Cwm Oergwm Horeshoe

The weather had much improved today so I carried out my plan to walk the Cwm Oergwm Horeshoe.  This approach is from the north and abuts my walk of yesterday, completing the major peaks of the central massif of the Brecon Beacons.   Parking was not easy but I finally found somewhere to tuck the car away where it would not intrude on farm equipment or passing places.  It meant that the start of the walk was a downhill section on country lanes that I had planned for the end but it got me into the swing of things.   The sun was low to the east which produced some spectacular effects as I approached the ridge, the camera does not really do it justice but you get a sense from the opening shot.

Now this was a new walk for me, so the emerging views of the whole of the range to my right, and the spectacular views of the Black Mountains to my left were a real delight.  It was cold and breezy but nothing like the conditions of the previous day.  The walk up to the summit was an easy one and was followed by a delightful westerly progression along the main ridge with unfolding views of Pen-y-Fan and incoming inclement weather in front of me.  My final peak, Fan y Bîg with its famous stone was populated by multiple parties of walkers coming from all directions.

From the summit I could look down on the Roman Road and my point of descent yesterday.  By this time my mind was already planning a winter's walk when the snow comes that would need two cars bout would take in all the peaks from Pen-y-fan Waun Rydd.  On a sunny day with the sun setting behind or in front (which way to go?) it would be a glorious walk.

I soon lost the crowds and descending back to the valley and then discovered that the final sections of my route were to involve a series of encounters with fell runners.  This strange breed of creature have always impressed me but its not for me.  I want the unfolding vistas, the pleasure of book hitting turf, and bog and stone.  The ability to stop and reflect and to take photographs or just to experience the open space and the light.

Two good days and I felt no muscle weakness so I think I am ready to move to three and more successive days in the build up to my 60@60, so over the Christmas break I plan more walks in the Beacons and if I can manage it back to Snowdonia and possibly live the voyage of the Reverend Eli Jenkins: By Cader Idris, tempest-torn, Or Moel y Wyddfa’s glory, Carnedd Llewelyn beauty born, Plinlimmon old in story …