Friday 25th October Thomas Prosser, John Hawkins and I met at Dowlais. The weather a short while before was horrible and had been piddling down but it was reasonably dry (it had stopped lashing it down) by the time we left for Brecon.
Navigating the roadworks around the junction of the heads of the valleys and the Brecon turn off was interesting. It was a bit drizzly all the way to Rayhader but was dryer up the Elan Valley. Despite all the rain we have had in recent months I was surprised to see how low the water levels were in all the reservoirs. I think Birmingham is heading to a water shortage if we have a drought year.
The run over to Devil’s Bridge was good and the sun was shining by the time we got to the Two Hoots. We had come to say goodbye to the lovely ladies who have run it for the last 34 years. At the beginning of the month they had been given notice to quit by the steam railway company who own the property. They were devastated as you can imagine. We thanked them for their service and wished them all the best for the future.
After the bacon and sausage bap and mug of tea it was off to Tregaron and then over the mountains to Llyn Brianne. By contrast to the Elan this reservoir was full and overflowing. The destination was Llandovery and the Owl’s Nest Tea Room Diner to see the lovely Sally, oh and that grumpy old git Ian Marquis, who happened to be remarkably happy.
After cake and tea we headed home, avoiding the A40 that has roadworks at Halfway. We headed for Llanddusant and came out near the Gwyn Arms. Home then via the chimpanzee sanctuary and Glyn Neath, where John left us. Tom and I came home via Aberdare, Nelson and Ystrad Mynach.
A great day out with good company. Thank you guys.
This is likely the last of the long Rideouts now until the clocks go forward in the spring.
Mike Jeffs