Younger Members may have missed the allusion in the title of August’s walk, “All along the watchtowers”, but Peter made all clear with a reading of a verse from the classic track, on the top of Disgwylfa Fawr. Do we have a trend here? Neal read some haikus of Ken Jones’ when he led a visit to the hermit’s cave at Craig y March, in July. If so, it’s very timely: we’ll be launching the very first Cambrian Mountains International Poetry Competition, this September. Maybe next year the Society’s walks programme can feature readings of the winning poems, at locations suggested by their authors?

The Watchtowers’ walk included a visit to the famous Cow and Calf stones, and also their neighbour Bull Rock – all hosts to a collection of familiar-looking lichens. But the Cambrians have much greater variety of lichens to offer, and in November Ceredigion Plant Recorder Steve Chambers will be leading a field trip to introduce Members to a few more of them. Date to be announced in due course.