I’m staying across the valley from Aberdere in Cwmbach. This late afternoon I went for a walk up the mountainside following a trail made very muddy by horses, crossing streams by stepping stones and taking care not to slip and hurt myself so far away from civilisation!

At the start of the footpath the hedge is made entirely of Japanese Knotweed! According to the news this morning, they have found a weevil that can get rid of it. It will probably move on to eat something else and devastate another area of wildlife if they release it.

I’m very attracted to lichens at the moment. They seem very fractal in their design. maybe that’s what I like. I came across a dead sheep too. I’m not sure if I’m meant to report it or who to.

turning back into the lane from the footpath I noticed the woodpecker on the telegraph pole. It turned out to be plastic! What a wonderful bit of street art!

A lovely walk on a lovely mountainside. I don’t suppose this area is high on the tourist trail ratings, but it certainly has a lot to offer.