This was challenging from the perspective of an out-of-condition 67 year old but I was pleased that I managed to complete it. The weather was unseasonably good – relatively mild, clear blue skies and spectacular low-lying cloud.
This particular one sat over Hay like a hat, unmoving. But on the way down the sun was obscured by rolling clouds from the north and the temperature fell fast and quickly on the side of the bluff we were traversing.
The view from the top is spectacular; actually it is all the way up, including the drive to the car park. there were a handful of cars and we only saw four people in the two and a half hours we were there. But apparently at weekends it can be rammed, unsurprisingly.
There are ponies and sheep on the hills, and on the drive back we saw a young deer that checked us out, then turned and vaulted a waist high fence with grace and power. Too quick for me to get my camera out.
The colours are of course many and diverse. I have no idea what any of the vegetation is.
I was surprised and delight to find I had my monocular with me. This gave me a chance to look down on Hay from afar and pick out one or two of its bigger buildings. Nice to just sit down and take in the world below.
I had nearly forgotten my stick but really needed this on the steeper sections and on the rutted paths. It is an essential item for the older walker and a sensible one for people of any age.
Of course we had to have a selfie at the summit …
Eyecatching 