Knighton to Felindre on Glyndŵr trail: Day 1

My first day on Glyndŵr's Way included a pleasant walk out of Knighton, crossing many green fields in the morning, and walking in the rain over Beacon Hill Common in the afternoon.

Gyndŵr's Way began at a slate marker in a narrow street on the first hill of the walk. It continued through alleys and lanes through the suburbs before following a path around the hillside. Exchanging greetings with morning dog walkers I looked through the trees, with their yellowing leaves, back at Knighton and the valley below.

Starting point of Glyndŵr's Way in Knighton.

Being watched by sheep, a common sight on Glyndŵr's Way.

Being watched by cows, although most cows were black or black and white.

Later I hike through large fields of grass watched closely by sheep and cows and trying to avoid the mud. Llangunllo was the only village on my way today. The pub was closed, the windows whited out. A sat by the bus shelter opposite and ate a tea cake. The shelter was full of books and various notices, such as asking if you wish to learn how to play a brass instrument. 

Lunch was in the shelter of some pine trees at the start of Beacon Hill Common as it started to rain. Vegetation on the rough ground of the common was showing its autumn colours, the red areas of dead bracken, browning heather, grasses, rushes and sedge either bleaching a shade of white or turning a reddish hue. Only the wet moss was a bright green. Pools of water were everywhere and the track frequently descended into mud where the grass had been broken by vehicles or grazing animals. The ground would likely remain waterlogged until spring or summer brought some heat and less rain. The path was well marked with wooden posts with the National Trail acorn symbol and the two legged dragon indicating Glyndŵr's Way, topped by a yellow plastic cap. As I approached my destination skeletal grey trees appeared out of the increasing mist.

My destination was a camping pod at Brandy Farm. There is no electricity in the pod and outside it us surprisingly dark. A little cold and damp after eating my tea, I followed the owners suggestion and walked down to the nearby village pub. Although not the most lively place, there were a few regulars, and I enjoyed by beer in the warm bar, which had the air of someone's "sitting room". I was worried I would leave wet muddy marks.

Crossing Beacon Hill Common in the rain.