Pontsticill & Fan y Big
Pontsticill & Fan y Big
Pontsticill
We parked at small carpark near the Pontsticill reservoir on what promised to be quite a warm day. Crossing the reservoir bridge signs warned that it is dangerous to swim here. Groups were gathering to spend their day on the water. Shade from trees made the climb to the Dolygaer Activity Centre comfortable. The centre boasts archery, a zipwire, and bushcraft as well as water activity lessons. It was tempting to stop at the cafe for a morning drink but far too early on our walk to contemplate, so we left the campers to their breakfast.
Having done the bulk of the climbing for the day, it was announced that we were having lunch in an area of hillocks where we could shelter from the strong wind and look at the magnificent views of the Brecon Beacons – and take note of presents left by sheep who obviously favour this area. It was an extremely early lunch, 11.30a.m. might be a Wenvoe walkers’ record! The views were indeed fabulous, including the Pen y Fan range and with the keen wind the speedy passage of cloud shadows across the nearer hills was mesmerising.
Somewhere around here a plane crashed. Because of the terrain, unpredictable weather and historical use as a military training ground it is one of dozens of aircraft crash sites mainly dating from World War II.
Continuing we took a route roughly parallel with the Beacons Way and the views grew in scope from the Black Mountain in the west across the Pen Y Fan range and over to the Black Mountains – Skirrid and Sugarloaf. At one point, Talybont reservoir could be seen clearly.
The walk was across a large moor with large conical dents several feet deep, sink holes we wondered. Not the site of plane crashes as the layout of the land would look different. The only water was a small foetid tarn.
A steep descent lead us down to the valley taking us towards Pontsticill. As we reached the road, we noted that both footpath markers were horizontal on the floor. It was a lot warmer in the valley, and we found a pink flower growing in profusion on a wet slope beside the path, several of us climbed down to take a closer look. It was bog pimpernel.
During the walk we had seen foxglove spires standing tall, a large furry brown caterpillar, and larks galore rising from the grass as we passed and soaring high above. The only stiles on the walk were saved for the very end of the walk. Recrossing the reservoir bridge, there were plenty of canoeists and paddle boarders enjoying the water.
Walk 8 miles 1100ft Map OL12
Fan y Big
We were promised a stiff climb, great views and no stiles! We parked near Torpantau station (Brecon steam railway) and set off along the road. An excellent path to the top of Fan y Big has large stones laid, and they are arranged to enable rain to run off with gullies at regular intervals. To preserve the precious peat bog large rolls of wool wrapped in ropes and pinned in place by wooden stakes are spread across the upper areas of the mountain. A mammoth task but brilliant enterprise keeping those of us that love the mountains to a restricted area whilst looking after Nature.
This was higher than the Pontsticill walk and as well as the Brecon Beacons view, we could see the Gower peninsula, Swansea Bay and flat lands to the north. Amazingly the ground for a long stretch was sandstone pavement, probably evidence of the sea being here in the past!
Lunch was at another excellent location, some of us descended a few feet to get out of the wind and sit looking down a valley. Walking towards the summit of Fan y Big we took a vote on whether to visit the busy summit, and we went for it. A challenge was put out ‘who’s going to go on the diving board?’ One person who is known for suffering from vertigo (me) walked straight to it and was soon followed by one other brave soul. The secret is to not look down!
A kite, larks and other small birds which moved so quickly we did not identify them peppered the sky. The return downhill was a lot quicker than the climb. The track through the valley leading to Torpantau Rd was littered with large stones so we kept looking for the smoother areas as by this time we were footsore.
Walk 8 miles 1300ft Map OL12
Both walks started near the Barn tea rooms, where we retired for refreshments. Most people had tea but a couple of us shared scones with jam and cream and one person chose ice-cream – all of it delicious.
