A hardy group of 4 walkers met up this morning for a 6.5-mile circular trek around the dramatic and historic landscape of Craig Cerrig Gleisiad - a nature reserve with glacial origins, home to rare Arctic-Alpine flora and some of the most spectacular geological formations in the Brecon Beacons. We set off from the A470 layby under ominous grey skies, heading to the base of Craig Cerrig Gleisiad. The name roughly translates to "Crag of the Grey Shale Rocks" - a fitting title for this brooding, rugged amphitheatre carved by ice during the last Ice Age. Our route took us northward towards Twyn Dylluan-ddu, and then upward again (yes, more climbing!) to reach the trig point at Fan Frynych. This spot has its own slice of history too - once part of the old Fforest Fawr hunting grounds, Fan Frynych is now an NNR (National Nature Reserve) that forms part of the UNESCO Global Geopark. At this point the wind was wild, the rain horizontal, and the mist was so thick you could slice it with a knife - so views were sadly non-existent, But spirits were still high as we found a slightly lower spot overlooking Craig Cerrig Gleisiad for a well-earned cuppa (possibly the best brew I've ever had... or maybe just the coldest) Our southerly return route followed the Beacons Way, tracing waterfalls along Craig y Fro, where the path becomes narrow with steep drops - not ideal if, like me, you're not great with heights,bBut we all survived the mud-slicked ledges and slippy turns with dignity (and only minimal sliding) Before long, the Storey Arms Centre came into view - a well-known outdoor education centre built in the 19th century, originally a coaching inn and later a police station turned mountain rescue hub. Crossing under the A470, we lunched on the old drovers' road, once used by cattlemen moving livestock from Wales to English markets a quiet and scenic place to reflect and refuel. The final leg took us north along the Taff Trail, before a final easterly climb through fields back to the A470. Legs aching, boots muddy, but hearts full. Huge thanks to my 3 brave companions for joining me - despite the weather's best efforts, it was a grand day out in one of Wales' wildest corners!