Sunday’s route round Llanwrthwl bore the title Brilliant Basics, which may have caused some to wonder what was in store. It refers to Welsh Government grant funding designed to enhance visitor experience and the local community. In this case it funded signage and gates along public rights of way around the village of Llanwrthwl.

Most people speed along the A470 between Rhayader and Builth Wells without glancing to either side. This walk, led by Richard Tyler, was excellent because it encouraged us to take a closer look at the Wye Valley and surroundings. Starting from the Parish Church of St Gwrthwl we saw the standing stone in the Churchyard and the C13th font thought to be from Abbeycwmhir. A quiet lane leading from the village brought us to a footpath through Caergarw, a beautiful woodland with big, old oaks. We admired the new footpath signs and new gates – all installed by Powys CC with the help of local volunteers. Following the Nant Cymrun we emerged onto Common Land. Apparently this valley was the location of the original village until the early 1800’s, when many families left for a new life in North America.

Interesting nature spots on the walk included; Ragged- robin and Heath-spotted Orchids in rushy (Rhos) pasture, and a good boggy area on the lower slopes of Graig Ddu with Round-leaved Sundew and Lousewort. A pair of Red Kites soared overhead as we ate lunch and a couple of Redstarts appeared on the path as we dropped into the Dulas valley. Did you know that Llanwrthwl is in the old county of Brecknockshire? (The border with Radnorshire is a short stride away and marked by the River Wye). The walk revealed some lovely countryside with good views and a variety of different habitats – oak woodland, heathy upland, and quiet lanes.

An excellent walk led by a very knowledgeable local historian. Thank you Richard.