Amazingly the weather stayed bright but chilly for our Walking Well Walk in Brechfa Forest, Abergolech. Driving through the narrow back lanes, which were covered in fallen autumn leaves, was a lovely way to get to Brechfa. It’s always a tricky decision around here…take the main road or go cross country and fingers crossed that you don’t meet a tractor coming towards you. Luckily, fortune was on our side and we followed a car in front and when we did meet an oncoming car pulling a trailer – it had to reverse as there were two of us and no pull ins behind us!
A good crowd had turned up for the walk and we followed the leaders up into the forest at a swift pace…kicking up all the leaves on the way and enjoying the company of friends and their dogs.
Walking alongside the river we remarked how clear the water was as every river stone was visible. It looked so inviting…maybe a paddle if we come back in the summer!
The walk was delightful with the footpath threading through all the trees with their autumn leaves sailing to the ground, the river gurgling alongside and a Monet bridge just inviting one to cross and play Pooh sticks!
The path took a sharp turn up the hillside which was a bit strenuous but we all made it to the top …some breathing more heavily than others!
Some had even brought their dogs to assist with the pulling!
One could tell it was quite a damp area with the amount of moss growing on the trees and underfoot.
We crossed over the river again to begin our trek back to the cars and complete our circular walk.
The paths through the forest are mainly for mountain bikes and runners but we only saw one bike and no runners!
At the end of the trail there was a wonderfully carved tree trunk.
As usual after our walk we headed for refreshments! The Black Lion in Llansawel was our destination where we were welcomed by a lovely landlady and we all enjoyed a drink …some had small alcoholic ones but we had delicious large hot cappuccinos…yum!
The village is obviously very proud of all its rugby players and had a lovely display of photos of the players over the fireplace.
Not only does one have to cope with narrow lanes around here the villages also have traffic problems too!
One can always rely that there will be a tractor in the mix somewhere!
As I may have mentioned in my blog before we live near Aberglasney Gardens and I visit there every Sunday as a volunteer but I also visit other times in a week too…as I love it! After Art class this week my friend and I went there for lunch. Where else could you sit and get a view like that and a delicious meal too?
After lunch we strolled through the garden and enjoyed the autumn colours.
In the gardens there are many special aspects to enjoy: the Pool Garden
The Yew Tunnel
and now an oak tree that grows there has been found to be unique so it has been named Quercus ‘Aberglasney’!
Over the last weeks we have had very varied weather to say the least! This included lots of heavy rain and wind. Sadly the wind caused problems with some trees in our garden so we had to call on the professionals to help us out! Pro Climber from Llangadog are the ones to call if any work is needed on trees. They duly arrived and sorted our problems out straight away and left everywhere looking spick and span!
Before!
During: 
After:
Of course this meant lots of wood chippings…hurrah …I can use mountainfuls (not sure that’s a word!) …I should be careful what I wish for!!! Steaming away in the morning mist!
We also have a lots of logs and Rufus was very interested in counting them all! We can now use the wood store again as I’d banned Jim from putting anything in there whilst the swallows had their nests in the eaves!
It’s not long until the Aberglasney Winter Fair November 30-December 2. Their holly trees are getting in the spirit already!
Christmas is coming! Our grandchildren have their stockings up already!!!!!!
Lletty's Blog 
A post full of interest. Those wood chippings are a considerable consolation for losing your tree.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading. I’m getting quite worried that they don’t all combust and set fire to everything ! The heat from the pile is amazing…might even try to cook a potato !
LikeLike
Another interesting walk, Marianne. I love the little bridge in the second picture and the winding river! ‘Mountainfuls’ sounds like a good word and the woodchips will probably be very useful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading Sue. Woodchips are always useful except it takes a great deal of my energy wheelbarrowing it all around the garden! The borders do look very neat and tidy though when loaded up with said chips that is until the birds come along and try to dig the worms out from underneath!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved the photos from your walk, the one with the bridge looked so inviting that I wish that there was something similar here! And, I can understand why you visit the Aberglasney Gardens so often, what a pretty and tranquil place from the way it looks in your photos.
It’s too bad that you lost a tree, but I’m sure that both the woodchips and the logs will be put to good use.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank so again for reading. THe walk through the woods was lovely and we were lucky that we didn’t meet any of the mountain bikers racing around. It’s sad when trees have to be cut down when they are healthy! Mind you both the logs and wood chips will come in very useful. Today the Beast from the East has returned and it has been very cold but it will ‘warm’ up again by the weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, the good thing about trees is that there will be another one to take the place of the one that was cut down. Maybe not in our lifetime, but nature moves on its own clock, and does so very well if we let it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Totally agree..life would be far simpler if we let nature take its own course.
LikeLike