Mountains for the mind

Well I'm no different to that. I can't remember when I realised that being up a mountain made me feel so much better, energised and just away from the daily grind. But I do remember the first time I was conscious of just how good it makes me feel to go up, look down and get a bit of perspective on life. Thanks to an amazing environmental science teacher in Hereford for a scorching day up the Cat's Back in the Black Mountains on the eastern side of the Brecon Beacons National Park, and the best buzz ever on completion. I've been addicted to getting up hills and mountains ever since. 

Today was no different. We are busy setting up Cambrian Escapes and at times it is a bit of a roller coaster. So today I needed my own little Cambrian escape and to get up there. I decided to keep local, on the basis there is still so much to explore.  I headed to Cwm Rhaeadr to work out where the bridlepath comes out on to Mynydd Mallaen. Needless to say I took a small diversion and stumbled onto to a plateau with some serious views - in fact a favourite spot...the moment where it all starts to get a bit wild. What a view and what a walk. Looking northwards up the valley with the heavily wooded Coed Alltyberau on the left of the valley and Craig Bron-Y-Cwrt to the right and then looking eastwards over towards Rhandirmwyn.  I think I may be able to recommend this to guests as a walk to the Towy Bridge Inn from their holiday cottage.

After my detour I got back on track, hit the bridlepath and emerged onto the hill above Cwm Rhaeadr waterfall. What an eye full. Mynydd Mallaen does, I believe, have the best views of the Carmarthen Fans, in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Simply stunning. I sit down and drink it in, following the contours of landscape that's becoming familiar.  It's brain fodder, that perspective from above.  Nothing much else matters other than the panorama of hills and mountains, partying skylarks, and that huge Welsh sky. Mountains for peace of mind, that's for sure.