Hay to Crickhowell Posted by John

The RV and travel logistics were horrific – but brilliantly sorted by Carl and Jo as usual. Five of us (Jo, Carl, Ashley, myself and Angie – plus Mattie the dog) set off from the car park at Hay Bluff at 9.00am sharp.
   
Never trust a run with trig points; this one had several (plus some other high points without them – but only because they are too high and remote for anyone to even think of hauling a triangular block of concrete up them). Suffice to say, this was a long, steep and remote trek – but if you like beautiful, wild and remote locations then this was the run for you. The snow drifts (and there were still plenty of them) were frozen solid – so that you could run straight over them without sinking; but  the bogs had a sneaky hard covering of frost – usually, but not always, enough so take your weight (every third step or so you sank through the ice into the cold wet bog beneath).

The Wye valley views away to the North West were tremendous during the first couple of miles (once the mist had lifted) showing inverted clouds all the way up the river to Builth and beyond with bright sunshine above. Angie left us (reluctantly) to run back when we turned South – commitments to the family do have to get in the way occasionally. The run down to the Grwynne Fawr reservoir was probably the best bit – gradual downhill for three miles over an initially rocky but increasingly grassy path.


We crossed the river footbridge at the Blaen y Cwm car park and (after some of Carl’s excellent coffee and cake) slogged our way up 1,500 feet to Pen y Gadair Fawr (through the occasional flurry of snow). From here it was mainly downhill skirting a bleak and windswept forestry plantation until the pretty little top of Crug Mawr – with great views of the Skirrid, Sugar Loaf and the Blorenge. From Crug Mawr the way down was along gentle slopes on grassy paths into the valley at Llanbedr (with pretty valley views on all sides) – and then on by road to Crickhowell (and a well earned lunch – for some of us - at the Bear).By the end even the dog was tired (a first!) and I suspect that the rest of the group all slept soundly that evening. A great run in some of the best countryside in the UK and in good supportive and like-minded company – what more could anyone want on a cold and bright January Sunday morning? 

Down Crickhowell Way Posted by Claire

There’s something for everyone on our club outings! While the Hotfooter hardcore were charging 20 miles over the mountains through sun, snow and fog for 5 hours (oh how nearly they missed their lunch at the Bear!), and Shaun and Jules opted for a gentle jog along the Brecon to Monmouth canal (well OK they did run 9 miles) Tina and I ran a route which was designed as a walk but hey,  that’s a bit on the easy side for us. We ran down to Llangattock and then up (and it was up, a vertical hill on the other side of the river) and alongside the Llangatwg quarries. Old industrial tramways and paths criss-crossed our route in the days when the quarries were operating but now the scenery is purely rural, with a good bit of variety – hills, woodland, streams,  rocky paths, grassy trails. The views over to the Black Mountains are awesome on a clear day. It was 7.5 miles in total but took 2 hours because of the terrain. If any club member wants a copy of the route, Carl and I have written instructions and maps.

Crickhowell to Gilwern (& back again). Posted by Jules

Whilst the thought of a long run over the mountains did quite appeal to my sense of adventure, unfortunately I knew that my limbs would probably not enjoy the experience on this occasion.However, not being one to miss a Sunday run around, especially followed by Sunday Lunch I decided to join Shaun on the considerably flattest route of the day along the canal tow path. With neither a pace or distance in mind, we set off from Crickhowell towards Llangattock only to find that we did have a steep climb of sorts, although only down the actual wall of a bridge onto the path. We encountered no mountains or snow, and enjoyed some rare warmth from the sunshine during our run. In fact it was so pleasant I managed to get down to tee shirt layer, and very nearly took a dive into the canal (although that was unintentional). We ended up carrying on to Gilwern before heading back to Crickhowell, a total of 9 miles, so once again we managed to earn our very enjoyable Sunday Lunch this time in The Bear.

Google Images and elevation by sports tracks