Walking from a Mid Wales Town

Trip Report : Brecon Beacons

2011-02-28T16:52:00.003Z

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Nice simple walk over the beacons after a long break from the hills and a chance to add in an OS Openspace map of the route.

Trip Report: Berwyn Ridge

2009-09-10T01:23:00.001+01:00

Cwm Maen Gwynedd

Back to an old favourite. A Couple of weeks later than last year as wet under foot but far better weather. The route over the Berwyns circling Cwm Maen Gwynedd has been covered in this blog before. So today I will focus on parking and access neither of which a re any better. There is still room for 3 cars by the stream but both access roads are now showing signs of breaking up quite badly.

The walk itself today was the best I have had for many trips with a cool breeze and good late summer sunshine. Photography was good too with 360 degree views on the summit and great light for near images

More Images from Walk

Trip Report: Revisting the Radnor Forest

2009-09-05T23:29:00.006+01:00

The Whimble Radnor Forest (5-9-09)

Its a while since I have got out but with a little time to spare and the weather improving I took a chance on the rain holding off and picked up an early autumn loop en route to my fathers home in Hereford.

Luckily I left it late as the forest was full of rally cars earlier in the day. overcast weather made for poor photos and the route is well described by me previously.

Trip report: Cefn yr Ystrad

2009-08-18T23:43:00.000+01:00

Waun Rhydd from near Cefn yr Ystrad summit
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)

Cefn yr Ystrad is the sore thumb of the beacons, set well to the south of the main ridge it is a neglected mix of rough moorland grazing and quarrying. There are easy walks in from the East using quarry roads but the more interesting route is up from Ponsticill to the SW of the summit.

Parking is possible near the treatment works then an easy track climbs up underneath the Brecon Mountain Railway. Then by way of a series of tracks you can make your way to the summit. I say can advisedly as it is easy to stray to one side and leave yourself with lots of work to do. For the geocachers there are a couple of chaes to have fun with en route.

From the summit the view is worth the climb so make sure its a good day.

From the trigpoint you are pretty much retracing steps but a faint path is soon visible it you head just off a northerly line

more images

Trip Report: Pen Rhos Dirion circular

2009-07-24T01:40:00.000+01:00

Pen Rhos Dirion

Parking at the top of the Gospel pass is easy in winter. Not so on a summer Saturday lunchtime. Fortunately I grabbed the last space and with a small pause to sort out kit I was off once more on a clockwise circuit.

Going underfoot was a little damp but the placed stones on Offas Dyke reduced the severity somewhat though the drop down to Capel y Ffin was far from present. The beauty of this walk though is the contrasts in views and the warm sun set the northern views off perfectly at the end of the day.

Trip Report : Garreg Las

2009-03-04T23:12:00.000Z

Mynydd Ddu Ridge
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)

Garreg Las and the trigpoint on Carreg yr Ogof make for an interesting yet problematic trip. The peak bagger will pass the trig by opting for the long walk in from the SE or the shorter but no less demanding crossing from the west.

There is however a third option.

Take the back roads to the church at Llanddeusant with its youth hostel and find a parking spot. The lane S from the church has one by the river bridge but its not good if very wet.

Continue up this road then track up onto the open hillside. Save this for a clear day as the going is not always the most obvious and the views east across the Carmarthen Fan make the day. Heading just west of south the trig point eventually appears then its onward over featureless ground to the twin cairns of Garreg las.

Its possible to continue from here but the way back is by no means direct from any of the other tops. Instead retrace your steps taking in the view to the north as you head back to your vehicle.

More photos from this trip

Trip report: Fan Fawr

2009-02-11T22:55:00.000Z

Fan Fawr
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)

On a dry summers day with no wind Fan Fawr is a stiff but easy 40 minutes from the Storey Arms car park. Add in the remnants of the winters heaviest fall of snow and you can allow another half hour and a good use of crampons especially in descent.

None the less the walk remains simple and a great break on the way home from a meeting in Cardiff.

All photos from this trip

Trip report : Pen Plynlymon Arwystli

2009-02-07T22:32:00.000Z

Pen Plynlymon Arwystli
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)

There is something about Plynlymon in the snow, perhaps its the central location with the extensive views or perhaps it just so easy to get to a point you can walk from. Whatever it is it a gem.

Route descriptions are superfluous on this occasion as the route from Eisteddfa Gurig has featured before but for a change I cut back and dropped into the valley far higher up than normal.

Other photos from this trip

Trip Report: Corn Du and Pen y Fan

2009-01-08T23:55:00.000Z

pdr_20090108_5852
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)

Having taken a break, had lunch in the car met up with a friend we repositioned our vehicles at Pont ar Daf in the toilet car park half a mile south of storey arms.

From here there is what only can be described as a motorway to the summit. A dead easy walk for even the most remote happy couch potato in summer the intermittent layers of ice and slippery rock means a degree of respect is required at this time of year.

The only decision to be made is which first Cord Du or the Pen. We opted for the former as we had no plans to descend via Tommy Jones Memorial today and a good choice it was too. The cloud stayed with us for the first top but as we toasted my 40th birthday with a glass of chilled pinot noir (grabbed a red not a white by mistake) a few breaks began to appear to both north and east and we were treated to the imposing vista of the photographs.

After a careful retrace to the first col the descent was down on the motorway to round off a thoroughly enjoyable day

All photos from 8th January

Trip report : Cerrig Gleisiad/Fan Frynach

2009-01-08T23:46:00.001Z

Black Mountain ridge
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)

I don't often make a habit of repeating walks within 6 months but I made an exception here all be it in reverse.

With 3 hours spare before meeting up for an afternoon walk I decided to spend the first half of my 40th birthday in the hills around the Cerrig Gleisiad reserve and what a choice it was too.

First up the frost and snow made for steady going up the ridge but it soon became apparent that not only was the cloud laying with a small temperature inversion and the sun was breaking though.

sure enough on the ridge sun and cloud interacted and nature gave me a moderate quality Brocken Spectre as a birthday present. The route itself was as easy as ever and remembering to take the left of the two diagonals off Frynach itself cut the corner down into the reserve. A lovely start to a great day out

Other photos from this walk

All todays photos on Flickr

Trip Report: Y Gryn

2009-01-08T23:18:00.000Z

Frynach and Gleisian from Y Gryn
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)

Originally planned today as a stop on descent from the higher Beacons and instead opted for the quick out and back so as to avoid any ice on the rocks off the summit of Corn Du.

I've blogged about the route before so all that is left are the photos.

All todays photos on Flickr

Trip Report: Cader Idris

2009-01-07T16:12:00.003Z

Llyn Cau
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)

If you asked most people to name two Welsh Mountains most would say Snowdon and then be stumped but a few would add Cader Idris as an immediate second choice.

Cader is an old friend for me I first climbed in in 1988 as a student leading a group of local scouts and its now almost reached the list of summits I have visited in every month of the year.

Today it had a few surprises for me, the first a whacking great £4 parking fee at Minfordd. Exit straight away and park in the layby halfway up the pass.

The next was how much fun it is to walk with a dog having been joined by a fried with a gorgeous pointer. The walk itself was classic Cader. Its a while since I climbed Gau Graig first and and this and Mynydd Moel were the aim for the day I left the layby and cut across hillside to the fence leaving two well wrapped up plane spotters on the ridge. From here its a straight climb up to the summit along the fence for the most part but occassionaly veering off to the right most notably at the obvious talus pile as you find a track thought the rocks.

The track finally bring you out on the much underrated Gau Graig, a little pimple walked the other way but a great viewpoint and sense of achievement after an hour.

The walk now unfolds before you heading West along the northern Cader scarp. This is a walk not to be rushed but neither one that overstresses the body despite appearances.

Passing the cairns of Mynydd Moel the trigpoint finally bursts into view against a foreground of white powder snow.

The other benefit of walking this way is that you are almost always facing the sun and at -9degress C on the way to the start that was more than welcome today. However sooner or later you have to drop into Cwm Cau and its shadow and sheets of ice on the hanging valley part of the path.

The final descent is via the woodland on the hillside wooden steps were added several years ago but they are starting to show signs of wear. For some the wood is broken and for many the gravel and soil has been washed out leaving an inch or more to trip the unwary descentant.

All told it was nice to revisit an old friend and nicer still to take a direction that I have tended to ignore in the past

More images from today

All todays photos on Flickr

Trip Report : Radnor Forest

2009-01-05T21:51:00.004Z

New Years Day 2009
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)

I've blogged before about the delights of the hills above New Radnor. They are close to home for me and with a 3 and a bit hour walk time are an afternoon walk even in the depths of Winter.

And winter it was on new years day. The bright sunny sky of the day before was replaced with a blanket of freezing fog. Grey and atmospheric to the core.

Also freezing to the core as I found to my cost when the tube on my water pack froze solid after first use.

Route wise the only thing to add is that the path onto Great Rhos that appears to disappear on the map is now very distinct and goes to thing a couple of hundred metres of the trigpoint so there is no need to bash through the heather for a direct approach.

Other photos from this walk

Flickr archive

Trip Report: Gwastedyn from Rhayader

2008-12-24T22:22:00.001Z

Looking east from the summit
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts

It had been a while since I have been out in the hills, work, weather and a series of small bugs have rather got in the way.

So with another cold stopping a trip onto the Drygarn I thought a short circuit of the hill overlooking town was a good bet for a couple of hours out.

Gwastedyn is to Rhayader as Skiddaw is to Keswick. Standing proud above town and within easy reach, so much so that the annual hill race is a feature of carnival week.

The walk from town is an easy circuit of about 1.5 hours if pushed 3 if lazed.

Head off down south street from the clock and keep on past he old toll booth (after first turning) residential home (2nd) and old workhouse no a nice hotel after the third. The path now becomes a roadside verge before turning off at the 2nd right of way sign on the corner.

A track leads up though the wood before bearing off to the left out onto the open hillside as your fence meets others coming up from the farm. The going is easy underfoot cut across the farmland for the next fence on the slope then curve around the headwaters of a small stream that drains the area below the summit.

Keep "climbing" to the ridge fence but don't cross it instead turn right over one more fence that climbs the hillside to the summit cairn and commemorative beacon basket.

The second summit lies a couple of hundred metres away over one good and one not so good fence and a little rough grazing / bracken. Despite this it is worth the visit as it opens up the southern vista far better that the beacon summit.

From there head back to the ridge fence and follow this and a footpath back to the minor road above Gaufron and follow this then the A44 back to Rhayader itself.

Walk past both houses I have owned in town back to the clock tower and your start point.

If you miss the path and drop too early don't panic so long as you are on the Rhayader side head for the track between Bryn Du and Esgair-rhiw and follow this via the latter back to the road taking care to use the gates on the way down

Views of Gwastedyn

Views from Gwastedyn

Trip report: Y Gyrn

2008-10-08T16:45:00.001+01:00

Y Gyrn
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)

The final leg of the day hardly seems like a real walk more like a 40min stretch of the legs.

Directions couldn't be easier cross the stile keep walking on the track till just before it drops into the valley. Follow a muddy path to your left and keep going to the fence high point is about 50m from the stile.

Retrace get back in the car and move on.

more photos

Trip Report: Fan Fawr

2008-10-08T16:12:00.002+01:00

Fan Fawr Trigpoint
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)

Second of three brief walks today, having moved the car up to Storey Arms it really is a simple up out and back to get to Fan Fawr. The climb itself offers no real issues though care is needed in bad weather to make sure you don't miss the nondescript summit.

With time to spare I stretched my legs a bit to take in the trig point and the sun and cloud made it worth my while (see above).The final benefit are the two upland geocaches though at time of writing the one near the trigpoint is temporarily disable on account of my finding it doing a swimming pool impersonation.

More photos from today

Trip report : Fan Frynach

2008-10-08T12:33:00.001+01:00

Towards Brecon
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)

Heading north on the A470 with a couple of hours to spare then why not take a break at the Cerrig Gleisiad nature reserve and wander within the Cwm or round its edge.

Plenty of options abound but with good clear sky and fluffy cloud I opted to walk into the cwm and pick up the moraine track before heading out just below the summit of Fan Frynach. Carrying on round the rim I took in Gleisiad and then headed back to the start on the steeper sE rim of the valley.

Highpoint of the day was a late dragonfly then it was on for an up and down of Fan Fawr

more photos

Trip report: Waun Rhyd, Brecon Beacons

2008-09-27T18:11:00.000+01:00

Waun Rhyd, Brecon Beacons
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)

The eastern end of the main Beacons chain offers up some of the most interesting walking. Away from the crowds of Storey Arms the views remain but in a more tranquil setting.

Two cars make the most of this area as like today you can park one at the lay-by on the Talybont reservoir (if unoccupied by the army, it was busy today) Then follow the well trod path up over Allt Llwyd. Pausing above the col Wayn Rhydd takes on a more dominant role than normal (see above) but is still and easy climb to the plateau. Care is needed at this point especially in mist but a direct line brings you to a summit that is little more than some scattered stones.

Pick up the track that skirts the northern edges and take in the equally unimpressive top of Bwylch y Ddywallt before heading SW then S to come out at the car park at Blaen y Glyn.

The reverse route saves 200m climb but the views are better for the extra effort.

more photos from walk

Trip Report : Camlo Hill

2008-08-23T18:39:00.002+01:00

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

More photos

Trip Report: Arenig Fawr

2008-08-21T19:35:00.000+01:00

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

2008-08-20T15:54:00.000+01:00

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

2008-08-19T18:02:00.000+01:00

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

2008-08-10T20:11:00.001+01:00

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

Trip Report: Mayar and Dreish

2008-06-22T22:43:00.003+01:00

Corrie Fee, Angus, Scotland
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)

After a very long day out yesterday I was looking for something a little more relaxed today. The very heavy overnight rain eased on the drive round from the hostel and by the time I reached the Glen Doll car park (£1.50) it was amazingly dry if cloudy.

the route itself follows forestry tracks signed to Corrie Fee passing several geocahes en route. On reaching the deer fence the corrie opens out before you with a stunning waterfall present after heavy rain.

The Track stays dominant climbing steadily on the left side of the falls before angling further left onto the fell side. a steady climb then brings you out on the summit.

The forward route is now a clearly visible path although the final climb to the trig is tricky in thick mist as it lacks a cairns as it heads across the mountain face towards Dreish and its trigpoint

A return to the last coll allows a cut across to the route down over tracks and forest drives almost directly to the cars.

A lovely shorter day (5 hours including looking for 7 caches) but if you can one to save for a dry day after heavy rain to get the corrie at its best

Additional Images

Trip Report: East of the Devils Elbow

2008-06-21T23:28:00.001+01:00

Glas Maol
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)

The area around Glenshee offers some of the fastest number crunching for the Munro bagger. West of the road the Cairnwell group is little more than an afternoon stroll but the real value comes to the east.

With a second driver it is possible to leave the road from the layby about 1 mile south of the ski centre and pick up a route that takes you though an open river valley onto a broad ridge then onto a plateau and finally a Pennine style hack over largely untracked ground to pick up a grand total of 6 Munros in a day.

As already suggested it is a day of contrasts. The initial climb is steady although picking a good route out from the river onto the ridge is vital to save effort. The crossing over Creag Leacach to Glas Maol is then reminiscent of the northern Carneddau and at this point it is always possible to head off west back down to the southern end of the ski centre car parking. Instead keep onward via the remnant snow patches to one more Munro on a distinct ridge path then two over open wet ground with reasonable tracks before returning from Tolmount for a final climb to Carn na Tuirc.

Care is needed here especially in mist as the tracks are indistinct and a direct bearing takes you over a steep slope with hidden crags. Instead head south four about 250m before striking out for the final summit.

Leaving the last top head North into the v of the stream shown on the 25k mapping before picking up a welcoming track back to the road

More images

Trip Report: Mulloch Hill, St Johns Town of Dalry

2008-06-20T22:16:00.000+01:00

Mulloch Hill panorama
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)

It is quite common for me to make a short sprint up a roadside hump to a trigpoint but very rare I blog about them. Mulloch hill is however worth the effort.

Located just SE of the grandly named St Johns town of Dalry on the main road between Castle Douglas and Ayr this makes for a nice half hour break.

Parking is provided in a large lay by and a marked "core path" leads up the hill and thought the trees to within 200m of the summit. The final climb just after a stile is via a bracken slope but you cant win them all.

But why come here simply for the view you have an ever changing 360 degree view of the surrounding Southern upland terrain. Put simply a great way to break a long drive

Trip Report : Carmarthen Fan

2008-06-13T22:37:00.002+01:00

Llyn y Fan Fach, Brecon Beacons NP
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)

It hard to believe that so close to Swansea the terrain can get so remote but a trip into the Carmarthen Fan from the Tawe Valley is just that remote.
I parked up at the church just south of Tafarn y Garreg on the main Sennybridge-Ystradgynlais road and then headed a little way south to pick up the footpath and bridleway into the heart of the Fan.

Three short diversions over the local Dewey tops around Tynwalter broke up he monotony and in themselves would have made a nice short trip for a family (if so do TW first then S-N on the other two easier climbing). Then it was just a case of following the variable visibility path into the valley below Garreg Las.

From here the character changes the out and back to the cairn is a prelude to the main scarp walk most of which is in the photo. For first timers I would say keep to the edge all the way the views are great and the paths clear, however for me the final climb to "Brycheniogs Trig" was on the newer direct line that is now far more visible than when I first climbed it over 15 years ago.

The descent to the car is over Fan Hir and down its largely easy ridge though car on the knees is required in the very final stages.

All told a long remote and rough day best in sun or with a reliable GPS/ compass in low cloud

More photos from the walk here http://www.flickr.com/photos/22109627@N03/archives/date-taken/2008/06/13/

Trip Report: Waun Fach Circular

2008-05-30T23:01:00.000+01:00

Waun Fach, Black mountains
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)

There are few ranges in Wales that I have seen in so many different conditions. Today was no exception.
For once the sun was out although three days of heavy rain made the first half of the walk hard going, but I get ahead of myself.

There are many start points for this route but the Nutall option is one I prefer assuming there is enough parking space. A 10m min walk on the roads leads to a forest path now nicely widened and smoothed for the farmer. Care is needed else you miss the footpath sign and end up in the yard of a second home (watch the field gate its support is rotten).

From here its follow the track to the ridge and keep walking . The first half is boggy in the extreme and capped by the wade acroos the the trig point base on Fach. Then its a steady change of geology and dryness as we move round onto the western loop.

Descending from the final trig is problematic. A direct line to the car is possible but tough on the knees and even worse on the ankles once the bracken is up. Instead head towards table mountain before cutting the final corner to reach the footpath back round the hillside. Keep on this until after the small copse where a permissive path crosses one road before dropping you out 20m from where you left the car.

Trip report: Ysgafell Wen

2008-05-13T22:37:00.000+01:00

Across Llyn Coch to Cnicht, Moelwyns, North Wales
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)

The group of hills north of the Crimea Pass have always struck me as a bit of a Curates Egg. Easy walking between the tops but a messy boggy circular to get back to the start if you take the Nutall route.

So for a change I tried something a little different. The Crimea Pass layby was still closed but a bit of the old road forms a new parking place about 200m west of the crest at the start of the track leading towards Llyn Iwerddon. The initial incline is gentle and provides a nice warming up before the climb to the right of the stream up to the lake, pass over the dam and round the left side to gain the standard route across the tops to Ysgafell Wen.

The headwaters of the Ledr is the usual return but instead I retraced a couple of tops keeping away from the fence for a while thenturned Druman to the west and south and cut across the face of Allton the north side. Short on time I returned the way I cam at this point however a continuation of the redge is as possible and makes a nice and far less strength sapping figure of eight.

Trip Report : From the ponderosa

2008-04-21T21:29:00.000+01:00

Moel-Y-Faun Quarry
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)

The last few weeks have been a bit thin on the ground for hill walking as preparing a new house (major renovation) has taken priority. However I cant let this short walk from the Ponderosa Cafe to the Trig point and masts go without note.

There is very little to it really just walk up on the track and return the way you came. That said the views of Worlds end, and the Clwydians make it worth the short 1h walk from the cafe car park

Trip report :between Clarch and Aberystwyth

2008-04-13T21:36:00.000+01:00

Clarach Bay, Ceredigion
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)

A trip with some friends gave me a chance to revisit my student haunts, sadly the tide meant the one mile run from town to Clarach was not on the agenda but instead a loop around the headland initially inland on the slope side paths then over the top of the golf course before cutting around the top of town and back over Constitution hill makes for a very pleasant afternoon stroll. Throw in a few geocaches and an ice cream on the top and the children were happy too

Trip Report : Eastern Arans

2008-03-31T15:38:00.001+01:00

Aran ridge Panorama
Pete Roberts

There is much that can be said in the negative about the hills that fall to the east of the main Aran Ridge but one view and one photo should be enough to tell you why they are a must do for a clear day.

Nowhere outside of central snowdonia does one ridge so dominate the day yet still leave scope to see other ranges or stunning valleys around and about.

The problem is the walk itself. No matter what you do for a circular at some point you need to bite the bullet of the Bwlch y Groes road and at others you have to face 3km of soft spongy peat.

Today I got the peat out the way first with cloud forecast I opted for the top of the pass expecting a wet slog back up. leaving the car park and keeping mainly to the right of the fence it is a long wet walk to the firt peat hag top. The views keep you going however and on reaching the summit the main Aran ridge lies before you. Turning right the track is immediately visible and much drier to the col. Keep on up the slope before cutting across the face of Esgeirion aiming for the top of AfonTwrch where a visible drainage cut runs across the face of Foel Rhudd follow this up to the fence if the weather is bad otherwise cut up on any one of the other smaller ditch lines to the summit.

Take in the northern view here before a simple following of the fence to the peaty top of Esgeiriau Gwynion.

Now the hard work begins a steep descent to the col and a steeper climb to Foel Hafod Fynydd provide a close up of the main ridge and a welcome breather and ideal late lunch stop.

Care is then required by all means follow the ridge and fence due east to the river but its a stiff 40m climb back to the track or steep descent and wider crossing further down. Far better to cut north about 200m down from the fence split on easy ground to a white walled abandoned sheep pen near the point the three northern rivers meet.

From there it is back along the track taking in the ever changing view to the road and the long steady climb to Bwlch y Groes. The tired can now return on the road to the start point but if you still have some energy left the final top of Moel y Cerrig Duon beckons along with its distant vista of Lake Vyrnwy.

Not a day for the wet but great on a clear day like today

More photos

Trip Report : Garreg Llwyd

2008-03-24T17:02:00.003Z

pdr_20080324_2790
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts

This lovely little outlier of the national park is usually a quick dash from the car on the way home from Swansea or Carmarthen. But with a mixed forecast and my younger son wanting to go out geocaching I thought I'd make a bit more of it today.

Starting at the southern of the two main car parks I made straight up though the quary to the summit. Cloud was down but visibility ok at about 300m so no problems and on the summit it rose to give a decent view with the cairn offering some nice shelter for a bit to eat.

Then off almost due west for the first geocache near the roada bout 500m south of the car park then straight over and up to the "dewey" summit of Carn Pen-rhiw-ddu. Another easy walk but the top itself is a disappointment. The high point is marked with a scattering of stones with a more interesting cairn about 300m to the NE.

The views to the north are good value for the climb however then it was straight off the scarp and down to the second cache of the day just above the hairpin and back along the main road past a marker for a 19th century road accident and back to the car.

A nice stress free 3 miles with about 750ft on the up

More of todays photos

Trip Report: Fforest Fawr

2008-03-07T21:15:00.006Z

Fan Nedd from Fan Llia
(C)Pete Roberts Pete Roberts

There can be few more remote walks in South Wales than crossing the Cnwer Estate on foot. Even reaching the start point in the Forestry at Blaen Llia involves several twisty miles on virtually single track roads.

Of course things are not as bad as they used to be, open access has cut the milage by a chunk and realistic circulars even in winter are now possible.

As normal for me I tackles the four tops anticlockwise. there is something about the watershed crossing that makes it far more pleasant after the first not the third climb of the day.

Equally common was the weather with cloud hovering around all morning then descending rapidly to make for a cold wet afternoon. One of those days just to put your head down and get going.

More Photos

Trip Report : Northern Carneddau

2008-02-22T20:51:00.001Z

(22-02-08)
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)

Putting together a visit to these hills is always a challenge in a day especially in Winter so the prospect of a conference in Llandudno was not to be missed out on.

The forecast was shaping up spot on as the weather cleared on the drive north but I had forgotten what 40mph in wind really means. Parking at the roadhead car park, I know Nutall suggests pull ins on the way up but they really passing spaces without the sign, I opted for Tal y fan first and a clockwise circuit from there this is a good choice especially if you follow the stream up that takes you onto Penygadair and direct to Pen y Castell as it saves a real road slog back to the car.

With the wind picking up Foel fras and Llwytmor were discarded and boy was I glad of it as I was pinned to the fence on numerous occasions as I walked off Drum to the pass.

More Photos

Trip report : Away in the Hirnants

2008-02-16T14:29:00.000Z

(16-02-08)
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)

There is something about the Hirnants that can bring out the worst in you. Its really a no mans land between the Berwyns and the Aran ridges that struggles to peek over the 200ft level.

Its saving grace is a road that splits it in two and a forestry track that turns 8km of heather each way into something far more palatable.

Today however was a great day for the walk cold but no wind and the kind of hazy view that is the curse of the photographer in the hills but actually gives better results when looked at on screen at home. As normal I opted for the clockwise loop. I prefer a steep descent of Foel Goch not a slog climb up.

Not the greatest of walks better in the heather season but for a long stretch out after a frustratingly wet few months it was a great day

Trip Report : Cader Idris

2008-01-28T21:17:00.001Z

There is something about Cader that has the old friend about it. Possibly the fact that I only have a July visit left to see its trig point in every month of the year has something to do with it but today was not one of its crowning moments. The week long forecast for today being the best of the weekend broke on Sun evening and the high level cloud though "dry" was not clever and the wind was biting.

The loop from Minffordd is the obvious choice if taking in all 5 tops with only one driver and the and the stiff climb up though the woods is a great way to start the day. The path is easy and visible once you leave the trees behind but care is needed as you approach the large rock short of Llyn Cau else you miss the track up onto the ridge.

Path repair is ongoing with focus currently about 500m from joining the ridge as it steepens, its expected to take a while I think give the wooden hut that has appeared complete with tools and benches for the staff.

Diving off for one of 6 Geocaches immediately on the route the summit of Craig Cwm Amarch is the first stop. Onward again and after the col bear off at the fourth cairn to traverse under the main summit for Cyfrwy and another cache. A retrace and its on to the main summit and across it via 3 caches to Mynydd Moel.

Care is required in mist on leaving here initially to avoid walking off a cliff then a little later to ensure you don't cut into a valley instead of reaching the ridge to Gau Graig the final summit. remember as you approach to cross over the stile onto the right of the fence to get firmer ground.

Descent is easily off the end and round or the steeper right turn and aim direct. Either way you hit the road and the final cache before diving off on an old alignment back to the car

Photos

Geotagging Photos

2008-01-17T21:11:00.000Z

If like me you use Flickr you might have tried geotagging your photos. While this is easy in urban areas with clear buildings or monuments the same is not true of the uplands with most of GB covered only at satellite level.

However if you also use a GPS and keep a tracklog there is another alternative. Sanoodi, offers a free service aimed at runners and walkers interested in sharing GPS tracks as a logbook. The site is interesting in itself however it is the interaction with Flickr that caught my eye when it showed up as a referrer for one of my photo.

It works in two ways first it pulls in any public geotagged photo in the vicinity of your route but second and more important it allows you to take a GPX file upload it to the site then match the EXIF data from a Flickr set and locate where your photo was taken.

Its not perfect you need to approximately locate the first photo but a snap of your gps after it locks on as a working photo does the trick nicely. The main downside is a formulaic comment on the photo page linking back to the walk. It also only reads data from an uploaded Active track on Garmins save the track and the required data is lost.

It does however take alot of guesswork out of locating those remote photos

Returning to the Radnor Forest

2008-01-07T21:51:00.000Z

There is something about this simple circuit above New Radnor that keeps pulling me back. 20 minutes from home and a 3.5 hour round trip makes for an easy half day and its no surprise that it was the first set of hills that I have climbed in every month of the year.

Sunday was no different a simple walk past a local resident spray jetting the mud off the track up to his house, catching a mixed age group (youngest in a carrier eldest past retirement) and a steady open walk all the way.

Cloud could have stayed away but at least it was high. A nice simple start to the new year

Todays Photos on Flickr

Plynlymon from Eisteddfa Gurig

2007-12-21T23:45:00.000Z

This one is an old favourite for a quick day being only half an hour drive from home. However today I also had my eye on the Dewey top of Drybedd as well.

This extends the walk nicely but only if care is made on route choice. The climb up to the forestry is as per normal however here I made my mistake initially walking into the woodland on the PROW I eventually hacked up a cutting towards the summit. an up realising I was still on the small intervening ridge hack down and hack up later I reached a nice knoll with lake.

To other don't make the same mistake turn left at the fence and maintain your height it makes far more sence.

The rest of the walk was uneventful a biting wind and lots of hoar frost on the ground not withstanding. Sadly the views meant the camera stayed in the bag

Trip report : Tyndrum 25-27th Oct

2007-11-01T19:09:00.000Z

It's unusual for me to make it up to Scotland outside the summer window but a conference in Dunblane left me a chance to take in a weekend in the Southern highlands. Sad to say the weather had other ideas and the camera left my bag for only three snatched photos.

Day one: Beinn Dorain - Beinn an Dothaidh
A minor miscalculation on the weather saw me was 90 dry minutes in favour of a lie in not that it would have made any difference. Parking in Bridge of Orchy the track from the railway station heads straight in for a boggy walk up to the bealach. The track shown only half wayn on older OS maps now pushed right on to the summit of Dorain and is a welcome friend as the cloud closed in. Returning to the col the next climb is less clear cut with the track taking you a long way right before climbing up. Return is the way you came but keeping a 100m left of the track avoids the worst of the peat.

Day two : Beinn Achaladair - Beinn a'Chreachain
No improvement in the weather, nor conditions underfoot setting out from the car park at Achallader the track makes its boggy way into the valley and up to the bealach about 2 hours later. Underfoot things now easy but the weather worsened with the wind picking up making the ridge walk over both Munros and tops hard work. The final summit saw me link back up with the grup I had leapfrogged up earlier on before they made a direct climb for the first top and a short chat left us walking back out together. Here a work of caution is needed two parallel ridges run NE from the summit area the first from the cairn itself soon deteriorates into a nasty challenge with no easy way off while the second starting about 200m NNW of the cairn is like the northern ridge of the beacons.

Back in the valley there are a few challenges left following the woodline does give a crossing under the railway but only a ford on the river. higher up two stiles close together over the deer fence cut back to the car park and I assume eventually reach a bridge that we saw later on the walk back. and finally just by the car park the last ford may be impassible it was for me. If so dont panic just walk upstream and use the farm bridge round the corner.

Day three : Beinn Chablair
Another damp day and with rivers up plans for the final day in orchy were put on hold. Instead it was another initial climb long bog trot gain the ridge and hit the summit. All via the only break in the cloud and a very weak 30 second glimpse of a brocken spectre and a chance encounter with a colleagues husband. The return was far more pleasant a simple trade of a couple of hundred metes extra climbing over the three lower summits on the western "ridge"avoided all the peat and dropped me out just above the waterfalls.

Day four : travelling to Guildford
Typical a clear crisp day b£^^%r

Trip Report : Pointe de lapaz and le Breveret

2007-08-18T18:18:00.000+01:00

My last walking day in the Alps and as the day was so clear I decided to make it a long one. Le Breveret and its highest geocache were always on the agenda but I thought I would make it a bit more of a challenge.

Having been dropped off at the animal park above Les Houches I promptly follows a narrow track into the woods and had to fight back onto the main path not the best of starts. However once on the proper track it is fairly easy if long going initially in woodland then broken trees and finally on a bare hillside. Climbing is steady with stunning views of Mont Blanc before finally you find youself depositied at the Refuge de bel Lachat.

Choices now abound the obvious is to keep on up to the summit but never one for the obvious I headed west into the valley below the Pointe de lapaz before picking up an obvious track heading directly for the end of its ridge following it up and over the summit with its trig marker before dropping down to Aguilette des houches and back though the upland valley back to the refuge.

Not something to do on a bad day but in the bright sunshine it makes a very nice airy diversion on easy terrain with great views to the west.

This now leaves the push on to the main summit, there is of course a clear path all the way but that isn't much fun. Instead keep to the right of the track and climb two or three minor outliers before cutting back to the path just after pt 2293. That can be tricky especially if you stay high for too long but once back on the path its just grit your teeth and climb. Nothing difficult barely a hand required just good old fashioned up.

The summit is of course overcrowded with those that can afford the cable car but a short continuation on along the track to Planpraz everything quietens down and its soon walkers only. Great news as this is some of the most dramatic scenery of the day and the cable car riders are not close to it.

However this walk had one final sting in the tail for me on leaving Planpraz I started to encounter route closed due to falling rock signs and it soon became apparent that the whole of the slope down direct to Chamonix was a no go area. Instead you are pushed NE on the VTT route before heading east at the Chalet de chalanon and coming out at the NE end of town or as I did take advantage of your lift picking you up in la praz.

Full photoset from this walk can be found on Flickr here

Trip report : Midi l'Aiguille and la Mere de Glace

2007-08-17T18:02:00.000+01:00

A damp day in a Swiss art gallery left me nice and fresh for this long walk out of Chamonix. Parking next to the cemetery (get there early) the usual climb up though the trees eventually opens out into the upland pasture.

First stop is le Chalet du plan l'aiguille before pushing on the the mid point cable car stop. From here the cloud was like a little yo-yo so having done the hard work and in hope rather than expectation I carried on to lac Bleu then across to the high point on the moraine above le glacier des pelereins.

Sadly the cloud never fully lifted so it was back to the masses at the cable car and onward across the landscape on le grande balcon nord over Signal forbes and its mass of cairns to look down on la mere de glace before following the railway back to the car

Trip report : Aguilette de Argentiere

2007-08-15T17:52:00.000+01:00

After a few hard days I was looking for an easy session and a follow-up valley walk with the family so the Aguilette was an obvious choice.

Parking at Tre le Champ it is a simple uneventful walk up to on easy tracks to a lovely viewpoint of the Chamonix valley.

Out and back in a couple of hours, but for future reference a late afternoon walk would give better photos

Trip Report : Bec Du Lachet

2007-08-14T00:04:00.000+01:00

The problem with this part of the Alps is that almost everything is as obvious as the Llanberis path on Snowdon not so this little gem. Parking at Le Planet pass into the woodlands and follow the signs for Peclerey. Stay with this track as it opens up and zigzags it way over the 1900m contour. Eventually the path makes a distinct turn to the left and straightens up but soon another clear but narrower path heads off right towards a gap on the ridge. Stick with this cross a single more dominant track and as the path narrows and steepens you move onto real mountain terrain. The path remains clear and you eventually come off the face of the mountainside onto an open ridge with views of both La Tour and Argentiere glaciers.
The route continues to climb and is now more Scotland then Wales with lots of small crags to play with finally at the turn point a further change leaves you in a mass of rocks that would not be out of place on Glyder Fach. From the high point 2572m head back about 200m before heading NW to pick up the steep ridge to Bec de la Cluy. This offers several small challenges but all can be turned or scrambled down with little problem.

From this point some care is needed sheep tracks do exist but they end abruptly and the mix of steep slope, mosses, and bilberry make for a descent which the Rhinogs would be proud of and your ankles will howl at asy you work your way back to the main path you left about 3hours before all be it 500m further east. From there the obvious circuit continues back to le planet.

Trip report : Glacier d'Argentiere

2007-08-13T23:51:00.000+01:00

Needing to pick up some food and visit Chamonix I opted to make my first glacier visit of the trip. Ignoring le Grand Motes cable car left me a far from enjoyable hour alongside the main ski route down the mountainside, the only saving grace being the views across the valley. However eventually you leave the motorway and work up via a wooded track to a chalet. From here a easy track takes you to the glacier snout then a less distinct path heads up the morraine deposits before depositing you on the glacier itself. The return loop via the cable car station and a track directly down on a set of zigzags in dense forestry brings out nicely back to the campsite.

Trip Report: Croix de Fer

2007-08-12T23:30:00.000+01:00

Does a long day out with five Alpine summits in two countries sound good to you? If it does then this long set of loops is for you. Starting off at La Tour lake the path up between the chair lift buildings and follows the walkers signs up to the Col de Balme. Paths are typically broad but care is needed to stay off the VTT routes.

From the col a broad vista into the Bernese Oberland opens up along with the easy Brecon Beacon like tracks cutting under two outer summits to col below the Croix de fer. Pack away the poles here as hands are needed on the final pull up to the summit but unless you go off path and keep to the pure ridgeline then in summer at least the warning signs have more bark than their bite. Sadly the path ends at the summit so retrace then cut N to the track the curves below you and across to the lower summit of Pnte du Van to see the full grandeur of the ridge(below right) you have looked down upon. Return to the col then up and over two further summits (l'Arolette and Tete de Balme) both rounded tops with extensive views before returning to the local motorways that head for the Col de Posettes and the pull up to L'Aiguette des Posettes a nice twisty path over open rocky outcrops.

Continuing briefly SW it is then a sharp steep descent back to the start in La Tour

Camp site review : Camping du Glacier, Argentiere

2007-08-11T23:25:00.000+01:00

Forget Chamonix overcrowded and overrated Argentiere is a far better base and this site just on the Chamonix side of the villages is a little gem. Its not the flattest of sites but the soil is well draining and easy to peg into, there is a small play field with volleyball net and a table tennis table (bats free you just buy a ball).

The toilet blocks are at the entrance with separate toilets, showers/washing and washing up, and handwashing/toilets areas.

The site is also serviced by a grocers van, a morning visit from a baker and pizza van (good value) twice a week

Only the lack of a credit card payment option lets the site down a little. (please note five years o this may now be different)

Trip report : Mont de Vores

2007-08-10T23:13:00.000+01:00

Wow what a few days the cloud came down on monday night and stayed down the rain started Tuesday afternoon and stopped this morning so one day in the tent one day in Albertville and a day getting soaked in Megeve and area meant I didn't get to see as much of the area as I wanted.

So imagine the frustration as while in the market in Megeve today the cloud lifted to reveal a layer of fresh snow on the tops I visited on Monday. Having finished the morning walk around the market (well worth the time with a full range of stalls) it was a simple call to ask the wife to drop me as high up on the route to la Cret du Midi as possible and see how far I could get.

Having pushed though the standard forest ascent I began to think I was back in Wales. The climb to la Cret Du Midi was a solid mix of grass and track but once up the route over Ban Rouge to Mont de Vores had the feel of the high Berwyns about it a feeling left unchanged by the return trip over the three unnamed tops on the opposite side of the valley.

Sadly 2000m was to be a couple of hundred short of the snowline but for a 5 hour afternoon circuit within walking distance of the camp site if was a great way to salvage a frustrating period.

Trip Report : Mont Joly

2007-08-06T22:47:00.000+01:00

Weather forecast for the next three days is none to clever so I rejigged plans for the area and instead of walking back to the site I turned this into a circular on a long hot day.

Once again I took advantage of being dropped off at Le Planay and gained an extra 150m over the other lower options. From there it is a case of following the tracks up over mountain pasture to the main ridge beneath le Croix du Christ.

This of course makes a great breather stop at the half mark on the initial climb and also at the point that Mt Blanc appears for the first time

However while the view is great the hard work is still to come, passing the chalet the track steepens up the climb of the outlying Mont Geroux before easing before the final pull up to the main summit of Mt Joly complete with cairn and panorama.

The temptation to continue along the ridge is very strong at this point and at least four tops appear to be possible but I settled for only the first before heading back cutting across beneath the face of Mont Geroux before pushing on over Mont Joux and the attendance cable car terminals on Mont d'arbois back to Le planellet where I was due to be picked up.

Camp site review : Chantalouette, Praz sur Arly

2007-08-05T22:35:00.000+01:00

Moving day and on to the second site of the trip. Chantalouette is a smaller site located right on the edge of the central part of the village off the main Megeve - Ugine road. It run by a very helpful man who was keen to practice his English and supplied a converter for our UK electric lead.

The site itself is a well draining slightly sloping field around a central building housing cubical facilities for washing and showers. Sinks are also fully contained within as it a drying line for clothes. Again a small play area is present.

The site si quiet and friendly and well worth a visit.

Trip Report : La Tournette

2007-08-04T22:06:00.000+01:00

Too many of the routes on this range require the painful description return the way you came up so with a simple drop off at Les Pres Ronds (or even better Chalet de l'Aulp the road is ok) it is pleasing to continue and cross the range to be picked up in Montmin.

The undertaking is not however to be underestimated. Even from this high start there is still 3000ft of unrelenting uphill in front of you, initially on steep eroded grass but as you reach the Refuge that marks the end of the first 1000ft climbing the going gets rougher and rock soon dominates.

The route is not for the faint hearted as there are several easy scrambles with chained support of required the highest being very wet and slippery, definitely one for ascent not descent. After the last the ground eases a little until you are left with the final climb on chains and ladders up to the higher summit.

The descent to Montmin is a piece of cake in contrast as a gentle sloping contour path cuts to the right of the summit rock and follows a steady route along beneath the summit ridges before cutting down the slope at the col before you climb to Pointe de la Becccaz. At this point the path steepens and makes for the river valley which it then follows into the village which your path enters right next to the church where there is able parking.

Trip report : Cascade d'Angon

2007-08-03T21:49:00.000+01:00

Yesterdays storms have broken and a damp morning in Annecey made way for a warm dry afternoon. With no hope of getting very high I took the chance to walk to these very pretty waterfalls. Starting in the village the paths are so well marked they need no description, other than to warn you that the metal barrier actually needs to be crossed to pick up the easy path to the falls.

Camp Site Review : La Lafonette, Angon

2007-08-02T22:23:00.000+01:00

With the cloud, rain and thunder well and truly settled in its time to reflect on the camp site. La lafonette is one of a cluster of four sites on the lakeside at Angon. The site is flat and well drained with camping separated into four distinct fields all laid out with roads and separate pitch areas.

A toilet block is dominated by unisex cubicles for shower and toilet with an open mens loos as well. wash basins for face and washing up are open to the elements. there is also a basic childrens play area.

In simple summary it is a typical French campsite, what is not typical is the price which was almost twice what we were to pay elsewhere and to rub salt in they don't accept credit cards

Trip report : Dent de Lanfon

2007-08-01T21:32:00.000+01:00

One bonus of a non walking spouse is the drop off and walk back to the campsite option. and this is a case in point. Starting above the village of Villards dessus not at the car park marked on IGN maps but about three quarters of mile before it (unless you have a 4x4) you are faced with a long steady climb up to the alpine meadow where the views of the summit ridge first open out to you.

For a short walk at this point you can go straight across the meadow and pick up the descent to Talloires however the challenge for the day was to pick off one of the tops visible (left). Since IGN kindly place a trig marker on the northern most summit this was my target.
Initially there are no problems the track is well defined crossing a loose boulder field as it cuts beneath the cliffs however as it turns the back former and becomes dotted on the map in degenerates into a mix of easy scrambles and loose friable soil slopes. Only as you reach the final col and a short 20m scramble to the top do you fully appreciate how much you have climbed. Sadly a walk along the ridge is only for the climbers as you soon hit a 40m high face blocking the way.

Retracing your route to the boulder field it is then possible to pick out a very indistinct path on the ground that cuts beneath the cliffs and comes out at the col just south of pnts sud.

From here a well trodden path zig zags its way down to the geocache at Ermitage St Germain and then on to Talloires.

Trip report : Tete du Parmelan

2007-07-31T21:14:00.000+01:00

Every year my children keep a diary while on holiday so this year I'm looking back on the summer trip in the Alps as a series of route reports for this blog.

An ascent of Tete du Parmelan was the opening of 3 weeks in the Alps. Ample parking at the top of the Rue du Parmelan opens out into an open forest walk to the Chalet Chapluis with its clear views of Annecey (image left).

From here a slightly confusing walk in the forest opens up to a clear path which heads directly towards the summit before swing north to cut beneath the barrier cliffs. After about an hour the path having come right under the cliff starts to curve right and meet the shorter walk up from le Chalet de L'Anglettaz. A much wider vista now opens up as a path snakes its way over rock and round stunted trees to the summit.

A nearby well hidden geocache provides a simple distraction before climbing the final few meteres to the summit. returning via the same route.

Crimea Pass fun and games

2007-07-23T01:04:00.000+01:00

My oh my they are making a mess of the top of the pass. The car park is still closed by orange plastic though I can't see why, it's not as if its being used to store things in. However the working is such that at weekends you can park by the stile just to the Blaenau side.

The sad news is that the last really twisty stretch of road is about to go to fast flowing.

update : since posting a friend has told me there is now a temp diversion on the footpath to Moel Dryman and parking is now a non starter up here

Opening up

2007-07-23T00:38:00.000+01:00

A warm welcome to the walking trigpointing, geo-caching and in general all things about getting out on my own two feet in the great outdoors