At the end of a narrow tarmac lane that extends approximately one mile beyond the golf club, lies a tiny car park. It marks the start of the old drovers track that continues over a cattle grid and up onto the common land.

The lockdown caused by the pandemic that ran through the winter of 2020 / 21 provided an opportunity to explore the area with a camera as it was within walking distance of home. With the ever changing weather conditions we normally experience at this time of year, I hoped I would be able to get some interesting and atmospheric shots.

A popular haunt of walkers and mountain bikers alike, the track rises up to the summit of Mynydd Bach at a height of 323 metres adjacent to the ever important television signal transmitter. It then undulates across the common to reach its highest point, on Mynydd y Grug of 370 metres, atop the old colliery spoil tip that stands a reminder to the areas industrial past.

Although the description doesn't paint the sweetest of pictures, the expanse of land is covered with bracken, gorse, reeds, an array of grasses and even some wild flowers have become established. Nature is also steadily reclaiming the spoil tip, particularly on the southern and eastern facing sides which look down the Sirhowy Valley and onwards to the Gwent levels and Severn estuary.

This image is captured from the tip, soon after sunrise, looking North over the common, past the windmills to the TV transmitter on the summit of Mynydd Bach. In the far background the three main summits of the Brecon Beacons national park can be seen.

A similar view, this time looking more westward over the other South Wales valleys, with the waning moon setting over the scene. Captured early on a frosty March morning.

Despite the frequently inclement weather the area is often grazed by sheep, from local farms, and is home for most of the year to a small herd of hardy cattle. Through spring and early summer it also plays host to an array of ground nesting birds, who appear to set up their temporary homes amongst the tufts of grass and reeds spread around. The local buzzards are often seen riding the air currents and occasionally a red kite or kestrel will be spotted seeking out food.

Starting at the top of Mynydd Bach and travelling along the old drovers trail we begin the journey flanked by two dry stone walls. As the track descends slightly, almost hidden behind the wall on you right, lies a small pond occasionally visited by a grey heron and a pair of ducks.

An icy winter sunrise over the pond. The solitary tree in the background shows how the prevailing winds have affected the growth of its branches over many years.

The same pond, slightly later in the year, this time captured after a small snowfall, again at sunrise.

Returning to the track, one wall now turns away to the right, the common opens out rising gently into the distance. This area amongst the grasses and damp patches of reeds and rushes is where the livestock are normally to be found scattered about. Although on occasion they do wander slightly further field in search of sweeter food. As you gain height towards the old tip you pass a dense forestry complex planted on the steep side of the Sirhowy Valley that leads down to the villages of Ynysddu and Cwmfelinfach.

On the edge of the complex appear to grow the trees of greatest girth. The low sun of a winter's afternoon penetrates through the forest to create this scene, where the light illuminates the trees as they create the illusion of coming together in the distance.

Continuing a few hundred metres along the track you begin to pass the edge of the old colliery tip. Unused since the 1980's nature has had the chance to begin reclaiming what was once an eyesore. Drainage channels criss cross the rising land, and on this north facing side, pockets of grasses, wild flowers and heather have sprung up interspersed with odd fir trees. These are presumably seeded by the nearby forest in conjunction with the wind and wildlife.

Looking across the lower section where vegetation is starting to take hold. In the distance the sun is starting to break through the thick clouds after a rain shower.

Continuing with the theme of re-wilding , at this time of year rain falls frequently and although these are not exactly towering mountains, they are often cloaked in mist and low cloud. On the the site there are some permanently damp patches that have become populated by reeds and rushes.

Despite these conditions, this lone Silver Birch has managed to establish itself.

Just beyond the western edge of the tip on neighbouring farmland lies a deserted old stone building. Nature again has taken hold, with the remains of the gable end covered in thriving ivy and a tree sapling rising from the centre amidst the grasses.

All around the steep sides of this industrial relic, trees and bushes are gaining a hold.

These three examples are to be found on the western side clinging to the stones and coal of the mining waste.

Climbing up onto the summit, on a cold winters morning, reveals the views over the more heavily vegetated southern section.

Looking south east to Mynydd Machen, the Gwent levels and onwards to the Severn estuary.

Southerly to the estuary.

South west sees Caerphilly mountain rising out of the mists that shroud the nearby town.

Descending the southern side, taking care not to trample the fledgling flora, we rejoin the track at the old burial mounds where the plantation forest also runs out. The track starts to descend as it winds its way eastwards above the Sirhowy Valley now avoiding the highest ground.

Looking from the burial mounds the old drovers road winds its way onwards to Mynydd Machen.

There is one gem left on this section, before we enter the realm of Mynydd Machen (the mountain at the other end of the ridgeway) We gain an older deciduous woodland to the left and farmland to our right, then rising from their own enclosure stand a copse of notable beech trees. Sadly some of these old giants are now starting to fail.

The gnarled and characterful beeches stand amongst the mist. To me they appear to be standing watchfully over their long fallen comrade.

Another image from within the copse, this time taken after a nights heavy rain highlighting the green lichen that creeps over this old woodland.

But for now I have reached the limit of my fitness, and it is time to turn for home. Leaving the track to continue its journey, I descend to the valley floor. Returning via the route of another leftover from the industrial past. The Sirhowy Railway, now a well maintained cycle route and popular footpath.

All of the images can be viewed in more detail at Images from Musings