LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

204 of 205 'AA' Walks completed.Chilly on tops, especially in the clouds. Parked at Storey Arms Centre Car Park, early enough to park easily. Huge wigwam in grounds of Storey Arms. Started walking with a good and well maintained path to the west of conifer plantation, rising steeply up Y Gyrn. Just before brow of Y Gyrn take a faint track half left along the ridge towards the summit. Cross fence at stile and continue along faint track to col. Many horses and ponies grazing on Y Gyrn . Path sweeps round to right and the ridge above Llyn Cwm Llwch. Llyn not visible until edge of ridge is reached. No sign of Tommy Jones Memorial at first, thought it had been demolished, but as we continued up ridge path we found the obelisk in a slight depression. Excellent views of objection peaks and surrounding hills, especially Fan Fawr, summits of Corn Du and Pen y Fan, in cloud with occasional views of the peaks. Steep climb (walk) to the summit of Corn Du, up a man made path in mist. Cobbled path helps to prevent erosion. Surprised when a dog run past me at the summit. Continue on to summit of Pen y Fan. The summit, like Corn Du, is flat with a huge pile of stones. Excellent views all around, especially in good weather. From summit of Pen y Fan, take path left, skirting to the south east of Corn Du and the col of Bwich Duwynt. From col take broad track down to road (A470), skirting the south east of conifer plantation. Track badly eroded in places due to hundreds of feet each and every day. Signs of organised path construction in places, with appropriate sizes of stones piled up on side of path. National Trust Pillar by path no longer exists, replaced by plaque on the ground. New bridge by stepping stones at point '8'. Walked alongside road and plantation back to car as rain started.