Wild in December

One of my favourite walks on cold but bright and crisp day is through Allt Rhongyr Nature Reserve. This reserve is special for the mixture of calcareous grassland flowers in the summer but in winter the high limestone ridge provides fabulous views to the peaks of the Black Mountain and Cribarth as well as down the Tawe valley towards Swansea.

Parking at Craig Y Nos Castle is best especially when it is icy. Follow the bridleway exiting the back of the country park, turning right to pass under the cliffs of Craig y Rhiwarth Nature Reserve.

The bridleway brings you out onto the Penwyllt road. Re-enter the reserve at the main gate by the bungalow and follow the track leading gently uphill past some ruins. Stay on the grassy path across a meadow then passing behind a high spot. Continue across another meadow to the remains of an Iron Age fort, the highest point. From the nearby fence you can look down to Crag Y Nos Castle and Country Park. Look out for winter migrant birds such as fieldfare and redwing. Peregrine may also be seen flying over the high crags above the reserve. Follow paths through the meadows back down to the bridleway.

Article and photo by Pauline Hill
www.welshwildlife.org/nature-reserves/brecknock/