Sugar Loaf

We walked up the Sugar Loaf today: Moonface, Tom, Biggsy, Susan & I.

Although Bristol had rain first thing, by the time we arrived at Abergavenny the weather was clear and bright, albeit cold and windy. Rather than walk straight up to the summit and down again, we first walked halfway around its circumference, taking five hours or so for the complete circuit.

It was one of my favourite types of walk: not too much climbing, few stiles, open countryside with wide skies and terrific views. From the summit of Sugar Loaf we could see the Malverns to the north-east, the Mendips across the sea in England, and Pen-y-Fan to the west. The air was clear and bright. The turf underfoot was perfect: the sheep crop it close to the soil, like a carpet. Our feet bounced along, the turf's resilience making walking a pleasure. And the larks sang above us. It was perfect.

This time last year, we enjoyed a similar walk just across the valley from Sugar Loaf and I remember thinking that if I were to be struck down by lightning that instant, I wouldn't mind. The combination of springy turf, warm sun, cool wind, grass extending like a green ribbon before us with larks singing all around, was pure bliss. If death should come, it should come at a time of pleasure like this.