Trip Report : Camlo Hill

Rhiw Gwraidd from Camlo Hill
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)

For drivers heading out on the A44 east of Rhayader Camlo hill is the ridge to the north of the main road at the head of the wide valley on that lovely long overtaking straight.

For the walker it is an easy circular from the back side thought the forestry above Abbeycwmhir. On this occasion it was a short day out with friends and our respective children.

Small bits of road walking break up a mix of open hillside and forestry paths. A pleasant afternoon walk with a mix of wide ranging views and the Abbey ruins to look at on the way back. And of course don't forget a pleasant pint in the Happy Union

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Trip Report: Arenig Fawr

Southern Ridge of Arenig Fawr
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)

The traditional route for the central Arenigs is from the north as access and parking are far more abundant. However finding myself starting in Bala I opted for the link road across the mountains to Trawsfynydd and a pair of southern loops.

A wet day and masses of water in the previous week is not the best agenda for this walk but having left the car at SH805335 and picking up the first of three Deweys at the 518 spot height it was a simple case of heading to the wet col and going out and back to Llyfnant before climbing the main ridge.

The cloud lifted at this point as I headed back south and cut across over thick heather to Moel Ymenyn and the final dDewey of Foel Boeth.

This last leg of up is far from easy firstly you need to head for the col NW of the final top taking care not to get into the green (and wet) stream valley that abuts the woodland. Then there is the case of reaching the top itself. Eschew the western approach for a strike from almost due south where a track is hidden about 10m into the forest and uses a natural cut in the landscape to bring you onto the summit area.

Returning to the car left the final challenge with water levels so high the innocent little Afon Erwent was in full flow forcing a half mile walk upstream until a fence crossed it that just held my weight.

A tiring day all told but rewarding none the less


Other photos from trip

Trip Report : Foel Goch, Arenig

Foel Goch, Arenig from Cwm Da
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)

Tucked away on its own above Bala this is one of the least frequented summits in Wales. Before CROW only one right of way offered a line of ascent but with open access its open game on how to get here.

Looking for a change I stopped further north than usual by the entrance to Coed y Bedw (this is more open than the usual stopping point as per Nutall and may be safer)

Curving round behind the farm and little knoll I dropped down to Cwm Da then climbed the rough ground up to the col between FG and Moel Darren. Usually a hard but dry bet in summer this was a boggy slog today and only the constant views kept things going. the going eases at the col but the trig point was still a welcome sign.

From here the path east (care on the electric fences) takes you first to Orddu then beneath Bryn Bras before collecting the track I left at the start.

All told a nice variation on the direct ascent up the wet path of Cwm Da but the next visit to this route will most definitely be done in reverse.


Other photos from this walk

Trip Report: Cader Berwyn

Upper Afon Lwrch from Mynydd Tarw
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)

There is really only one walk in the Berwyns for the peak bagger. Leave llanrhaeadr and the waterfall to the coach parties and head east into the upper part of the Afon Lwrch valley. Parking for three to four cars can be found by the river near T'yn y Ffridd then its a simple direct climb up to the top of Mynydd Tarw.

Don't be tempted to rush this section though the climb is direct and steep and eases only in the final 50m once up though the fenceline and easy path lead you onward for the rest of the ridge.

Despite being August the ground is amazingly wet today more like the end of winter than summer and I am left feeling we are in for some bad flooding if there isn't a dry spell soon (edit prophetic words as the first autumn storm reacked havoc across mid Wales a few weeks alter).

With the cloud down there is nothing left but the wet slog over Bronwen, Berwyn and Moel Sych before the return on the ridge over Godor.

Only blessing on yet another cloudy day is the rain more or less held off

Trip report : Monaidh Laidh

Coire Ardair from Aberarder
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)

Overlooking Loch Laggan this combination of Munros and tops constitutes a grand day out over relatively easy going terrain once the summit ridge is reached.

Parking is offered by the reserve car park and the initial walk is over the friendly track into the Corrie. Keep to this until the track heads down to the river at the point clearly visible on the photo. Cross over and start on one of only two really hard climbs for the day. A series of zig zags allows you to reach the first of the four outlier tops from which it is a series of gentle loops to pick up the remaining three summits.

Track back on yourself from the last of the four then there is a steady climb up to the highest point in the range at 1130m. A breather at a simple cairn allows you to take in the remainder of the group before heading on to the vee in the ridge that would be the safe escape in bad weather or the way up for the Munro only ascent.

The continuation marks a series of steady ups and downs over easy terrain however on reaching the end at Coire Dubh you are left with a less pleasant choice.

A retrace to the final Munro of Carn Laith is not immediately attractive but having dropped down into the valley and negotiated the deer fence and overgrown tracks I have to admit it is possibly the best option.

A nice long walk worth saving for a good day and definitely the highlight of the trip