Yes there's something about the Eastern Valley of Monmouthshire as we used to call it. On July 17th 14 of us set off from the deep south to the wild and fresh climes of Blaenafon and parked by Garn-yr-Erw Lakes. Benaz on the tele said the weather would be good and so it was.  Here is photo of the men before setting off 

- it was a kind of "man" thing but we took the ladies along!

The walk took us to the top of the lakes, across an old railway bridge (now the one terminus of the Pontypool and Blaenafon Railway) where we could look one way to the source of the Afon Llwyd (Grey River) and another to Coity Mountain. Thence it was past the Whistle Inn (yes we did go past) and along a footpath parallel to the railway line. From there to Big Pit. Apparently Big Pit was so named because when it was originally constructed the shaft was wide enough to take two drams of coal - it had nothing to do with the depth. The walk then took us in a loop the other side of the railway and back to the lakes.

In all the walk took c 2hrs with a stop for coffee. The people who came along were mainly from St Mellons Parish Church, some from other churches and others from no church at all. 

The day's proceedings were completed in the Rifleman's Arms where good hospitality was enjoyed

By the way did you know that the Pontypool and Bleanafon Railway have plans to extend the line from Pontypool to Brynmawr?