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WALK: Twmpa; #MySomewhere.....

9/9/2016

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So where is your 'somewhere'? Where do you go to feel calm and breathe? We all have a place that holds happiness and memories. Postcards from Somewhere is a social media campaign by the charity Mind to help raise awareness of Mental Health and for those of us who suffer to have a way of connecting with others like us. And my somewhere? Here. Twmpa, in the Black Mountains. And why is it #MySomewhere? Read on to find out....
It was May 1987 when I first set eyes on the place that was to become integral to my life. Twmpa, or Lord Hereford's Knob (let's stick with Twmpa shall we!?) is a relatively unknown mountain set within the Black Mountains area of the Brecon Beacons National Park. It is somewhat overshadowed by its neighbour Hay Bluff which is both a shame, but also a blessing. Being the less known of the peaks means it is much quieter and you have a much higher chance of being able to enjoy it on your own.
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As I set out from home the weather looked ominous. It was smeary and wet, not really raining but definitely soggy. It was a little breezy as I left but it belied what was to come. Luckily my spirits lifted as I drove towards the Black Mountains as the cloud started to rise and the mizzle moved away eastwards.

​The road up to Gospel Pass from Llanvihangel Crucorny is as the sign suggests a little wiggly, but being a quiet Friday morning I pretty much had it to myself. Apart of course from the locals who decided to keep me company for a mile or two. There is nothing quite as amusing as a row of little sheeps' bums wiggling away.

​When I arrived at the parking spot it was just me. The sun was starting to break through the clouds and the peace was overwhelming.
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It was pretty clear straight away that it was significantly colder and windier than at home. It goes to show that you must never underestimate the weather. But, I was prepared and so excited to have the hill to myself. There was not a soul to be seen. Bliss.

​The walk up Twmpa didn't take too long, it would have taken less time had I not stopped to look at the wild foxes playing in the gullies. I have never seen foxes up on the hills. Seen plenty as a child in Bristol growing up, they were everywhere then. But up here, on my mountain (yes I do think of it as mine) was magical. I looked to the skies but with the winds blowing I knew it was unlikely I would see any birds of prey circling.
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As I reached the summit the winds were extreme and I could barely stand. My Nordic walking poles were flying all over the place so I dropped down out of the wind to take stock. The views, despite the outlying clouds were still breath taking. This place is my happy place, my somewhere. All I could do was smile, and a proper smile, you know the sort the one that starts at your toes and flows through you like a light. Just bliss.
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​There is no trig point on Twmpa, but there is a semblance of a summit with the ubiquitous sandstone scattered over a flat platform. I needed to lean in to the wind and managed to take some shots over to Hay Bluff and back over to Rhos Dirion. 

​And the joy was it was just me. I could really get used to this walking alone lark, as someone who loves talking, walking alone is wonderful as I am able to babble away to myself with no-one talking back. I am therefore always right!
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Although I know this mountain well it was important to make sure that I had my trusty Silva Expedition Compass and OL13 Ordnance Survey Map. You can know a hill like the back of your hand but when that mist descends it can quickly become an alien landscape.

​After a quick stop for a coffee out of my treasured Stanley flask (the only flask I have found that looks great and manages to keep my hot drink hot all day) I then set off down the front of Twmpa to skirt round the base of the hill and back up to the van.

It made me realise that I really do love hill walking. I enjoy canoeing, climbing and mountain biking but my first love is the hills. It is Twmpa that I have to thank for that. In 1987 I went on my first PGL holiday at Tregoyd House and fell in love with these hills. This passion has never left me. This place is where I have been my happiest and been me. It is where I met my husband for the first time and where I spent my first (of two) honeymoons. It is also where I shall end my days. I am not being morbid don't worry and I am fit as a fiddle (Anxiety Disorder and Depression besides) but my ashes shall be scattered here. My soul shall live here forever. #MySomewhere
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