This is the fab view from the Hatterrall ridge towards bath (probably). More of that later. Firstly, when i stayed in Cwm at the end of day 6 i had texts from people complaining that they couldn't find it on a map. That's probably because it isn't on any. So where is pandy? Well It's somewhere along the A465 between hereford and abergavenny. I just wish it wasn't, but more of that later. I had to say goodbye to jennie this morning (again!), which wasn't easy, but i think she might have the trekking bug! It's been great having her as company for a couple of days, and gave me the chance to go a bit more upmarket on the accommodation for a few nights. The main factor today was the weather because it was a high level walk. The forecast was for showers and strong winds. As it turned out things worked very much in my favour. To start with the showers turned out to be a shower, but it was a biggie, and right at the start of the walk, so i was fearing the worst. It took ages to get to the foot of my main target, hay bluff, partly because i had to get togged up, but also because i had a spate of calls from, for example, the man who's fitting some gates at home, and of course carphone warehouse, who call me every day of my life anyway (please note: there is not necessarily any connection between carphone warehouse and the unnamed mobile phone company mentioned on day one. And two). But i got there, and stood looking up at the highest point on offa's dyke path. I noticed then on the map that the route traversed behind the peak and joined the ridge about half a mile beyond. That looked a bit dull so i went for the no nonsense straight up the front of the bugger approach. 20 scrambly minutes later i was on top looking back on the past three days walking (and trying to stand upright). In fact i could see most of the world from up there. I suddenly felt that i'd left mid wales behind and entered the south. The other thing that i suddenly realised was that the wind had turned to the west, and as the ridge i was to follow headed south east the wind would be behind me. Bonus! Basically the ridge runs for about 10 miles in a straight line with little drop in height, and with stunning views throughout. The path on top was great, well maintained and level, so i made quick progress. After about an hour i passed the bloke i think i mentioned on day 6. He was looking in good shape, and seemed very positive. I'm certain he will have gone on ahead again tonight, and i might or might not pass him again. A couple of hours later, and in glorious weather, i was already dropping down to the old pandy inn for a cracking pint of wye valley hpa. Went to find my b&b, then headed back to the pub for a rack of ribs followed by fruit pie and custard. Meal rating: 6/10. Docked a point for soggy veg and another for not providing a finger bowl (is that asking a bit much?). More importantly docked a point because i booked a table and then had to wait ages for one when i arrived, and 2 points because the pudding didn't turn up. Now i have some concerns which need airing. Firstly the b&b, brynhonddu country house, is fine but my room is rubbish. It's a box room, which would be fine if they hadn't tried to fit an en-suite bathroom into it as well. Actually if you stand in the field next door you can see straight through the window into the shower cubicle. But there are more serIous issues afoot. Namely bank holiday weekend. After 10 days of peace and quiet, chaos reigns. The pub is split roughly 80/19/1% between tourists from the caravan site next door, lads on a stag night and me. This would all be fine if i hadn't developed such an enormous holier than thou attitude. I suppose I'll just have to spend the weekend tutting and shaking my head at everyone. Time for bed.
