“A steady climb from Pandy brings you to the first dramatic upland section of the Trail in the Black Mountains and the highest point of the route at 2300 ft (700m). This section straddling the national border on the Hatterall Ridge lies within the Brecon Beacons National Park. Once the summit has been reached the Trail follows a well-defined and improved ridge walk for about 11 miles to Hay Bluff, with stunning views to either side. You have the Vale of Ewyas to one side and the Olchon Valley to the other with distant views of the Skirrid, Sugar Loaf and much more from different points along the ridge. Many walkers break the journey across the ridge with an overnight stay at either Llanthony Priory with its 11th century Augustinian Priory or, on the other side of the ridge, Longtown with its 12th century Norman motte-and-bailey fortification. The whole of this upland section is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest with various management regimes in place to improve its condition. The final descent brings you into Hay on Wye, famed for its numerous bookshops, the town also has the ruins of two Norman castles. [© www.nationaltrail.co.uk]“

For time/location/access reasons we had to do this section in two stages. The first was from Pandy to Llantony Priory.

The second, twelve mile, section of this stretch started with quite a steep climb from the priory back up to Offa’s Dyke path. Fantastic views for miles across the Brecon Beacons.