8th February 2025
Snow covered hills, thick fog and freezing temperatures set the scene for the second Men Walking And Talking family and friends walk. Deep in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) lies some spectacular scenery, not that we could see it at first.
We all met next to the Porth yr Ogof, translated to the Gateway of the Cave for our pre walk brief, a perfect opportunity for a photo and it was instantly recognisable that this group were going to be great – so much chatter between them straight away, some had travelled over 120 miles to be with us and others more local.
We set off along the narrow, winding path along the Afon Hepste River, jumping fallen trees and smaller tributaries until we met the main path to our first waterfall, the Sgwd Clun-Gwyn (upper Fall of the White Meadow). The beauty of the route takes in the smaller falls to start with and builds up with the Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn (lower), Sgwd y Pannwr (Fall of the Fuller) to the most spectacular of the day, the wonderful Sgwd yr Eira (The Waterfall of Snow) with a thunderous roar as the water falls to the pool below, with some of the group venturing behind the curtain of water for a breathtaking view.
Parts of the walk, mainly the steep decline and incline to the upper and lower falls, added to the challenging conditions of mud and damp rocks, which gave the younger members of the group a huge sense of pride for completing the near 6 mile hike, however the biggest challenge for us all was the 190 steps down, and 190 steps back up from the final falls, but I think we all will agree the burning calves and aching backs were well worth it for the day we had!
