Friends were visiting from the USA and the nearest we got to peaks were definitely 'sneaky' moves! New Learning:
It's great fun sharing your learning and adventures with good friends. Thank you to Pete and Jane for wanting to explore South Wales with us. :-)
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New Learning:
Ordance Survey Explorer maps are more eco-friendly when printed on both sides of the paper. However, do not open and attempt to 'reverse-fold' whilst still in a car! ;-) Recently Lynne has been researching common foot injury issues after experiencing a nagging pain in her heel. Plantar fasciitis or the achilles tendon seem to be the potential causes. Today Lynne tried 'Scholl Orthaheel Gel Pain Reliever' shoe inserts - these definitely reduced the discomfort. New Learning: The more we walk, the more we understand the need for waterproof and windproof gear. This was the first time with this jacket, new ankle gaiters and new boots. Yes, it was an expensive month - but these should last for years. My old boots didn't pass the waterproof test. Submerging them in water showed how badly they were letting water in through the membrane. Six hours of walking with wet socks is just not pleasant. So, new boots were required. They are sturdier and will protect my feet more. My feet were measured professionally for length and width. They definitely feel different to my last boots and it may take a while to get used to them. I seemed to be able to trip over a single blade of grass this weekend. Saturday - no walking for Lynne this week - just watching from the car! Andrew decides to visit the highest trig going closest to home - Mynydd Y Gaer, just above the village of Heol-Y-Cyw. A short boggy trek from limited roadside parking but well worth the 360º views, including the ridges of the Llynfi, Garw, and Ogwr valleys; the glacial cul-de-sac sheltering Gilfach Goch; the Vale of Glamorgan from Cardiff to the mouth of the River Ogwr and across the channel, clear view of Exmoor and the Quantocks. Sunday - time for Lynne to make a recovery and join a short walk along Craig Ogwr to the top of Y Werfa - the highest summit in Bridgend Borough. Surprisingly, we were unsuccessful in reaching the trig point - :-( . We encountered a flooded lane surrounded by private land (lambing fields). After failed attempts at circumnavigating the deep flood and not wanting to disturb the sheep, we resolved to try another day. So, we headed north and hiked up Crugyrafan (559 m). While not as high as some of its neighbours, there are some worthwhile views of the Rhondda and the Breacon Beacons. Its summit bears a round barrow. New Learning:
Be aware of wind chill and wind speed. It was incredible. We were glad we weren't more exposed today - it was hard enough staying upright and on course on the lower hills. |
AuthorWe are Lynne and Andrew from Single Steps Learning. Our love of learning and exploring has inspired us to take up 'hill-walking'. We hope to progress from novice to expert! This is our journey. Archives
December 2016
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