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
Thursday, 21 August 2008
Wednesday, 20 August 2008
Trip Report : Foel Goch, Arenig
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
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
Trip Report: Cader Berwyn
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
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
Sunday, 10 August 2008
Trip report : Monaidh Laidh
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
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
Sunday, 22 June 2008
Trip Report: Mayar and Dreish
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
Saturday, 21 June 2008
Trip Report: East of the Devils Elbow
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
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
Friday, 20 June 2008
Trip Report: Mulloch Hill, St Johns Town of Dalry
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
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
Friday, 13 June 2008
Trip Report : Carmarthen Fan
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/
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/
Friday, 30 May 2008
Trip Report: Waun Fach Circular
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.
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.
Tuesday, 13 May 2008
Trip report: Ysgafell Wen
Across Llyn Coch to Cnicht, Moelwyns, North Wales
Originally uploaded by Pete Roberts (rhayader_wanderer)
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.
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