An Orange Blorenge

A later than planned start and driving down the A40 it was noted that the weather/air clarity was less than inspiring. So, Plan A - calf muscle testing ascent up Mynydd Troed was switched to Plan B - a leisurely wander around the Blorenge instead, the Foxhunter carpark is handily placed for minimal exertion.

It had been 6+ years since the last visit and things had changed out on the moorland. At some point in the intervening years an extensive (managed?) hill fire had burnt away the leggy heather and young heather plants were rejuvenating the moor.  The heavily eroded main path from carpark to summit had been resurfaced and there seemed to be a complete absence of litter, hopefully a positive sign that people are respecting the environment.  Two pairs and a trio, equalled a total of 7 Red Grouse sighted, apparently the Blorenge is the furthest location south in the UK for Red Grouse and another positive, always good to see the native wildlife.

The periglacial block fields on the northern slopes also have the potential for a composition with the Black Mountains as a back drop and fortuitously the sheet cloud started to break up in time for sunset.

I can think of numerous times when far more onerous trips have met with scant reward, but autumnal low angled sunlight, under low cloud is not bad at all.