Offa's Dyke in winter, Geoff Charles Collection (NLW)
Aberystwyth and the surrounding areas were covered by a blanket of snow, as was most of the country during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Cold blue skies, crisp still mornings and the muffled sound of walking on snow combine to create a special atmosphere.
While looking out at this wintry scene I was reminded of a journey I made in similar conditions a few years ago. Armed with a pair of walking boots and a haversack I caught an early train from Aberystwyth and arrived at Welshpool before most of the inhabitants had woken up.
The Temple (Cambridge, 1633)
I joined the Offa’s Dyke long distance footpath at Leighton, a village just outside the town and carried on walking southwards through the woods towards Forden. Then it started to snow … and snow. By the time I arrived at the picturesque town of Montgomery a few hours later I was choking on the stuff.
As I walked passed the square I thought of the poet George Herbert (as one does!) who was born here in 1593. The Library was fortunate in acquiring a first edition of his volume of poetry The Temple (Cambridge, 1633) recently, a hugely influential collection of devotional poems. He was acquainted with the poet John Donne (1572-1631) who was related through his father to the Dwn family of Cydweli. The Library has a fine collection of works, by, or relating to John Donne. This collection of around 140 books was purchased in 1981 from the executors of R.A. Anderson of Llanilltud Fawr (Llantwit Major). It is knows as the Anderson collection.
As it was very much out of season I managed to find a B&B; to stay within a short while. Early next morning, after a large breakfast, I put my boots on and proceeded on my journey south towards Tref-y-clawdd (Knighton) and Kington (Ceintyn). But that’s another blog away …
Gwyn Tudur Davies