Yesterday’s walk with Merthyr Valley Ramblers was led by Rob and Morfydd, starting from the beautiful setting of Keeper’s Pond above Blaenavon on a bright, sunny but bitterly cold day. The pond, with its links to the area’s industrial past, looked stunning in the winter sunshine, and some brave souls were even cold water dipping before we had set off. Crossing the road, we made our way onto the ridge of the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape World Heritage Site, a landscape of huge historical importance, recognised by UNESCO for preserving the story of ironmaking, coal mining, quarrying and the tramroads that helped shape the modern world. With the air so clear, the views seemed to roll on forever. From there we headed north towards Pwll Du, once a remote industrial village established in the 1820s for quarrymen, miners and ironworkers. Now long abandoned and demolished in the 1960s, it is one of those places where the past still seems to linger in the landscape. We then continued on towards Gilwern Hill, high above the remains of the old lime and iron workings around Clydach. Clydach Ironworks were built in the 1790s and at their height employed large numbers of workers, while quarrying and limeworking continued in the area long after the furnaces had fallen silent. Our tea stop here was perfectly timed, with yet another superb view stretching out before us. We followed the narrow mountain road, now closed to vehicles after landslips, and climbed around the quarry face where climbers and cavers were clearly making the most of the day as well. As we circled the hill, the views of the Black Mountains, Sugar Loaf and Skirrid Fawr were absolutely fantastic. Lunch was taken high above Govilon and Abergavenny with The Blorenge in sight, one of those spots where it was hard not to stop and simply take it all in. By then the day had warmed up nicely, layers were being shed, and before long we were making our way south again and back towards Keeper’s Pond. A big thank you to Rob and Morfydd for leading such a fantastic walk, and to everyone who came along for the company, conversation and good humour throughout the day. Walks like this are a wonderful reminder of just how much beauty, history and variety we have on our doorstep here in South Wales. If you have been thinking of joining us on a future walk, this was exactly the kind of day that shows what Merthyr Valley Ramblers is all about.