Originally - around WW1 I think, when ALL wood was in such demand for the trenches in France - farmers needing fencing post had to take what they were given. Laburnum was one of the few woods available, and duly put in as fencing. However, it began growing and now countless fences hereabouts have grown into beautiful rows of Laburnum which is in full bloom at the present.
How beautiful is that?
Coming home - the top end of our beautiful wild valley.
A little cottage in the woods, with access only on foot. OK until you have a week's shopping to carry there! Or coal!
Today I went out for a slow walk up the hill (my legs were feeling tired, but I forced them to do some work.) Here are some Foxgloves on the first bend. There's an old saying about summer lasting as long as the Foxgloves flower (and the ones up in the mountains start much later). Judging by these, autumn would be upon us in about 3 weeks!
Looking across the valley towards Llanfynydd. You can just see the Italianate tower which is all that remains of the "Big House" there (now a holiday complex) - Pantglas.
Looking across the valley to the Towy Valley beyond. I think the trees under the horizon are probably Grongar Hill, made famous in the poem by John Dyer.
Distant view of Dryslwyn castle from the steep stretch of hill. I must have an evening walk up there again - the views along the Towy valley are stupendous.
The summer lands. Wales is so beautiful at this time of year. But then ALL countryside is beautiful in summer.
Top of the hill, by the bend, looking across to the Black Mountains.
The best of a walk UPHILL is that the lane home is DOWNHILL all the way!
And finally, my new walking jacket. Foxglove-coloured. Now you know why I was drawn to it!
