Skirrid Fawr Mountain in Abergavenny, South Wales

Well as I wrote earlier on Bubblews, I was planning to walk up the Skirrid Mountain which is not to far from here I live. I am determined to get fit and thought this would be an excellent and free way to do it. I don't need a gym membership, I have the countryside right on my door step. So I invested in some decent waterproofs which cost me £50 but I will need them for my work if we have a bad winter. So plenty of wear out of that investment!
My Mom and Dad came down on Friday night for my Birthday, we had a lovely meal the night before and we were contemplating going into Cardiff, but that meant spending money and I am trying to be thrifty at the moment.
They are experienced walkers them selves and have down the Coast to Coast walk and most recently Ben Nevis.
So the challenge was on! Would my dodgy ankle keep it together for me to climb to the top of the Skirrid?
We parked the car at the bottom of the Mountain and started the steady incline up hill. So far so good. We then followed the path to the right and followed it until it reached a gentle walk. We passed some sheep grazing under a tree, One took a particular interest in us ( See YouTube Video).
We carried on a little while further and then the path got a little steeper when we walked through to the ferns. This was the last part of the walk.
Although I was a slow walker, I have pins in my ankle so I have to be careful how I put my feet on rocks etc in case I slip or fall over, it doesn't bend as normal.The walk took about 2 hours 30 mins. Most people would do it in 1hr 30 mins
I was so proud when I got to the top. I had persevered and felt on top of the world. Most people would think its a strange way to spend your birthday, but I actually felt I had achieved something.
The view from the top of the mountain is truly breath taking and the air is so clear that it invigorates you.
This morning I am a little achey and my ankle hurts, so i will be taking a long warm bath to help my muscles etc, then I will be planning a journey up to the Sugarloaf Mountain.


Its great!