Ramblers

THE WALK on Saturday, 2 April, started from Castell Trefilan, near Talsarn, following bridle-paths to Nantcwnlle, via Talfan and Dyfnant farms on the western flank of the Fan, a distinct landmark above Trefilan from where there are wonderful views to Hendre and the converted St Cwnlle Church.The building is now a holiday home, disap-pointedly and regrettably for its historical sake, named Dunroamin.The route continued passing the Calvinistic Methodist Chapel Bwlch-llan, originally built in 1841 and where a memorial to servicemen lost in the Second World War can be seen above the twin front doors.There are many footpaths and bridleways in the area to consider, with Lynden, the walk’s leader, having carefully considered a course to offer variability of terrain and views.North of Nantcwnlle, the landscape is a different nature to the green and fertile Aeron Valley whereby the land is poorer and unproductive. It is remote and desolate, evoking a sense of solitude and isolation for those who appreciate secluded places and has a loveliness of its own.The route wound its way back towards Talfan, now on a bridleway on the eastern flank of the lofty Fan.We finished with a visit to St Hilary’s Church to see the stained glass windows removed there from St Cwnlle that illustrate the life of St Gwynllyw, with a cup of tea and warm welcome awaiting the group.The weather was too inclement for the walk in the Brecon Beacons from Defynnog – it will be rescheduled in the autumn.However, a pleasant day awaited the group for their walk in the hills south of Ystrad Fflur (Strata Florida) starting off from near Pantyfedwen.Following old trackways through the Upper Towy Forest to Llyn Crugnant, the group turned west through the moorland utilising a distinct quad bike pathway to Garn Gron cairns and trig point to join the bridleway to Bryneithinog.Although in remote upland countryside it was not a difficult or arduous ramble.The group didn’t get to see any red squirrels despite the perfect day for them, but did enjoy 10 miles of beautiful Ceredigion landscape.