Brecon 23rd,24th,25th July 2014 (Weds,Thurs,Fri)

Brecon 23rd,24th,25th July 2014 (Weds,Thurs,Fri)

Wednesday

After the effort and heat of Sugarloaf on Tuesday we decided on a more chilled and relaxed day as once again the forecast was for Scorchio! A late morning visit to a nearby garden centre, shop and cafe with cake/coffee was followed by an afternoon drive to the Brecon Mountain Railway to catch the last train of the day at 15:45.

Click Here...Brecon Mountain Railway

Located just off the Heads of the Valleys trunk road - about 3 miles north of Merthyr Tydfil. Follow the Mountain Railway signs from the A470 and A465.

 

We bought the tickets (£12 each), but unfortunately the last train was diesel hauled rather than steam. Still a nice pleasant journey, and enough room to stand outside the warm carriages on such a hot day.

The views began very well coming out of Pant station, but for quite a large part of the journey they were not so good obscured by woodland and side cuttings.

 

Opened out near the reservoir though. 

 

The end of the line after about 30 mins or so, then a short 15 min wait while the engine ran around.

 

Heading back to Pant, and a 20 min stop was made at the reservoir station where there is a cafe and tables.



 

 

The Brecon Mountain Railway was good but not spectacular, worth a first time visit, but doubt we would do it again. Relaxing though.



Thursday

The run of splendid weather continued with 29°C forecast. We therefore limited our options to a short walk in Waterfall Country.

Click Here...Waterfall Country

This area of the National Park, has many waterfalls in a small area, and it is possible to visit many in one day. From Brecon we headed South around a 45 min drive as the Sat Nav took us on some very minor roads. The views were stunning though. We even came across the Army yomping across the hills on exercise. Look, men with guns!

 

 

 

 

We arrived at the village of Pontneddfechan late morning and parked roadside near to the Waterfalls Centre. We already had information and maps, but had a look around the centre anyway which houses a small exhibition on the falls around the area and sells maps etc....

 



We had decided on a short walk to Sgwd Gwladus waterfall only 1.5 miles from the centre along easy paths. It was shaded much of the way and quite a pleasant amble riverside until we reached the waterfall.

It was quite busy though, as its easy to access I guess, and school holidays!

 

I did manage some shots using my SLR/Tripod and slow shutter speeds.

 



 

The last couple were taken using a 10 stop ND filter and an exposure time of nearly 2 minutes giving a milky effect ot the water falling.

 



 

Before long, kids were splashing and swimming (as thery do), and we ambled back to the car, before detouring after to the pub for a sarnie and a shandy!

The drive back to Brecon was quicker as we took main roads, but we decied we would defnitely return to Waterfall country next year and do some longer walks hopefully.


Friday

Friday turned into another hot day, and we decided to head home after removing ourselves and possessions from the wondefrul Benyon House. It was hard wrenching ourselves away from that canal side view. Hopefully we will return to Benyon House in 2015. We arrived home mid-afternoon after an uneventful drive back (and a rest stop at Tamworth services again).