A Wet Walk.

Todays walk began again from Pont-Rhyd-Y-Groes. (The bridge at the ford of the cross) This time going up over the hill and walking a loop to the east of the village of Ysbyty Ystwyth.

Although the day's weather was a mix of sunshine and showers it rained for most of our walk.

Some of the walk was along roads,

and some was through woodland and fields. Even when it wasn't raining everything was very wet underfoot. So far my boots have proven to be waterproof even when almost completely submerged in muddy puddles.

Our lunch break was taken by a series of ruined buildings. We often come across ruins like those and I wonder what the lives of the inhabitants were like and how long since they were last occupied? When did the small farms become unsustainable? Maybe around the time that the land was taken over for those awful pine plantations. There is still some sheep and cattle farming these days but mostly money comes from tourism. 

The farm would have had amazing views over the Ystwyth valley.

It's not uncommon to come across single standing stones. Nobody knew the history of this one. Maybe it is the remains of a shrine or wayside cross from medieval times or perhaps from even further back in history?

As usual we crossed many streams.

Coming back through Ysbyty Ystwyth the rain was too heavy for us to show any enthusiasm to go down to the pumpkin field. Instead we sheltered in the Halloween attraction in a barn. A very Grundy-esque affair (Archers fans will understand the reference.) I did have to smile at a young couple who returned from the pumpkin field pushing a wheelbarrow containing a selection of pumpkins and a wet but happy toddler.

Walking on through the village we passed the building that replaced the original medieval church that is now used as the church hall. While looking for more information I came across this advertisement for the nearby Victorian church which could be yours for a mere £85,000.

We ended our walk back in the community hub/tea room at Pont-Rhyd-Y-Groes where we made ourselves hot drinks and warmed up by the cast iron stove before heading off home for another week.

The sun came out as I drove back along the ridge top, photos to follow.