A run from Abergavenny to Aberdulais Tin Works & Waterfall on Sunday May 8th 2016

An encouraging turnout of 10 Wye Dean members, and 2 prospective members (aah, the power of t'internet! ) in 7 cars made for a reallyenjoyable day. After a week of very good weather, we anxiously scanned the forecasts, but in the end the sun 'Triumphed' (sorry), and we were looking for sun cream by late morning.

The drive took us to Crickhowell along the A40 then onto the B4558 to Brecon. This is a particularly enjoyable drive, following the route of the Mon & Brec canal for much of the way. The verges were full of flowers, and the woodlands carpeted with bluebells – proper native bluebells, not the Spanish infiltrators! We joined up with Kevin & Carol on the outskirts of Brecon (much arm waving) to make our way to the Brecon Beacons National Park Visitors Centre for a late breakfast before continuing towards Aberdulais. I'd hoped for clear views towards the mountains and wasn't disappointed – we sat in the sun and got acquainted with Robert & Sue who've recently acquired a TR 6, and hopefully will be joining the TR register and Wye Dean group.

After passing the scores of bikers at the coffee stop on the A470, then the hundreds of cars parked at Storey Arms, we cast off the busy road and onto the quieter A4059 to drive across open moorland - avoiding the sheep that need a lesson in kerb drill - to reach the A465 and continue south to Aberdulais. Here, there was the obligatory lifting of car bonnets and gathering to offer words of wisdom before our tour of the National Trust Tin works. I've always taken tin for granted, so it was interesting to hear about the processes involved – this small area was a hive of industry for almost 400 years until finally ceasing production in 1957.

After our tour, we made our way to the Lamb & Flag at Glynneath for an excellent carvery lunch before saying our goodbyes and heading for home.

See photos taken on the day on the Gallery section.