Hay Bluff

 It was Mary's birthday recently and we had a drive out to Hay Bluff, one of our favourite local beauty spots. From the car park, you can walk up the zigzag path to the summit (2221 ft) - a pleasure we had to forego this time because Mary was a little tired. Alternatively, you can reach Hay Bluff from the other side by riding 'The Cat's Back'.

Photo 1: Hay Bluff

Hay Bluff is a well-known landmark in Herefordshire as its characteristic profile can be seen from many parts of the county.

Next to Hay Bluff is Twmpa which also goes by the name Lord Hereford's Knob (Photo 2). Twmpa and Knob (knobbe, nobbe) are Welsh and Saxon names, respectively, for mound, lump, or protrusion. Lord Hereford/Viscount Hereford is the title of the Devereux family who have strong connections with the area.

Photo 2: Lord Hereford's Knob (Twmpa) from Hay Bluff Car Park

You would imagine that writing a song containing the words 'Lord Hereford's Knob' might be a bit tricky but this was achieved by the rock band Half Man Half Biscuit. Here is a copy of the lyrics; go here for a musical rendition.

In the far distance, you can see Pen y Fan, the highest peak (2907 ft) in South Wales (Photo 3).

Photo 3: Pen Y Fan (red dot) from Hay Bluff Car Park

We still had time for a quick look around Hay-on-Wye; the 'town of books' has over twenty bookshops that welcome browsers. The recently renovated Hay Castle is worth a visit and the cafe is highly recommended.

Our final stop was the Boat Inn, Whitney-on-Wye for a tasty and filling Sweet Potato, Chickpea and Spinach curry.