The Welsh Walker

A double walk today, a fairly short circular walk through the woods around Gilfach, followed by a longer walk up Drymmau Mountain. 

In all honestly I didn't much feel like going out today, and definitely would have ducked out of the later pub meal had I not already confirmed I'd go months ago - if something is booked I'm not going to be a flake.  My sat nav took me on the most awkward route possible, it seems to have a love of sending me down country lanes with blind turns when a trip along the motorway would come out in exactly the same place. That's twice in a row it's done this to me, I'll have to check the settings to see if there is some option that needs tweaking - getting lost down one way lanes is guaranteed to make me stressed and frazzled when I arrive.  I've never been to the Lliw Reservoirs before, so didn't have the slightest idea what I might be in for. I was pleasantly surprised, plenty of free parking, a cafe and toilets, and a paved path between reservoirs for anyone a bit too wary to go off piste. Having seen that the planned walk was only four miles on...

The plan today was to walk from the Dan yr Ogof show caves to Henrhyd Falls. I downloaded a new app, Viewranger, picked a track and was ready to go exploring. Unfortunately it didn't quite work out, though there were still plenty of fantastic views to enjoy. 

After my last weeks disappointment I decided to try a new group for today's walk. I'm getting surprisingly used to walking up to a group of strangers and introducing myself, a year ago when I started joining groups the idea used to make me shaky. Of course I still have my fingers crossed that they'll be friendly and there won't be any weirdos, but I've definitely gained in confidence. This group is focused on walking, which means no ambling. Today's adventure was an expedition along North Gower - I'm definitely more familiar with the south, so this was a new area for me. My sat nav app behaved and took me to Cwm Ivy car park (only £1 for a days parking), and I met up with the group there.

Today I went a little further afield than normal and met my mother for a walk around Pembrey Country Park. This is a great place to visit because it has a bit of everything; forest, lakes, rivers, beach. There are various trade shows going on most weekends, and there is also the opportunity for horse riding, skiing, or even having a go on a toboggan.