A short and wet trip on the moor

The forecast was poor even by the standards of recent weather and yet a small glimmer of hope in the Met office forecast for the Brecon Beacons NP, with a possibility of some broken cloud later in the evening and more probably low cloud, hill fog, heavy showers, strong wind gusts that would provide some atmosphere. The wind direction pointed to high ground in the SE for offering any views and the potential for any burst of sunshine, with cloud breaking up over the Usk Valley. The Blorenge was promising, more so with its car park at 500m asl minimising any uphill slog and I could cope with the elements in lieu of ascent, for a wander around the moorland and take in the 'atmosphere'.

Parking up facing into the wind and the forecast was spot on - cloud base/hill fog was below the bonnet and the windscreen indicated heavy, angled, rain. Still if the cloud broke, after a passing rain band there could be an opportunity for a rainbow, so, on with the rain gear and off into the murk on a decent track across the moorland, then off piste onto sheep tracks for a look around.  Disappointing to note the heather was not in full bloom, but the bilberry leaves were taking on some colour, the berries were ripe and very tasty, a welcome distraction from the weather. A couple of hours wandering and waiting between showers and watching the cloud base rise and lift, but never convincingly clear the 600m level so only the flanks of the Black Mountains were visible and only the Sugar loaf summit occasionally visible.



The Usk Valley around Kemeys Commander has a suite of landforms associated with down wasting glacial ice and the views from the Blorenge provided an idea for an image and viewpoint of the landforms and time of year, one for the increasing list of 'must visit in the future'. On the way back to the car, finally the cloud broke briefly to let weak sunlight through and illuminate the moor, fortunate really as there was a combination of low level and a high cloud. A couple of images made at different angles of view and that was the end of the outing.

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.