Day 14 Hay on Wye to Longtown

Black mountain is the highest point on the Hatteral Ridge and we first encountered this ridge near Knighton with the Monkey Puzzle trees. The hill ponies of the Hatteral Ridge have roamed here for thousands of years and play an important role in the preservation of the heath flowers. At over 700 m, these marilyns (Welsh version of Scottish munros) are exposed to severe weather and are snow covered for at times. Luckily, today was mild and the breeze gentle, but this part of the Offa’s path carries many warnings.
At the top, the ridge is level and flag stones make walking a pleasure. Views across the Wye valley to the east and the river Usk to the west. Underfoot, dense peat bog holds pools of water, white rocks lie therein, inspiring references to the Dead Marshes of Tolkien. It is said he walked here, inspiring visions of Mordor.
The descent to Longtown punishing to the feet. The itinerary tomorrow is to climb back up to the ridge and down the other side. No way. I will find a way down the river valley to Llangattock Lingoed where we meet Rob and Sarah Moffat for lunch.
Stats: 23.8 km, 7:10 hours, 670 m altitude gain, HR 84, 7140/9952 kJRead more