Start of my short summer break begins at Symonds Yat then Abergavenny and Sugar Loaf. An early start at Symonds Yat with binos & camera saw me at the viewpoint looking into the rising sun and as it happens 3 dark shapes. They had to be rooks but no they were 3 Peregrine Juveniles slightly put out by my presence so early. I thought I’d missed my photo opportunity as they flew off but one returned and perched in the tree by the RSPB stand. I don’t know who was more surprised, great view and camera shot. Another flew by over the Wye valley, the adult male (dad). The juvenile flew off to join it giving me the chance to grab one decent picture of a falcon in flight. Twenty minute later one of the adults (mum) had returned by the nearby cliffs with breakfast and that signalled my last viewing. The next hour provided me with great views over the river Wye, a buzzard with its catch in its talons below my viewpoint, 2 cormorants, 3 nuthatches and a friendly local couple with their dogs who kindly shared their wildlife encounters in the rapidly warming temperature.
Not wishing to be too greedy I left this great spot and headed over to Abergavenny. Can’t understand why I have neglected this Welsh gem with its 7 surrounding ‘hills’, pleasant town with castle and walks by the river Usk . With the help of an enthusiastic lady at the information centre I was soon re-aquainted with the area and on my way to the Sugar loaf vineyards! No wine tasting today but heading towards the NT parking place which reduces the severity of the Sugar Loaf walk on this scorching day. Was somewhat surprised, as I neared the summit , to see a herd of wild horses! just resting below the top. Not a trace of wind but a great view from the top of Sugar Loaf which I didn’t mind sharing with a couple of other walking parties. Not a bad beginning to my summer break.
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