Mapping Mountains – Trimble Surveys – Mynydd Epynt

25.08.22  Twmpath (SO 084 432) 

It had been a long time since having the pleasure of Darrin and Lisa’s company on a hill.  Many years ago we were out most weekends visiting a plethora of Welsh hills followed by much after walk merriment in Llanidloes.  These were good times.  Today we were heading down to Theatr Brycheiniog in Brecon to see Operation Julie – A Rock Musical.  As Darrin and Lisa’s eldest son; Tom, was having physiotherapy late morning we could not set off until after midday, therefore Lisa asked me to plot a route taking about three hours over one or two hills.  This would give us time for an after walk meal before the theatre. 

Twmpath (SO 084 432)

The hill I found is positioned about Erwyd (Erwood); a small village on our route heading south to Brecon.  The forecast was for clear and dry conditions and I suspected the walk would take about three hours, four if we enjoyed the sunshine and dawdled.  The weather was indeed good and we did dawdle, albeit mainly because of my plodding pace, but why rush when it was so blissful!

The day before the walk I contacted the Wheelwright Arms; a pub next to the main road in Erwyd, asking permission to leave a car in their car park, this was duly granted and we whizzed south with Lisa at the controls driving an incredibly quiet electric car, my first experience in one.

Prior to visiting I had examined this hill via LIDAR, building up the contours at both its summit and connecting bwlch and noting the heights and positions of both.  Therefore, although I had the Trimble it wasn’t needed to produce accurate heights and positions for this hill. 

LIDAR image of Twmpath (SO 084 432)

We were walking at 1.25pm, heading up a steep narrow paved lane that leads up to Maescletwr farm.  The sun was ablaze casting a myriad of rich colour, with the blue sky almost penetratingly iridescent.  The warm weather during the summer months had left the fields parched and these shone back with a light yellowed tinge.  In patches it was similar to walking in southern Spain with crisp dried land underfoot and a constant blue sky above. 

Twyn y Garth (SO 107 437) from the ascent of Twmpath

At the farm we met Sandra Davies and her two dogs; this was an ideal excuse to rest and gather my breath.  Sandra confirmed that the hill we were heading for is known as Twmpath.  This is a name that appears on Ordnance Survey maps, but it is always good to get confirmation from a local farmer. 

Sandra Davies outside Maescletwr

Beyond the farm the paved narrow road gave way to a track that meandered up past a small disused quarry before turning in to a green path.  The upper part of this hill is on open access land and as we gained height and reached the section of greened path, the view opened up with a stunning vista further south to the heightened ridges of the Black Mountains. 

The track beyond Maescletwr

Nearing the upper part of Twmpath

The upper part of Twmpath was scattered in the most beautiful coloured bracken with late summer edging its way toward the beauty of autumn.  The dulled summer greens were giving way to brightened yellows and succulent browns, all of which added variety and a welcoming warmth to the scene. 

Nearing the top of Twmpath

A beautiful day to be on a hill

Lisa

I followed Darrin and Lisa toward the top where we rested and sat on a convenient large boulder for a welcome break and lunch, which for me consisted of a banana and two small Gold chocolate bars. 

Lunch time stop

The summit of Twmpath was only a short distance away and after both Lisa and Darrin ventured its way to confirm it higher than our lunchtime rock, I then followed.  This hill proved a marvellous place to sit, talk and take in the beauty of the land.  It was good to be out with Lisa and Darrin again, over recent years we have rarely seen each other, but as with any good friendship; time does not seem to affect the dynamic as conversation and laughter flowed.

Leaving the rock our route now followed the ridge north-westward on a delightful green path through the bracken, with floating views across and down the Wye valley looking north with the land leading toward Aberedw Hill a patchwork of colour. 

Leaving the summit of Twmpath

The ridge path eventually met the narrow lane that makes its way over from the B4520 road as it heads southward across the Epynt.  Here we joined an old green lane loosing height with mature hedgerows either side.  Two old rusted gates were negotiated as we made our way down toward Abergwenddwr; a house overlooking the stream valley below.  These old ways are now a forgotten remnant from ages gone by, they have tranquillity to them; a foretaste of what must have been an ancient beating heart connecting through a pre-industrial age. 

The green path leading down toward the narrow road

By now the strength of the sun was battering me; I’ve never been the best at coping in heat and have succumbed on more than one occasion.  Today I just put my head down and followed Darrin and Lisa as they aimed toward a series of gates on steepening ground, all of which connected the public footpath that we were following. 

Sheep on parched land

Across the fields toward the wood

Eventually our route led in to a wood, although for only a brief time the wood gave respite from the strengthening sun and added variety to an already excellent walk.  Exiting the wood we stopped for a rest and to check the map as we now had to gain height and crest our inward ridge. 

Approaching the wood

I suffered on this section but knew that taking small steps at my own steady pace would eventually get me to the top, which it did.  Before reclaiming our inward route we came across an old building, now frequented by lazing bullocks and perfectly framed by a green canopy of trees.  Its appearance gave another excuse to briefly rest.  A track led past the old building and bullocks toward a gate, which gave access to our inward route above Maescletwr farm.  From here it was a quick descent following the narrow lane down to the awaiting car. 

Twmpath from the ascent above the wood

The old barn

At the car I changed out of my walking gear, whilst Lisa and Darrin headed in to the Wheelwright Arms, a few minutes later we were sitting outside in lovely late afternoon sunshine eating good pub grub whilst getting rehydrated.  It was only a short distance from here to Brecon.  The SatNav and an enquiry with a local soon took us to Theatr Brycheiniog for the evening’s entertainment and Operation Julie - A Rock Musical proved very enjoyable.

The theatre in Brecon is positioned next to the canal which on such a beautiful evening added a tranquil scene to the music and mayhem of Britain’s largest LSD seizure happening inside the salubrious surrounds of the theatre.  It proved an excellent day with a good hill, beautiful weather, a good pub meal, a very enjoyable rock musical and all in excellent company. 

 

Survey Result:

 

Twmpath

Summit Height:  280.7m (LIDAR)

Summit Grid Reference:  SO 08465 43263 (LIDAR)

Bwlch Height:  259.2m (LIDAR)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SO 08071 43457 (LIDAR)

Drop:  21.6m (LIDAR)

Dominance:  7.68% (LIDAR)

 

 

For further details please consult the Trimble Survey Spreadsheet