Trails - The Dark Run - Hirwaun

SPENDING A WEEK in South Wales at the bungalow in Hirwaun.   Looking at my normal trails run and thinking about opening up a new one instead of just using the main road between the two villages.   It's always good to get out and run in nature.

The run doesn't start off on the trails, instead you have to run down into the village and turn down Station Road, just before Penaluna famous (and award winning) fish and chips.   Following the road around you come to a "T" junction and this takes you over the disused railway line and onto Dark Lane.

When I first started to run in this area I found the route on the web, it was known as "The Dark Run", it took a while to find the name of the lane which then made sense.   A woman out walking her dog told me that you can run down the railway line past Llwydcoed and into Aberdare.   She has never run this because the surface, railway sleepers and ballast, which isn't a good combination.

There is a turning on the left hand side, with a gate that appears to go over to Penderyn, I will have to have a look at that and see if I can fit it in before I return to England.

Dark Lane is a steep uphill slog that is just over one mile in length, once you get to the top you have a short lane to a dead end.   From here you can see over the Heads of the Valleys Road, which follows the Valley up before dropping down into Merthyr Tidfil.   On the right is a farm track that takes you past the farmhouse and down onto Keepers Lane.   This is a tricky part of the run because you get a lot of water gushing down the path with an uneven surface due to rocks, bricks and lots of roots.   But it's also a great run, just really pay attention to where your feet are!

Keepers Lane will then take you back into the bottom or Hirwaun Village.   There is a small bridge, that I never like to run because it has a hump in it and you cannot see what is on the other side (like me running in the road due to no pavement).   In redesigning the Heads of the Valley's Road they have added a very nice footpath around the bridge, which was really helpful.

From here it's uphill back into the village and following the main road back to the start.

This is a very nice trails run just below the Brecon Beacons.   Next time I need to check that left turn at the railway line and see if it goes into Penderyn.  

Green Space Action Team - Beechurst Park

SECOND OUTING with the Green Space Action Team, this time the destination was Beech Hurst Gardens at the northern end of Haywards Heath.   A beautiful park, children's play area, miniature railway (in the summer), and a Harvester Restaurant where you can eat, get a drink from the bar or just grab a coffee in great surroundings.

As I walked from the car park to the meeting point I saw the signs up giving information that we were going to be there and asking if anybody was interested in volunteering.   Today we were split into two groups, one clearing dead plants, just behind the Harvester and one to the left of the park clearing brambles from the rhododendrons.   I took the battle with the brambles!

They have some beautiful rhododendrons (rhododendron ponticum), popular woodland shrubs which put on spectacular flowering displays from spring to summer.   The whole area had been taken over by brambles, weaving through and covering the beautiful rhododendrons, with signs of infecting the bay leave bushes as well (laurie nobilis).

After a few hours work and we had the area cleared, cleaned, and bagged with all the composting on the wagon ready to be moved.   We even managed to build some natural habitats for the wildlife (including hedgehogs) in the area with some of the debris from the overhanging trees.

Similar to the first experience it was good to walk away knowing that the area was cleared for the public to enjoy, the rhododendrons can breathe and flower for everybody to enjoy.   It is satisfying to do this work on a voluntary basis and allows people the opportunity to help out for a couple of hours once a week.

If you are interested in volunteering to help the Green Space Team, it's once a week on a Thursday between 10:00 and 12:00 (two hours).   You can email them direct for more information and they will send out dates, times, and locations.   You only need to attend the ones you can, there is no pressure.

Email:  rangers.midsussex@glendale-services.co.uk

 

Trails from Walstead to Lindfield

IT WAS A beautiful day to get out for some run training over the local trails.   I wanted to pick up on an old route running down the main Lewes Road and picking up the trails around the back of Lindfield heading for All Saints Church at the north end of the village.   It's been quite a while since I last did this run, but wanted that experience of getting off the main roads and being somewhere familiar.

The start of the run has a degree of difficulty, with a large hill up Northlands to the Lewes Road, after that it's downhill ending with a slight incline to Lyoth Lane.    This takes you past the Snowdrop public house, which is an amazing little pub.   It's a short walk from the house and a place I sometimes take myself in the evening for a pint of Guinness and a good book (I always have a book on the go).

At the end of the lane you cross the main road and start the trails run, down the side of a farm house and into the woods.  After a short while I reached a stile which crosses a field, normally with horses in it, run a bridge across a small river and circle back to cross the horse field again further down.

It isn't long before I reached the next field which has footpaths running through the end of the seasons sweet corn.    It's always a great feeling running in nature, which is close to you and makes you feel like you have increased your speed.

At the end of the field is the main road, cross that and back onto roads for a short distance before going back into woodland.   This time of year brings a few other problems, especially if the woodland has oak trees.   Wearing headgear of some sort really helps when you have acorns being dropped from height.   They can hurt and cause injury and best to be prepared for that, the sound of a falling acorn really resonates through your head.

As I came to the end of the run, going past Wilderness Fields, I found All Saints church was open to the public.   There was nobody inside and I decided to make a stop and sit in the church for a while.   It's odd but you really feel a closeness to God in a church, with the rich history, stained glass windows, alter and crucifixes it has a very calming effect.

Being there on my own made me consider my own well-being, mindfulness and allowed me to contemplate where I am and where I wanted to be, especially important as I have just retired after 32 years of public service.

Somewhere there was just me in a quiet space, away from the noise, just having a few moments to myself.   It was a great feeling.

Once out of church I needed to make my way home, running down through Lindfield High Street, cross the common and past the cricket pavilion back on the roads that took me back up Gravely Lane and home.

Green Space Action Team - Blunts Wood

IT ISN'T UNTIL you retire, or just stop working that you realise how many of your routines are built around work, when do you do your shopping, washing, and many other activities.   You then have to start writing new routines and behaviors, for the first time in 32 years I suddenly understand what "the weekend" means.   Whilst writing those new routines I found The Green Space Team, working with the Mid Sussex Rangers.

The Green Space Action Team work around Mid Sussex reclaiming public green space.   I went on a run around Haywards Heath and decided to go through Clair Park on the way back.   This was when I noticed their poster saying they were going to be there and encouraging community volunteers to help them.   They operate between 10:00 and 12:00 (noon) on Thursdays.

I thought this was an opportunity to network, learn some new skills, and enjoy a few hours out in the morning doing something worthwhile and giving the people of Haywards Heath something worthwhile in the process.   I couldn't do the first event at Clair Park due to working, but was free for the second at Blunts Wood.

You don't know what you are going to do until you turn up on the day.   Blunts wood was to repair fencing around a pond to protect the local Great Crested Newts.   The stakes for the fence had been pulled up, fence destroyed and dogs were having a great time running in and out of the pond.

Nearby there was a footpath that was overgrown with blackthorn, so the aim was to cut it all back, drag the blackthorn to the gap around the pond and use that to build the dead hedge, which explained to me why it's called a dead hedge.

With 13 volunteers all playing an integral part in the restoration we had the blackthorn under control, footpath resorted and usable again, and the new hedge firmly in place to protect the pond and Great Crested Newts in no time (well two hours to be correct).  This type of dead hedge is also a really good home for the Brown Hairstreak Butterfly.

A very worthwhile and satisfying morning, I will be looking forward to the next project.

If you are interested in volunteering to help the Green Space Team, it's once a week on a Thursday between 10:00 and 12:00 (two hours).   You can email them direct for more information and they will send out dates, times, and locations.   You only need to attend the ones you can, there is no pressure.

Email:  rangers.midsussex@glendale-services.co.uk

 

 

 

Rediscovering the Trails: A Muddy Autumn Run Through Lindfield

TRAIL RUNNING isn’t just a sport  —it’s movement through nature, a rhythm of breath and footfall away from the hum of paved roads.   It’s where the air feels fresher, the terrain keeps you alert, and every run tells a story.   Today’s story unfolded in Lindfield.

The Route: Finches Lane to the Golf Course

I set out on a familiar yet long-neglected route, weaving through Finches Lane, crossing the golf course, and looping back into Lindfield. The goal? To reconnect with the trails and scout a link to Ardingly Reservoir — a route I’d recently discovered could be pieced together and allow me to run from my home address.

Despite a week of relentless rain, the mud wasn’t as treacherous as expected.   A few uphill sections had me walking to avoid slipping—especially since I was running solo. Safety first: I always let someone know my route and use Garmin’s live tracking for peace of mind.

Autumn Hazards and Trail Rewards

Trail running in autumn brings its own flavor of challenge.   Slippery mud, hidden roots, and low-hanging branches demand constant awareness.   But that’s part of the joy—adjusting your stride, engaging your core, and giving your ankles a workout they won’t get on tarmac.

The trails had changed since my last visit. Fallen trees that once blocked the way had been cleared, and new plantings hinted at restoration.   Though I lost my bearings briefly, I trusted the terrain and found my way to the golf course without issue.

From Bog to Beauty

The descent from the golf course into Lindfield was a pleasant surprise.   Ash and gravel had replaced the usual boggy mess, making for a smoother run.   But the final stretch - between two fences, downhill — was a reminder of trail running’s unpredictability.   Eroded paths, bricks, roots, and sudden steps kept me on my toes. Literally.

This kind of terrain teaches you to read the ground, react quickly, and stay light on your feet. It’s not just good for your ankles—it’s good for your soul.

 

 

The next chapter of life!

A FEW years ago the title of this blog should have changed from 50+ and running to 60+ and running!   But I think the time for change is here, especially as due to work commitments have left the site distinctly neglected.   Why the change?   Retirement!

All of the people who started working with me have now left, leaving me as the last man standing, sadly a few didn't make it to retirement, so I feel privileged to have done so.

The last working day was due to me being the only person in my role on duty, which meant I couldn't take the day off, and as expected it was a Saturday!   It was an interesting day full of banners, balloons, and food.   I got through the day as planned, but got floored at the end as everybody stood up and applauded when I left the room for the last time, that's nearly 90 people.

Leaving does make you think about your career, I have been in the job for 32 years and there has been a lot in my life over that period of time.    Professionally, there is a lot to be proud of, and I will be taking those memories with me, all of the challenges, achievements and some of the things that have occurred that you didn't plan for, otherwise known as the unintended consequences!

I had to complete the obligatory "exit interview", handing back my uniform, laptop, mobile phone and pass!   All of which makes you feel odd on your last few days, dressing differently and not having my normal presentation for the Daily Management Meeting.  I got the obligatory quick photo against the wall of the Command Team office which was put on the boards for everybody to see. 

I have suddenly realised how many of my routines and behaviors are based around working, 12 hour shifts  with little time between them to do anything.   Having to rewrite them and understanding what people mean by "the weekend".   But the time has come, do I have a retirement plan?   Yes I plan on running!

 Not just running but keeping fit and active in the process.    From here on it's about keeping fit and mobile, later in life and running to maintain that for as long as possible.

I have updated my mental health training, welfare office forum and attended an EA Development Day at Birmingham.   I have also joined the Green Space Team (more about that later).  So, I have been busy networking and doing what I want to do. 

 T shirt opposite is available from "Etsy", just in case you wondered!

I want to try and keep this up to date, I already have more stories, written and being worked on aiming to publish on Sundays. 

Surrey and Sussex Wellbeing Weekend 2025

MAY ARRIVED with sunshine and great weather just in time for my third outing at the Surrey and Sussex Well-being weekend in Hay-on-Wye.   With leave booked I was looking forward to a great weekend with Karl, Jo, Forest, and Janice at the Trewern Activity Centre.   Every year brings the usual hardcore team and some going for the first time, it's great to meet new people and doing some networking on these weekends.

Hay has a unique position on the border of England and Wales, it is ideal for visitors to enjoy and explore the border country.   Hay is known for books and bookshops and is the first book town in the world, with a yearly festival attended by thousands of people.

This year promised to be bigger than last year with more people attending, resulting in Karl booking the local activity center in Cussop for accommodation.   Giving us the perfect base to rest and relax before heading out for the planned events.   Last year was the first time that I had been on an activity weekend, which I booked when I was going through a very hard time.   The weekend really helped and I would recommend it to anybody.   Mental health is always improved with exercise, getting out into the country, and great people around you.

Like last year I decided to relocate to Wales on the Thursday staying at the bungalow in Hirwaun, it helped me miss the Friday traffic on the M23, M25 and M4 and put me within a one hour striking distance of Hay, which was ideal.

Day 1 - Formation

Arriving in Cussop I headed for the activity center to meet up with Karl and Forest.   With fridges packed with food and bedrooms allocated I unloaded the car and started moving in, being the first to arrive I could choose my bunk, result!   With traffic pretty good on the motorways (unlike last year) it wasn't too long before everybody else started to arrive and we settled in and started to plan the first activity of the weekend.

With two designated drivers we set off for wild swimming at Bredwardine.   The water was freezing but once you've taken the bold step of submerging you soon acclimatize to the water.   The river is a great spot for wild swimming, with a bridge for people to cross on foot or car.   The supports create a strong current down the middle of the river that makes it an effort to work to swim towards the base platforms of the bridge  but swimming away from it you are in that "jet stream", which can take you down stream quickly.

After the swimming we went to Brobury House and gardens for coffee and cake.  The gardens are cared for throughout the year by a small team of dedicated gardeners and make the perfect place to visit all year round.   They do not close the gates to the public, so you are able to go and enjoy the gardens anytime.   In the center of the gardens is Brobury House, a charming turreted Victorian building which in Spring has the most magnificent bloom of purple wisteria.

In the evening we walked across country and down into Hay to The Globe a community venue, where you never know what you are going to get.   This time is was open mic night with a lot guitarists and poetry.   It was another interesting evening at the Globe and something that we always look forward to.

Day 2 - Connect

This is the big day for activities that we look forward to, with a return to my first year and gorge walking.   This year the activity was arranged through the activity center which means we kitted up and got on the mini bus before heading out to the site.   Two years ago I tried this on the first weekend and wasn't really aware what gorge walking was, but you jump into a river and float down stream and then start climbing rocks, waterfalls, and navigating the river.   Most of the time you are in the water and it is great fun, but can be dangerous, so you always keep an eye on the person in front of you.

With the bank holiday weekend there was going to be a big demand on the main sites, but the activity team found a location that isn't well known, I cannot say where we were it's that secret!   We arrived in the the glacier effected site and walked down to the river.   Stage one was acclimatizing to the water and jumping into a cold pool before walking across country, rejoining the river and starting the journey back to the jumping pool navigating the steam in all it's glory.

Working downstream, floating, climbing rocks, and navigating the bends of the river.   Surrounded by high rock faces, blue skies, and green hills was absolutely beautiful.   What made it really great was the camaraderie with the team, from the trainers to the people in our group.   With the common ground we have, everybody gelled and just made the day work brilliantly.

In the evening we walked cross country again and went into Hay to the Cozy Cafe, to celebrate their third year of trading.   The venue was a hot spot for dancing with DJ Max Galactica on the decks, and few glasses of Dark and Stormy we were set up for the evening.   Alcohol and dancing, what could go wrong?   Apart from everybody having a great time and Karl dancing on the tables around the Cosy Cafe!   After three hours of dancing I soon found out!   Everything ached and the following day there was a 7 mile cross country walk up to the top of Hay Bluff to do!

Day 3 - Team

The day started with Lucy and her team coming over to Trewern to teach us how to make small bird houses out of Willow.   Essentially this is an ancient craft of weaving.   The team had a lot of patience showing and taking us through making the bird houses, with just a wooden base and lot of lengths of willow.

It was a great morning learning an ancient craft and allowing us the opportunity to add a little more wildlife to our gardens by inviting small birds to nest and nurture.   I did get home and having put the bird house up found blackbirds nesting in my ivy which is amazing, I've been keeping clear of that area allowing them to get on with rearing their young.   The morning ended with tea and cake, which was made for us by Lucy and her team.

We then turned our thoughts to the cross-country hike from Cussop to the top of Hay Bluff  (Penybegwn) which is situated at the northern tip of the Black Mountains, an extensive upland massif which straddles the border between south-east Wales and England.

Setting off from Trewern we went cross-country with quite a lot of hills to start getting the altitude, going past a cemetery that Karl reliable informs us is the resting place of the person who invented the cross-word, whose position in the church cemetery is six down and four across!

Working our way along King Offa Way we caught the attention of a herd of cows, who decided to wander over looking a bit intimidating.   They didn't account for Forest who started running towards them, turning the herd back to where they came from.   It was a sight you had to see to really appreciate it!

The majestic climb to the top of Hay Bluff was steep and hard, as expected, but worth it to see the landscape where we stopped for a packed lunch and a break before heading back to Trewern.   It's interesting that the top of Hay is a few degrees colder, you really notice it and can't wait for the warmer air when you descent down to the bottom again.

The day ended with a quiz night led by Karl, who it appears has a local reputation as "the quiz master", we even found posters for his quizzing in The Globe.   Being broken into four teams things went well until security had to be called in to deal with a few disagreements!

Day 4 - Depart

Normally we break up on the Sunday after the Hike, but instead, due to the bank holiday Monday, we had an extra night.   Last day was a walk across fields into Hay to see the village and enjoy the shops.

As usual the first stop was coffee by the river and a group chat before heading into the town, first on my list was the Electrical Company which has everything, as the name is deceptive.   We toured the book shops of the first book town and had lunch at The Castle before thinking of heading back.

This left time for a quick visit to the local curiosity shop where I bout three cats for £6 and the famous fudge shop for treats on the long journey home.

Another great break, expertly planned and executed by Karl and Jo, thank you.