding ground for rabbits hence the name, they stopped for lunch on the pebble beach watching families swimming in the Wye, kayakers running the rapids, dippers and ducks and large birds of prey before moving on to Hay-on Wye.

The town lies on the borders with England, Brecknockshire and Radnorshire and being on the Brecon road it was once a very important town with coaching inns and pubs offering lodgings and food to weary travellers. Near to the church is a well-preserved motte overlooking the Loggin Brook where a sign with the old Norman name for Hay - which was la Haie, the French word for a hedge associated perhaps with a borderline, led them on towards a shop selling the much awaited sheep’s milk ice cream where the queue was very long but it was worth the wait.

Making their way through the town and over the river bridge they joined part of the Wye Valley Walk and enjoyed stunning views of Twmpa, Hay Bluff and back to the central Beacons in the distance. In the bright warm weather the views were clear and spectacular as they continued through arable farm land where farmers were busy bringing in the hay and harvesting various crops. They climbed to Briwnant then descended into Llowes where the church is dedicated to St Meilig, but the settlement is named after another holy man St Llywes whom it is said had already established a settlement there. They climbed out of the village through Fron Wood going downhill past farms, their barns packed with lots of freshly cut hay and straw a reminder that winter is just around the corner. The route crossed the main A438 and then back through fields to the riverbank and Glasbury after what had been a brilliant six hour tramp through some stunning scenery.

On September 6, meet 9am at Cogan Leisure Centre for the 9-mile moderate Rhymney River Circular walk taking in Machen and Michaelston Y Fedw; contact Geraint on 029 2051 5278.

On September 7, meet 9am at Cogan for a 10-mile mod/hard walk at Llangorse taking in Mynydd Troed; contact Robin on 029 2051 4051.

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 www.penarthramblers.wordpress.com Programmes and membership advice can be obtained from Pam on 029 2025 5102.