Hi all,
Just to report on a quick trip out onto the Mynydd Garnclochdy, between Blaenafon and Pontypool. Ostensibly, the idea was to test a webbing set that I picked up cheap on 'the bay' - see how comfortable it was, what I can get in the pockets, and so forth. That and walk the dog, of course.
Turns out i rather like it, despite the need to walk with my arms a little further from my sides, so as not to hit the pouches, but that's ok. Water bottles easily carried, and a lot of freedom of movement. Good alternative to a daypack, I think.
But what a lovely afternoon! No wind, ravens and buzzards overhead, loads of skylarks and pipits, the dog flushed 3 red grouse (I think there are only 2-3 pairs left on the ridge - it's the most southerly uk breeding population, I think), green tiger beetles on the path, and best of all for me, an adder. I'm 41, and before today I had never seen an adder! Lovely thing. Naturally, just as I lined up a photograph, the dog distrubed it, and it swiftly disappeared into the grass, but I don't care. I've been trying to see an adder for years, and everyone kept telling me that there are loads of them around.
It is little surprises like that that make us go outdoors, isn't it?
By the way, if anyone is in South-East Wales, the Torfaen ridge is technically part of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The walking is good, the wildlife is excellent, and despite the proximity of all the urban stuff in the valley below, it is completely silent, with hardly a soul about. It is becoming a favourite area with me.
Great day.
Just to report on a quick trip out onto the Mynydd Garnclochdy, between Blaenafon and Pontypool. Ostensibly, the idea was to test a webbing set that I picked up cheap on 'the bay' - see how comfortable it was, what I can get in the pockets, and so forth. That and walk the dog, of course.
Turns out i rather like it, despite the need to walk with my arms a little further from my sides, so as not to hit the pouches, but that's ok. Water bottles easily carried, and a lot of freedom of movement. Good alternative to a daypack, I think.
But what a lovely afternoon! No wind, ravens and buzzards overhead, loads of skylarks and pipits, the dog flushed 3 red grouse (I think there are only 2-3 pairs left on the ridge - it's the most southerly uk breeding population, I think), green tiger beetles on the path, and best of all for me, an adder. I'm 41, and before today I had never seen an adder! Lovely thing. Naturally, just as I lined up a photograph, the dog distrubed it, and it swiftly disappeared into the grass, but I don't care. I've been trying to see an adder for years, and everyone kept telling me that there are loads of them around.
It is little surprises like that that make us go outdoors, isn't it?
By the way, if anyone is in South-East Wales, the Torfaen ridge is technically part of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The walking is good, the wildlife is excellent, and despite the proximity of all the urban stuff in the valley below, it is completely silent, with hardly a soul about. It is becoming a favourite area with me.
Great day.
