The Monmouthshire / Brecon Canal

Another gem in the Welsh Countryside - The Monmouthshire / Brecon Canal is considered by many to be Britain's most picturesque canal - and in my opinion it really is.

It stretches for some 35 miles between Brecon and Five Locks, Cwmbran and whilst we only walked the parts around Talybont on Usk, Llangynidr and Pencelli (just outside Brecon) I truly do concur - it is very beautiful. Never have I seen so many "wild" snow drops - so peaceful.

Of course the recent winds had also taken their toll - and there were many trees down along the tow path - some even across the canal itself - but I managed not to fall in...

Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints and kill nothing but time.

Discovering the Forest of Dean

It really is true - you don't appreciate what is on your own door step. Having spent the last couple of weekends (or part of them anyway) in the Forest of Dean I can honestly say this is so true.

The Forestry Commission (or NRW which they are part of now) have done an amazing job in creating some wonderful places to walk and explore. If you've never explored the area around Speech House - which lies between Coleford and Cinderford or the area around Symonds Yet, I'd urge you to visit - it's beautiful (even in the rain..).