A day without rain in the current spell so we determined to go for a walk - this time to Abbey-cwm-hir - an old Cistercian monastery. I picked the walk out of a Kittiwake book, as it went around the slopes of this valley through the coniferous forests. Most of the route was also shown on the local council notice board map. We would combine the green and blue routes, joining over Cwmysgawen Common.
We parked in front of the church, taking in its unusual spire. Then set off up to the council noticeboard.
Finding the start of the route was confusing as it went through what looked like a private garden. However once we saw the footpath sign at the back we knew it was OK.
Down the grass field and over the boggy bit at the bottom to a bridge over the stream.
A steep climb up the far side, first on grass then through a gate and up cleared forest.
The path then led into the forest proper.
The forest through here was almost Tolkienesque, with the moss covered trees.
Continuing to climb the slope, the trees opened out a little and we reached a forest road.
A short section along here, before disappearing back into the trees.
The path came out at a complex junction of forest roads and phone mast. Looking back down to the valley of Cwm-hir below.
Along the forest road until we could pick up a path back into the trees. This path paralleled a forest clearing, but always in the trees.
The path ended at a junction of roads, and we followed the one that broke out looking over the fields towards the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons.
Next along the edge of the forest following hte fence, until the point where the path went back into the trees.
The council routes follow the fence up to the top of the hill, but we only found that out later.
Staying on the bridleway through the trees and onto a forest road - now descending.
Looking over to the Cambrian mountains and Elan valley. Still descending on the forest roads.
We left the forest road when it turned sharply downhill and continued on the bridleway through a portion of the forest severely affected by the winter storms.
Back onto another forest road to continue down to the back road.
Looking over the road to the slope we would descend opposite, before walking up the road to find the start of this section.
Down the ridgeline alongside a wilder valley section. Looking across to the opposite side where we would climb back up.
We stopped for lunch above the stream, with an audience of curious sheep. They sent a delegation over to investigated then ran away.
Down at the stream we had to walk up and down before we found a suitable crossing point.
On the far side there was a narrow path along the fence that escaped the boggy lower part.
We followed this narrow path up to a corner where a gate gave access out to the forest.
Up onto the forest road (past warning signs of being used for motorsport rallys.
We continued on the forest road, even when the path diverted as Sue was feeling her knees on the rough ground.
Staying on the forest road as it contoured around the hill with views over to the first forest we climbed through.
Then a final hairpin bend and down onto a back road (only just further down than the original route.)
Now connecting with Glyndwr's way, we followed an ancient trackway down to a stream, and a bridge - no more wading this time!
Climbing up the gradual incline to the shoulder behind Sugar loaf. Crossing more forest roads.
Down the far side and out of the trees above the village of Abbey-cwm-hir
The path crossed just above the church and back to the car park.
We did take a diversion after the walk to nip around and see the ruins of the monastery. It would have been huge at one time!
