Birthday weekend

Last weekend our eldest turned 21. Three years ago he celebrated his 18th birthday, the big important birthday, legally an adult, able to vote, drink and buy alcohol and so on, which left us wondering how to mark his 21st.

He is working long hours at the moment but last week managed to get both Saturday and Sunday off and decided on a weekend away. This is what he chose to do.

Firstly Bristol to visit a particular record shop, followed by coffee in this coffee shop with a lovely secluded courtyard garden.

Then up to the downs at Clifton to admire the views of the Avon gorge

and take a stroll over the famous Suspension Bridge.

Having had his fill of the city, we headed over the Severn Bridge into Wales for some quiet countryside  and walking.   We camped in the Brecon Beacons.  

The following day we were woken early by the dawn chorus and after breakfast and mugs of tea we drove to a car park north of Pen-y-fan. We started walking at 7:00am and by 8:30 the younger members of the party were at the top although it took their parents just that little bit longer!

We were rewarded for our early morning walk by perfect conditions, bright sunshine and clear views.

There was no-one else around as we followed the path upwards, just the sound of birds and sheep.

Pen-y-fan and Corn Du

Pen-y-fan is the highest mountain in South Wales at 896 metres.

The views were slightly hazy but we could still see for miles.

Looking across to Corn Du, 873 metres

On the way back down I took pictures of the patchwork of fields and woodland

and also of the twisted hawthorn trees, the only trees growing on the mountain side.

We were soon back down to pack up the tents and enjoy a picnic before reluctantly leaving Wales behind and returning home.  

Just a short weekend away from home but we packed a lot in and it was exactly what the "birthday boy' wanted, so a complete success.