A return to the Black Mountains and a first stay at Tav’s caravan in Clyro.

Having given Dave H a stiff drink or four to cope with the thought of staying in a caravan we headed down to Baskervilles for the traditional beer and pub grub first night. The walk back proved a fitting warm up to the rest of the trip. 

Day 1 

After our traditionally large breakfast we headed up to the car park beneath Hay Bluff. While not quite getting lost in a car park this time we still managed to wander over the shoulder of Hay Bluff for half an hour before returning to join the main path up that ran directly from the car park. Finally on the main path we climbed steadily to reach the ridge and then the trig point.

The weather as we set off had been glorious and while clouds were building to the west we still had great views over the Wye Valley. As we headed back across the ridge towards Lord Hereford’s knob, Lewis’s boots decided they had had enough of walking and both soles promptly fell off. That necessitated a change of route, dropping down to Gospel Pass we walked back to the cars so Lewis could change shoes, drove back to Gospel Pass and continued with the walk.

We ascended Lord Hereford’s Knob, our first visit since we were staying at Penpont in 2005. By now the cloud was sweeping in and out of the ridge - sometimes we had views and sometimes it was difficult to see each other. The trig point at Rhos Dirion was thankfully out of cloud and allowed a good photo opportunity, before we pressed on before descending down Rhiw Cwmstab and then joining the Three Rivers Ride to head back towards Gospel Pass.

On the map Three Rivers Way looks like a good route. On the ground it proved a soggy, boggy muddiest. To add to the fun the rain had started and it was a tired and slightly grumpy group that slogged our way back to gospel pass. 

Dave E had to say goodbye and head home at that point but the remainder of us headed into Hay-on-Wye and restored ourselves with curry and beer. 

Day 2

After another large breakfast we headed above Painscastle and wandered across Llanbedr Hill for a few hours before heading home.