Llangurig to Rhyd-y-Benwch

The last stage of the Walk is a full day, but consolation lies in the extensive views across the Welsh hills and the quiet woodland and farmland. The walk is over rising open country and forest with extensive views and interesting industrial archaeology. When we get to our finishing point, a car park, an organised taxi will collect us. We assumed the end point of our Wye Valley Walk, which is a walk from the sea to the source, would take us to where the water first bubbled up from under the ground to begin its journey to the sea. I was expecting a nondescript, muddy spot somewhere on a high, bare mountain top.

So let's begin our last day of the walk and see what it holds for us. We left The Vicarage and walked by the Post Office and The Red Lion pub and made our way out of town,

and immediately started to climb. Each time we stopped to catch our breath, the views were also immediate, giving us a lovely perspective of Llangurig.

This post is a great description of how we felt for a good part of our day!

But what consolution to stand on top of the world looking across creation.

In this photo, it's not that Graham and Ammie are so far ahead of us, it's that they look so tiny against the backdrop of this incredibly great vista. As we stood up high we could see 360degrees all around. Just spectacular!

Time for another discussion concerning which corner of the field we are to head towards.

Perhaps this was once the humble dwelling of a local miner.

I saw this little tree growing out of an old fence post. It helped to show how windy it was getting up high on these hills.

Along the trail today we often had to negotiate obstacles. This tree required us climbing over three branches with other low branches hanging overhead.

This very old stile caused lots of groanings

She made it! Who's next?

And then half the steps were missing!

Across another field and then

more old but great style..

The Wye again with an inviting bridge, but we must not cross it. Many times we have walked through farms, right near the animals.

Allan kept a close eye on this bull with his young herd. I think the bull was keeping a close eye on Allan also!

The perfect log for a morning tea break.

The only way is up!

Another reminder of a past life.

Another farmhouse in quite a remote location. Allan was a little happier to greet the horses.

The farm may be isolated but in a beautiful situation.

We just loved the layers in this scene. The sky, the hills, the bluebells, the trees, the road, the sheep, the river and the grass.

Even though the river is smaller in size right now, there is evidence around here that when the rain falls, the river takes on a whole different demeaner.

A big puddle on top of the hills served as a great mirror, reflecting the cloud formations. As we continued we saw several, as it were, intersections with the river.

This one was the Afon Tarenig with the River Wye. We also passed through Sweet Lamb Rally Complex as we walked along a dusty track. We were glad that nothing was happening while we passed. Apparently its very noisy when events are on. Next we came to a farm where we watched a frustrated farmer struggling with a wayward lamb and a couple of sheep dogs.

Looking across to Plynlimon, where the Wye River rises from beneath the ground.

We saw evidence of lead mining at the site of the Nant lago Lead Mine that operated from 1746 to 1917.

Looking back to where we have walked. Again superb views. Now we proceed towards Hafren Forest entering through a gate leading to a wide forest road. It wound round and up and round and up and on and on. I began to worry that we had missed a signpost when we spotted Graham ahead.

The water was cascading down through the rocks and we are now following the Afon Hore which joins the River Severn.

Strange as may seem, the final leg of our journey was along the River Severn

on a boardwalk. It was a lovely way to finish with a few seats and picnic tables throughout the forest with the gentle stream of the Severn rippling by. Around one more bend and there was the car park and the rock that marks the end.

All that was left to do was take lots of photos, give each other lots of hugs, sit down and have afternoon tea and wait for the taxi.

A big shout out to our walking poles which Allan called 'My Rod and My Staff'. They were a great comfort.

Walking poles folded up. Job well done!

Ammie and myself fell asleep in the taxi!!