It’s been very quiet on the blog with no content since May 2018. The reason has been a knee problem.

Some 6 years ago I started having knee pains in my right knee. I was diagnosed with a meniscus tear which led to an arthroscopy and it worked until late in 2017. in October of that year I had are annual Lake District jaunt but I felt I was struggling. I self referred to the physio. department at our local hospital who found I had tight muscles and they were able to improve the situation. Then in February 2018 things took a turn for the worse and I could hardly walk to the local shops, although cycling gave no problems. Following an x ray and a consultation I was told a new knee was required. In my health trust there was a 20 month waiting time and I was not able to be transferred elsewhere!!

As I am 70, 20 months was a chunk of time i potentially have left so I took the private route and depleted the bank account. So on 5th July 2018 i went under the knife. I can now walk without the previous problems and am up to 5 miles around my local lanes. again cycling is also possible. There is still some post operative discomfort but this should continue to decrease.

I have been walking about 2 miles at a stretch and from boxing day I have increased this to some 5 miles. Today I had my second 5 mile walk again around the local lanes.

Route https://my.viewranger.com/track/details/OTM5Njc0MQ==

Hopefully I will be able increase my walking but whether this will include “off piste” time will tell.

Today would be a lane walk in the Cynheidre area. Once a large coal mining operation now completely unrecognisable.

Route

Soon after starting we passed Sylen Lakes, a place I had not noticed before. From here we continued along a minor road and visited the trig point at Mynydd Sylen. Unfortunately the visibility was not that clear although further north we could see sunshine.

As we rejoined the road in the distance a large solar farm could be seen. I regularly pass this on the cycle trail from Cross Hands to Llanelli but today we could see the size of it.

Here on Mynydd Sylen we came across a blue plaque relating to a “great meeting” following the Rebecca Riots. Another place I was not aware of.

The wind on this higher ground had a bite to it but we managed to find some shelter for our lunch before joining the above mentioned cycle trail which led back to the car. next to the trail near Cynheidre is an old railway which is very slowly being brought back to life.

. This link gives some interesting history.

A day that called out for a walk, blue sky and brisk temperatures. No doubt my grandson will be disappointed that I decided on a walk and not to watch him play rugby!

I walked from my home and through lanes with the highest point being Paxtons Tower.

Route

Not far from Porthyrhyd I met a colleague from Many Tears Animal Rescue who were putting up leaflets about an escaped dog which had been rescued from Romania and had been missing since 9th December last.

The views from Paxton Tower were far reaching with snow on the Carmarthen Fans.

I had hoped to walk through grounds of the National Botanic Garden of Wales but the northern entrances were closed until February 2018 because of the restoration work being carried out. Continuing on the lanes I met a walking group and stayed with them for a while chatting about the area.

As I neared my home my mobile rang, it was my wife asking where I was  and this resulted in a cup of tea and a sandwich being ready as I went through through the front door – result.

My Sunday chat with the “Navigator” suggested a flat walk on the Millennium Coast path starting in Pembrey and walk towards Llanelli and then catch a bus back. There was a caveat in that on Sunday the snow had come in and whilst we were chatting ice was already forming on the car and this may cause a problem on Monday.

Surprisingly on Monday the temperature must have risen as the ice had all but disappeared and the walk was on. We agreed to meet in Morrisons car park in Carmarthen but although we were both there at the allotted time of 1030  we didn’t see each others cars until 1100 despite being  in the same parking row!

Route

We parked up in the first car parking area at the start of the country park – this one is free -and  walked on to the coast path and headed east passing through Burry PortThe council had put up a number of new information boards showing the history of the area.

This was a cold but blue sky day with  good distant views some showing the snow lying on higher ground. We wandered off the shared path on to other paths which kept close to the sea and some of which were new to me.

Near Burry Port and looking across to the north Gower

Lighthouse at Burry Port

Burry Port Harbour

Clearly different local areas are claiming a connection with Amelia Earhart as there were two plaques some distance apart showing where she landed her aeroplane! perhaps she took off and landed again.

At Pwll near the Pavilion Cafe (recommended) we left the path and walked to the road where we caught our bus (lovely bus passes) back to Pembrey.

With our wives heading for Cardiff to give the credit cards a bashing, Paul and I took the easy option and decided on a walk in the Garnant area. Paul had spotted the walk in a web site from Brecon Beacons National Park.

Route

The route was well way marked although we did miss one turning which should have taken us past Hen Bethan Chapel. We blame our interesting conversation.

The conditions under foot was quite wet  but the views were extensive. Although Wales is better known for its flocks of sheep we saw Llamas, donkeys and goats with huge scimitar type horns.

Near the top of Cwm Pedol we passed a ruin with an impressive archway door. On the way to Cwm Berach there was another ruin with a couple of interesting trees.

Our wrong turning made sense at the time as there was a footpath sign leading into woods with an uphill  path. Still there is always next time to visit the chapel.

Today’s walk was in an area we rarely walk, perhaps because it seems a long way to drive, but not so.

Route

We parked in the grounds of Theatre Felinfach and headed uphill in a south westerly direction to Gwynfryn. From here our direction was north down to the Afon Aeron where we walked along the river bank back to the start.

The walk up.

How did this bin get here?

Fantastic garden

Himalayan Balsam taking over.

As the “Navigator” had a hospital appointment in Carmarthen to check he was still alive, today’s walk would be fairly local.

Route

We parked in the Bronwydd village hall car park and headed downstream alongside the Afon Gwili and passing the station of the Gwili Railway.

From here we crossed the main road and walked uphill into the countryside and turning north towards Newchurch along a very overgrown bridleway.

Dr Livingstone I presume?

Follow me, this is definitely the way. 

Our route turned east towards Cwmdwyfran and again alongside the Afon Gwili back to the car.

Afon Gwili a fine grade 2 canoeing river at the right levels.

Can you spot the “Navigator”?