Cefn yr Ystrad

[willywalker247]

our_route.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

For some reason i had been putting off doing this walk since the start of the year. Well here i am parked just below Pontsticill reservior Grid ref SO060113.

The path at the start is a little steep then after passing through and under the Brecon Mountain railway track the path rises gently.

The views start to open up with a great view of Pontsticill reservior and Pen y Fan and Cribyn.

Old mine?

As my eye wandered taking in more of the views i saw what looked like an entrance to an old mine.

As i continued on i could hear the train coming, so i stopped and looked back down the path to see if i could see the train, i was in luck. I had my camera out in a flash and got a my pic.

Abercriban Quarry

The path then rises to a gateway in a wall on to open ground. Turn to the left and follow the path as it continues to climb gently up passing Abercriban quarry.

As you continue on you pickup a track follow this for half a mile or so then you can just continue up and you will see the summit cairn on the horizon. After reaching the summit you can retrace your steps back down. Making my way back to the start my eyes were drawn to Pen y Fan and i realised that it does not matter where i go in the Brecon Becons i feel drawn to Pen y Fan. It seems to have a hold on me.

[ChrisW]

Lovely wee wander WW, hope you waved to those folk on the train.....you have to do it...them's the rules

[willywalker247]

Hi CW I waved to the old gentleman in the last carriage.

[SusieThePensioner]

That looks a very enjoyable walk and some lovely views

[willywalker247]

That looks a very enjoyable walk and some lovely views

Hi Susie I did enjoy the walk but my pics never do the views justice. I wish I had your talent.

[garyhortop]

Nice wander Chris ...that mine look like it could do with some closer inspection as well!! And some good views across to the Beacons......I get the draw of Pen Y Fan...but not sure why either!! Hope you enjoy the Runner Bean chutney Debbie sent!

[willywalker247]

Nice wander Chris ...that mine look like it could do with some closer inspection as well!! And some good views across to the Beacons......I get the draw of Pen Y Fan...but not sure why either!! Hope you enjoy the Runner Bean chutney Debbie sent!

Hi Gary
I do plan to go and have another look soon and poke my nose in that tunnel. The chutney i know i will. I will try and catch up with Glyn on the weekend.

[clivegrif]

Hello, nice report!

Does any one know what the routes are like from the North East?

This is the only one I've got left to do in the south, but was thinking about an approach from Dyffryn Crawnon - but there may be quarries in the way!

Cheers

[malky_c]

Does any one know what the routes are like from the North East?

Dyffryn Crawnon is really nice, and the quarry doesn't really get in the way. Lots of quad bikes and scramblers do though! If you see my report from March, it has some info in it - although I started elsewhere, I did wind around that side of the hill. I'm pretty sure there are paths up from the bottom of the Crawnon. Somebody did mention though that the high public road to the quarry had been blocked off further back towards Tredegar to try and cut down on fly-tipping up there.

[clivegrif]

Does any one know what the routes are like from the North East?

Dyffryn Crawnon is really nice, and the quarry doesn't really get in the way. Lots of quad bikes and scramblers do though! If you see my report from March, it has some info in it - although I started elsewhere, I did wind around that side of the hill. I'm pretty sure there are paths up from the bottom of the Crawnon. Somebody did mention though that the high public road to the quarry had been blocked off further back towards Tredegar to try and cut down on fly-tipping up there.

Cheers Malky! Blimey you've been busy - it was at the bottom of page 3 for this year! Excellent stuff and yet again really useful. I followed your footsteps around the Berwyn a couple of weeks ago - write up to follow.
Thanks again, Clive

[Cymro]

Hello Wilywalker

Some nice photos of your journey to Cefn Yr Ystrad one of my favorite locations the one photo labeled Mine is infact a Powder House where Black Powder was stored, used as an explosive in the nearby Quarries There are no mines in limestone country only caves.

Cofion/Regards
Cymro

[Cymro]

Hello Wilywalker

Some nice photos of your journey to Cefn Yr Ystrad one of my favorite locations the one photo labeled Mine is infact a Powder House where Black Powder was stored, used as an explosive in the nearby Quarries There are no mines in limestone country only caves.

Cofion/Regards
Cymro

[willywalker247]

As i grew in Cardigan in west Wales i know nothing about mines, but its nice to learn a bit about what we see when we go wondering about the hill. Thanks for the info. I hope to do that walk again soon and will take a closer look.