An early start with fair weather forecast, this walk was to be a solo effort as it would be too much for Susan's still recovering ankle. So it was a set off at 06:30 (ish) from the cottage and about a 25 minute drive to the start.
The day was bright and after paying a few quid into the car park honesty box I found myself descending down a steep muddy bank at the back and onto a wide track. Crossing a stile into open fields, the route then ascended up quite steep grassy slopes to the ruins of an old hill fort.
It was quite hard work for so early in the morning, and several stops to admire the views were made.
"Me and my shadow" - There was no one else, in fact, I did not see anyone for the whole duration of the walk.
The light was good this early in the morning, casting long shadows on the rolling green hills.
The scant remains of parts of the hill fort.
The path levelled for a while and several wild horses were encountered in the distance. Turning right off the main path the way was following a grassier less distinct track towards the goal of Wan Fauch. Despite the bright day, the wind had picked up above 1500ft, and progressively increased with height.
The grassy track then joined a more distinct rockier path, that steepened towards the summit.
This, however, was a false summit, and the actual summit was still a little way ahead. Some person was obviously not happy with their boots! The wind was also much stronger now as 2500ft was passed.
The actual summit of Wan Fauch at 2700ft was something of a disappointment. Not only was there no cairn, just a rather flat top with uninspiring views. The better viewpoints were actually just lower than the summit and going down on the opposite side.
I did not hang about too long as the wind was strong, and the views not too brilliant.
I paused here for pictures and eats, though the wind was still gusting.
The picture below shows the path I desecended and by now below 1500ft, the wind had eased.
Thr descent path down was very pleasant indeed, not too steep or rocky in the most part, and good views all the way.
Wild horses encountered in very close quarters and quite tame really, obviously used to hikers, though there were no other hikers today, yet.
Down at 1000ft, the wind had dropped right off and it was warm. I found a nice spot to relax for 20 mins or so, to eat, drink and take more pictures. There was even a glider came along into view and i watched it drop its tow rope and glide off into the distance.
A couple of miles or so of green tracks and I came off the hill for the final mile along country lanes and views back from where I had been.
I finished just after lunch time, and drove back to ther cottage to tell Susan of my endeavours.
We drove to the Mountain Centre in the afternoon, for a well deserved Ice-Cream (for me anyway).
My Walk Score: 7.5/10
