After a trial run from Llanthony Priory last month, I finally got
round to doing some wild camping. The plan had been to make use of
the Heart of Wales line and visit the much ignored area of Mid-Wales
West of Llandrindod Wells. However this was ruled out on the day due
to a late bus and the therefore late time of arrival. After
considering the Plynlimon area, we settled on the Black Mountains.
A couple of hours later, i`ve picked up my friend from Abergavenny
station and we are parked at the isolated car park 253284, 5 miles
down a dead end and miles away from Merthyr; that should be safe
enough. We took the path North, past Grwyne Fawr Reservoir and
carried on till it reaches the ridge that runs the North edge of the
Brecons. Prior to leaving, we had identified a number of possible
wild camp locations, one had been confirmed as good by an earlier Paul
Saunders post (the joys of Google), another one of Paul’s
locations was close by so we thought we`d have a look. At 198326, we
found a lovely flat and relatively stone free platform affording a
wonderful panoramic view over towards the unmistakable profile of
Pen-y-Fan. Perfect we thought, now lets just find a water supply.
Unfortunately, the nearby stream was dry till about 250m below us and
the stream down Cwm Cwnstab was too close to a path for comfort.
Consigning that one to memory for another time, we head over to Waun
Fach, contour round and drop down Pen Trumau. After cutting off the
Bridleway, we head down towards the sheepfold. We had kept to
Naismith almost dead on, surprisingly considering the packs we were
carrying, this gave us 2 hours to get sorted before sunset. In the
rush to get out, I had forgotten to write down Paul’s 8 figure
reference (2195 2768) so we start looking around the confluence,
rather than by the wood. After a few minutes we settle upon SO2169
2807, a flat, quite rock free shelf just East of Nant Y Gadair. My
friend had brought his expensive £250 tent, I had my £15 Pro Action
job. Mine went up first and whilst I can see where the money goes on
a £250 tent, i`m still amazed what £15 gets you down Argos (give me
the £250 one in bad weather though.). With the tents pitched, time to
prepare food. My Vesta meal was easy to prepare, tasty and a good big
portion. The water supply was clear, plentiful and knocks the socks
off what I pay Welsh Water to pipe to my house! This only left
watching the admittedly poor sunset with a can of Old Speckled Hen,
pre-chilled in the stream. There was something slightly disconcerting
with setting up camp out here, despite being hidden away, you kept
thinking the farmer would make an appearance any time… I was in
bed by 10 and managed a fairly good nights sleep (remembered the
ear-plugs this time); I really must learn to sleep on my back –
it`d be much more comfortable that way.
Awake at 6 this morning, porridge made, tents down and off by 8. With
the forecast of bad weather as a front moves in (6pm and still no
sign), we retrace our steps to Waun Fach, this time reaching the top.
A survey marker on the top gives some evidence to how much erosion has
taken place in the last 40 odd years. From Waun Fach we start walking
towards Pen y Gadair Fawr but cut down and cross the dam, join the
path and back to the car. Five miles but over Naismith this time
– the weight of the packs must be showing. Coming back, I was
concerned wherever the car was still their (and wishing I had paid the
extra for fully comp!). The car was still there but surprisingly the
drivers door was unlocked and the window fully open. Nothing had been
taken and I don’t think anything had been moved around but
I’m sure I checked the doors before we left…
All in all, a great last minute trip and I’m sure I’ll get
into Mid Wales again sometime soon.
Ed.