Sheep in the shade

On a walk up to Table Mountain (Crug Hywel) near Crickhowell (see previous post) we passed these sheep in the shade by a gateway in a drystone wall. They took little notice of us, seeming to enjoy the spot they had chosen. As I framed my shot I noticed that beyond was the distant summit of Sugar Loaf.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Sony DSC-RX100

A view from Llangatwg Quarries

click image to enlarge

A map can only hint at the view a location offers: the reality is invariably better. This thought came to mind as I zoomed my lens in and out looking across the landscape north from Llangatwg quarries. The view I settled on has Penallt farm with its surrounding pastures, sheep and lambs at the bottom of the frame, the line of conifers at what appears to be another farm called Fedw, and beyond, on the far side of the hidden Usk Valley, the lower slopes of the mountains at the western edge of the Brecon Beacons - also dotted with farms, houses and sheep a-plenty.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Lumix FZ1000 2

Shepherd on horseback

During our visit to Llanthony Priory we could hear a shepherd directing his dogs and moving sheep on the high ground above us. The sheep were, for the most part, being sheep and dutifully proceeding in lines across the brcken covered hillside. We couldn't see the shepherd, nor could I hear the sound of a quadbike - the usual method by which shepherds travel overland in these upland regions. Then a figure did appear on the horizon.

When I extended my lens to its maximum magnification I saw that it was the shepherd on a horse or pony - a sight I have never seen before in Britain. Today's photographs are technically inferior. But in terms of the subject they are proof that the old ways continue and, at least for this shepherd, remain the best ways.

Sheep in shade

On a walk that took in paths in and around the woodland known as Penyard Park we came upon meadows and fields of maize and wheat. Climbing the stile out of one of the latter we stepped down into a pasture holding a large flock of sheep which, despite the extensive nature of the field, were tightly packed in the shade of a large oak tree. The day was hot and humid with clouds and long periods of sunshine, the sort that invites sitting or laying out of the sun and the sheep were all of that mind. As we approached a few stood up, thinking to get out of our way, so we gave them a wider berth not wishing to spoil their pleasure.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Lumix FZ1000 2

Grazing the Malverns

The origin of the name Malvern, to describe the range of hills that straddles parts of the borders of Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and a small part of Gloucestershire, is thought to be the Ancient British "moel-bryn" meaning "bare-hill". At the time of their naming this range of hills would have seemed to rise out of densely wooded surrounding countryside and Iron Age people would have seen it as a suitable spot for the defensive earthworks of a hill fort, part of which can be seen in the photograph. The Malvern Hills Conservators who maintain this area find that grazing sheep help to keep down the scrub that would otherwise make the bare hills less so.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Sony DSC-RX100