Today, 8 intrepid Merthyr Valley Ramblers embarked on our 9 mile walk to the lonely shepherd. Heavily laden with liquids, we walked along the canal from Gilwern canal car park then, taking an easy pace, started our near 2 mile climb south west to Llanelli church where we had our first (and welcome) breather. We then followed the road then took the footpath to the lonely shepherd where we had another breather and admired the stunning views of the sugar loaf, Skirrid, little Skirrid and the Blorenge. We then started the downhill leg past Pant-draenog and Ty-yn-y-coed quarry to blackrock. After crossing the A470, our walk-leader Martina wisely picked a nice shady spot where we lunched and rested before commencing the final leg of the journey. We then had a bit of a climb to Cwm Clydach nature reserve where we picked up the old railway trackbed to Danycoed where we dropped down to visit the ironworks. Visiting done, we crossed the A470 again then went along a long wooded path to the canal where we made our way back to the start. A big thanks to Martina for a cracking walk and to all for the great company and companionship.