Where Ravens Dare 2015 

On Saturday 6th September three members from Hardwicke and Lydbrook branches set off to South Wales  to tackle what was described as a "visually spectacular autumnal walk of 15.5 miles in the eastern valleys of South Wales." There was a 26 mile version, however to play on the safe side we opted for the lesser 15.5 mile strole!

Our Branch Section set off at approximately 09:30hrs from Machen Village Hall after a good session on the toast, marmalade and coffee for the ascent of the local Mynydd Machen!

After what can only be described as "a bit of a steep climb" we reached the summit where we were surprised to see a panoramic 360 degree view which included cardiff, St Athans to the west, The Brecon Beacons to the north west and Newport and the fabled land of Gloucestershire to the east up the Severn Estuary. 

Twmbarlwm, to the east was our next target so off we went on our descent into the deep valley which so inconvenientlt disected our route to the top of this ancient hill top fortress.

About 200 people in total had signed up for this years challeng, organised by the long Distance Walkers Association's South Wales Branch. No doubt the glorious autumnal day had a lot to do with ensuring people took part. We enjoyed clear blue skies with cloud inversions in the valleys themselves whilst the temperature remained perfect.