The HBC Hiking Group’s October walk was a gentle circular affair of about 5 miles, starting near Prior’s Frome and heading through intermittent woodland towards Upper Dormington, then Perton and southwards to Checkley, where we were given the chance to visit the small church of St Nicholas, beautifully decorated for their harvest festival (see example in photo).

After heavy rain the previous day, we were thankful that our leader Mike C had chosen some hard tracks, so we encountered little mud (and no stiles!) on what turned out to be a beautiful day for walking, with some fine long distance views. Watch out for notice of our next hike!

The hike in September took place in the Begwns, a National Trust owned upland area near Hay-on-Wye, and was led by a friend of the Maesyronnen Chapel, one of Wales’ oldest non-conformist places of worship. This was a longer than anticipated trek for the 9 of us, topping almost 10 miles but was more than compensated for by the beautiful scenery and perfect weather. The walk finished at the Chapel where we were presented with very welcomed refreshments. We also took part in a short service of thanksgiving led by the chapel’s minister who came especially in for the occasion!

HBC Hiking Group have enjoyed beautiful weather for their last two outings.

Our walk in July was a gentle and level affair of about 6 miles, starting from HBC and along the Wye to Breinton, where we were fortunate to find the church open for viewing.

In August, we travelled further afield to the Blorenge, between Avergavenny and Blaenavon. It was rather breezy at the top where our picture was taken, but more sheltered as we circumnavigated the lower reaches of the hill, finding signs of a former tramway supporting the local ironmaking industry, also the Punch Bowl pond with a glacial heritage. About 7.7 miles in all with a couple of easily managed ascents and no stiles!

Many thanks to Mike C and David P for leading these two walks. Watch out for notice of the next outing.