Welsh Dragon

Journeying back through Wales from Poole, just past Rhayader, a 'Nature Reserve' sign caught my eye.   I pulled into the car park in warm sunshine, a marked contrast to the rain down south.   Travelling alone, apart from Meg, it was an option to stop there a while and go for an explore.   An easy decision! .... and Meg would get a decent walk out of it too :-)  I tore a chunk off the loaf intended for lunch when I got home and we set off.

Gilfach, an old hill farm, now managed by the local wildlife trust, is well worth a (longer) visit.   The path took us through the valley, flowery upland meadows, river - no salmon leaping today, and up below rocky bluffs.   A bit cool today for butterflies but plenty of Small Heath (extra pic) were on the wing and a couple of Golden Ringed Dragonflies, one of which landed obligingly close.   It was a perfect afternoon for it all.

Home now for a couple of days.   Lots to do before Jamie and puppy come back here.