Aug 10 – Jul 11

Aug 10 – Jul 11

Thursday 28th July 2011. Mount Pleasant to Pistyll Circular. Maureen Evans did sterling work in misty, damp conditions, leading 15 hardy walkers from Mount Pleasant to Pistyll, with a stop at the historic pilgrim church of St Beuno, an enjoyable walk, despite the weather. Noel Davey.

Sunday 24th July. Moel Famau & Moel Arthur 2011. 18 walkers from the club joined over 50 from the Cheshire Ramblers for two excellent walks in the Moel Famau Country Park in memory of Alan Evans. All made the ascent of Moel Famau, enjoying the magnificent views over the Vale of Clwyd and beyond as far as Liverpool and Snowdonia. The A walkers went on along the superb ridge path and up Moel Arthur, while the C walkers took a more pastoral route down to Loggerheads. A great day. Noel Davey.

Thursday 14th July 2011. Abersoch/Mynytho. Miriam Heald led an excellent 8 mile walk from Abersoch up the Nant Fawr to Mynytho, taking in the glorious views from the top of Foel Gron and an inspection of the restored Ffynnon Fyw, before returning to Abersoch via a network of pastoral paths. Noel Davey.

Sunday 10th July Moelfre 2011. Dafydd Williams and Paul Jenkins led two lovely walks around Moelfre on Anglesey. Both groups visited the Romano-British homestead of Din Lligwy and the nearby Neolithic burial chamber. The shorter walk continued around the coast at Traeth Lligwy, while the longer 11 mile walk detoured inland to the top of the fine viewpoint of Yr Arwydd. Another good day, blessed with fine weather. Noel Davey.

Thursday 30th June 2011. Cylchdaith Rhiw Circular. On a fine June day Elisabeth and David Williams laid on a delightful walk of 7 miles along the length of Rhiw, affording magnificent views of the coastal scenery of Penllyn, as well as a glimpse of the area’s fascinating rocks and archaeology. The sizeable group were then treated to a most welcome tea in the garden of the Old Rectory high on the slopes of Rhiw. Noel Davey.

Sunday 26th June 2011. Llanfairfechan and Foel Fras. Karla Lightfoot ably led a small party on a pleasant walk in country lanes around Llanfairfechan, starting from Nant y Coed. Some of the walkers suffered in the heat on one of the hottest days of the year, so tea at a beachside café was most welcome.

Meanwhile Catrin Williams led a more strenuous, but most enjoyable walk of 10.5 miles up into the Carneddau, taking in Drum and Moel Fras, where strong winds took the edge of the heat. Noel Davey.

Thursday 16th June 2011. Felin Uchaf. Judith and Catrin led a most interesting 7 mile walk in seldom visited countryside around Rhoshirwaun, including an ascent of Mynydd Ystum to view the remains of the iron age hill fort of Castell Odo. Dafydd Davies-Hughes, the charismatic founder of the Menter Y Felin Uchaf, then gave us an instructive tour of this visionary project, entertaining us with an enthralling story in the Celtic roundhouse, followed by tea.

Sunday 12th June 2011. Llyn y Parc and Swallow Falls.
Report needed.

Thursday 2nd June 2011. Woodland Walk Llyn Mair. John Edlington led a lovely walk in warm sunshine from Llyn Mair in the woodlands of Dyffryn Maentwrog. The party of 25 members visited the beautiful Llyn Hafod y Llyn with it's lillies and saw Llyn Trefor. They picnicked with a fabulous view of the Afon Dwyryd Estuary before returning via the Tan y Bwlch Station. Ian Spencer.

Sunday 29th May 2011. Pumlumon. Ian Spencer led the walk in the remote Pumlumon mountains of Mid Wales. The weather was poor with visability never much more than 25 yards and with winds reaching gale force at times. Nevertheless the party of 11 walkers climbed Garn, Pumlumon Fawr, Pumlumon Llygad-bychan and Pumlumon Arwystli before descending to the shores of Nant-y-Moch reservoir. They all felt a sense of achievement at the end of the day's walk.Ian Spencer.

The crossing of the spillway at Llyn Lygad Rheidol The crossing of the spillway at Llyn Lygad Rheidol The crossing of the spillway at Llyn Lygad Rheidol The crossing of the spillway at Llyn Lygad Rheidol The crossing of the spillway at Llyn Lygad Rheidol
The crossing of the spillway at Llyn Lygad Rheidol

Thursday 19th May 2011. Cylchdaith Llanbedrog & Mynytho Circular. Rhian Roberts and Mary Evans led their first walk for the club. The 30 members who took part were quite sure it would not be their last. The circular walk from Llanbedrog visited the "Iron Man" on the headland and continued onto the beach by The Warren, where lunch was eaten, and then onto Mynytho . They then made their way back to Llanbedrog. The lovely sunny day added to the enjoyment of this great walk. Ian Spencer. 

Sunday 15th May 2011. Foel Goch from Llangwm. Gareth Hughes led 10 members from Llangwm on a smashing walk up Foel Goch. Although it was generally damp it never rained heavily, indeed it was dry whilst the party ate their picnic lunch. A short deviation had to be made to avoid a rather large bull. The day was voted a good walk well led. Ian Spencer. 

Thursday 5th May 2011. Cylchdaith Llanbedr Circular. Fred Foskett led a lovely walk from Llanbedr around Nantcol, through some lovely wooded areas covered in bluebells. The rather wet day did not spoil the walk for the 30 ramblers, particularly as they were regally entertained to tea and magnificent cakes at the Foskett's home after the walk. Ian Spencer.

Sunday 1st May 2011. Cwm Prysor.
Moel Oer Nant
. Tecwyn Williams led the longer walk from Ardudwy Terrace near Trawsfynydd in Cwm Prysor. The 9 walkers made their way along the route of the old railway track before crossing over the A4212. They then climbed up Moel Oernant, passing Nant Budr, and on to Moel Ddu. This was a most enjoyable walk in an area seldom visited by walkers. Ian Spencer. 

Cwm Prysor & Hedd Wyn’s Home. Nick and Ann White led 25 members on the shorter but equally enjoyable walk in Cwm Prysor. The highlight was a visit to Hedd Wyn's home where they heard a fascinating and most interesting talk by Gerald Evans. The weather was perfect for walking although it was at times rather windy. Ian Spencer.

Thursday 21st April 2011. Coed y Brenin, Waterfalls, Goldmine. Alan Edwards and Beryl Davies led 30 ramblers on a lovely walk from the Coed y Brenin Centre along forest tracks. Among the highlights were the magnificent Pistyll Cain Waterfalls and the extensive remains of the Gwyn-fynydd Gold mine. Again it was a lovely sunny day. Ian Spencer. 

Sunday 17th April 2011. Glyders. In brilliant sunshine with a light cool breeze Hugh lead a party of initially 10 members from Llyn Ogwen past Llyn Idwal and up through the Devil’s Kitchen. It was shortly afterwards during the final ascent of Glyder Fawr that the party became 12 with the arrival of Di and Pam (car park error), and about the time that a descending and otherwise decent person mistook us for an HF group. Lunch was taken on the summit of Glyder Fawr with breath taking views of Snowdon, Elidir Fawr, Yr Garn, the Nant Ffrancon Pass, Pen yr Ole Wen, Carnedd Dafydd & Llewelyn, Tryfan and Moel Siabod, to name a few. Following a lunch we trekked across a moonscape past Castell y Gwynt and Glyder Fach to pose for photographs on the Cantilever. Then followed the track over to join the Miners Track down over Bwlch Tryfan back to the car park. To date there have been no complaints. Hugh Evans. 

The Cantilever
The Cantilever

8th - 15th April 2011. Dovedale Holiday. A party of 42 members spent a week's holiday spent at H F Holidays Newton House in Derbyshire. A programme of 15 walks was organised with 3 grades of walks each day varying between 7 and 12 miles. The walks included Dovedale,Beresford Dale, Monsal Head, The Roaches, Hartington, Alstonfield, Bakewell, as well as the Tissington Trail, Monyash, Stanage Edge and Monyash. A small party went up Kinder Scout on the rest day! The weather was near perfect throughout, the food good and much enjoyment was had with quizzes, a talk and an evening of dancing all organised by the members; an excellent holiday. Ian Spencer. 

Sunday 3rd April 2011. Shoulder of Snowdon. Pam Foster led a walk from Llanberis on Snowdon. They climbed up the Shoulder of The Mountain over Llechog before deciding, having endured 4 hours of non stop driving heavy rain interspersed with hail, to return down the Llanberis Path. The 11 walkers ate a rather wet picnic before beating a retreat to their cars. It is hoped to repeat this walk on a better day. Ian Spencer 

Thursday 24th March 2011. AGM & local 5 mile walk. The club held it's AGM which was attended by 41 members. The officers were all re-elected, as was the committee with the addition of Hugh Evans. After the meeting there was a walk led by Dafydd Williams from Criccieth, which was much enjoyed by27 members, on a glorious warm sunny day. 

Sunday 20th March 2011. Taith Ardudwy Trail. Dafydd Williams led the walk from Barmouth on the recently created Taith Ardudwy Trail. They followed the route on the first section to Tal y Bont along well marked paths which included some fairly steep sections. Sadly it was a rather wet day with low cloud and steady drizzle preventing the 17 members taking part from enjoying the views. Ian Spencer. 

Thursday 10th March 2011. Garn Fadryn. Kath Mair led her first walk for the Llyn Ramblers. They climbed Garn Fadryn, where they had a coffee stop and admired the views of most of Pen Llyn from this splendid vantage point. They then descended and enjoyed a 6 mile walk over the rolling countryside. Kath's walk was deemed a success by the 22 ramblers who took part. Ian Spencer. 

Sunday 6th March 2011. Arenig Fach. Tecwyn Williams led 15 members faultlessly up Arenig Fach, which is a mountain without any designated footpaths shown on the Ordnance Survey Maps. On a cold but sunny day their reward for a steep ascent was wonderful views in all directions from the summit. Ian Spencer. 

Sunday 20th February 2011. Two walks.
Beddgelert double circuit
. The longer B walk was led by Dafydd Williams in his usual cheerful style. There were 15 members on this fairly strenuous walk from Beddgelert. They started down the "Fisherman's Path" and then climbed up Cwm Bychan before descending to Llyn Dinas. From here they followed the Lake and then climbed up the Watkin Path leaving this to follow the path to Craflwyn and thus back to Beddgelert. The weather was particularly kind with the sun making a brief appearance in the afternoon. Ian Spencer. 

Beddgelert-Cwm Bychan. The shorter C walk with 14 members was led by Rhian Watkin. They too started from Beddgelert and walked to Llyn Dinas before climbing upto and then descending Cwm Bychan before returning to Beddgelert where the leader provided very welcome refreshments. Ian Spencer. 

Jan 2011. Air Ambulance 'Certificate of Thanks' A 'Certificate of Thanks' has been received from Wales Air Ambulance Service for the club's donation of £182.50. This money was raised in two parts. £67.50 on the 13th January 2011 on Miriam Heald's walk at Llaniestyn. Then £115, later that evening at the club's christmas party at the Porthmadog Golf club when each of the 57½ members present spontaneously donated £2 (it was almost biblical). Hugh Evans.

Thursday 10th February 2011. Criccieth Snowdrop Surprise. Mary Williams was the walk leader of a party of 46 ramblers on a walk entitled "Snowdrop Surprise" They laft Criccieth and walked upto and across the Golf Course and then headed down to Pont Rhyd y Benllig. From here they followed the path alongside the Afon Dwyfor where the masses of snowdrops heralded the soon to come, long awaited, Spring after this long cold winter. They were spectacular and there are more to come! The ramblers then returned to Criccieth via the coastal path. A smashing walk enjoyed by the large party of club members. Ian Spencer. 

Sunday 6th February 2011. Mynydd Cilgwyn. 8 Ramblers were led by Tecwyn Williams on a walk from Talysarn. Tecwyn's navigation was faultless on a day of very thick mist, gale force winds and rain. Despite this the party of hardy souls enjoyed the walk which took them to the top of Moel Cilwyn and Moel Tryfan and then returning via the 100metre deep Dorothea Pool in the old extensive slate quarry workings. Ian Spencer. 

Thursday 27th January 2011. Harlech Circular. 37 members led by Nick White enjoyed a ramble up above and around Harlech. They climbed up to Foel Senigl, which is about 1000ft. above sea level, with wonderful views of Snowdonia and Pen Llyn. After the walk Roberta and Fred Foskett invited the walkers back to their lovely house for a lavish array of cakes, tea and coffee. On a very cold day this was particularly welcome. Ian Spencer.

Sunday 23rd January 2011. Bangor Circular. Dafydd Williams most ably, led a large party for a Sunday of 25 members on a surprisingly rural walk around Bangor. They started from the Harbour and walked through the wooded park eventually into the little hamlet of Pant Caerhun. From here they climbed up to and then past Ysbyty Gwynedd descending to Treborth and then under the Menai Bridge and back to the starting place. Ian Spencer. 

Thursday 13th January 2011. Llaniestyn. Miriam Heald led a short walk from Llaniestyn which was enjoyed by 18 members. Although rather misty it remained dry. After the walk a visit was made to the Pen Llyn Stud and Trekking Centre and a marvellous demonstration of dressage was given. In the evening 60 members attended the annual dinner at the Porthmadog Golf Club. After an excellent meal they heard a very interesting and beautifully illustrated talk on, 'the preparation for and the taking part in, a charity Himalayan Trek' by Emma Quaeck. Ian Spencer. 

Sunday 9th January 2011. Llyn Trawsfynydd and Tomen y Mur. The walk was led by Judith Thomas. This time she led 19 walkers on a lovely 10 mile walk around Llyn Trawsfynydd and then on to the ancient Tomen y Mur. It was a beautiful sunny day, if rather cold, but with great views. On the same day Nick White led a party of 6 walkers on a shorter walk also to the Tomen y Mur. Ian Spencer.

4th January 2011. Harold Hayes died peacefully at home in Staffordshire on just short of his 92nd birthday. He and his wife Rene had been members of the club for 27 years. Rene Hayes has written Harold's Story (a 601KB pdf file). 07/07/2011.

Thursday 30 December 2010 – Rhiw Circular.
This walk on the penultimate day of 2010 consisted of eighteen walkers and was led by Judith Thomas in her own inimitable way. The weather, following the heavy snows of the previous weeks, was cold, crisp and sunny and having started from the village we were soon on the summit of Rhiw Mountain with outstanding views in all directions. Thereafter we descended in a northerly direction before turning south through a forest with slippery roots underfoot to reach the home of two accompanying walkers, David and Elizabeth Williams, at the Rectory where we were royally entertained to Christmas fare, a seasonal end to the ramble and the walking year. Dafydd Williams. 

Sunday 26th December. Moel y Gest. 11am found four of us with Tecwyn leading leaving the carpark behind the Ship Inn in Porthmadog for the snowy slopes of Moel y Gest. The circular trek took us along the shore of the Glaslyn Estuary to Borth y Gest and beyond before heading north to the Moel. The paths were very icy and great care needed to be taken. There were excellent views of the mountains of Meirionydd and Snowdonia on what was a cold, windless and lightly overcast day. Lunch was taken on the summit amid a crowd of 15 like minded walkers. (It was getting very busy up there). We retraced our steps to the Ffordd Morfa Bychan then threw a left to access Porthmadog by a different path. The Ship Inn was closed. Hugh Evans. 

Sunday 12th December. Dolwyddelan. Ian Spencer led the party of 8 walkers from Dolwyddelan. It was a beautiful frosty day with a clear blue sky. They walked down the Lledr valley before climbing up to Gwybrnant. They had a picnic lunch at Ty Mawr the birthplace of William Morgan who translated the Bible into Welsh in 1588. Afterwards they returned to Dolwyddelan but not before climbing up to a glorious view of Snowdon, Moel Siabod and the Carneddau all in their Winter Garb. Ian Spencer.

Thursday 9th December. Antur Waunfawr mince pie walk. Pam Foster led a party of 26 members from Waunfawr on the annual "Mince Pie Walk". It was quite icy underfoot and the party split into two, with 6 ramblers completing a shorter walk finishing, as arranged,with a mince pie afternoon tea at Antur Waunfawr Cafe. The main party climbed up to Moel Tryfan and onto Moel Smwthio before returning to join the others for some very welcome mince pies. Ian Spencer. 

Thursday 2nd December. Tremadog. Ian Spencer assisted by Kath led 20 ramblers on what proved to be a popular walk from Tremadog Square. They followed The Cut to Porthmadog and then on to Borth-y-Gest. From here they walked behind Moel-y- Gest via Wern to Penmorfa and back to Tremadog along the track which follows the old mineral line. Ian Spencer.

Sunday 28th November. Rhoscolyn, Anglesey coastal walk. 10 members, led by Pam Foster, had delightful coastal walk from Rhoscolyn, Ynys Mon. It was sunny all day, apart from brief and very light hail. The walk was particularly memorable for the fabulous views of the snow covered mountains of Snowdonia across the Menai Straits. Ian Spencer.

Thursday 18th November. Betws y Coed. Maureen Evans led 15 members on a day of intermittent showers from Betws y Coed up the long climb to Llyn Elsi and along the forest tracks and back to Betws passing the old slate quarrying village of Rhiwddolion along the ancient Sarn Helen. Maureen was thanked for her professional leadership along tricky forest tracks. Ian Spencer. 

Sunday 14th November.
Mawddach Estuary linear walk.
Dafydd Williams led a party of 15 walkers from Barmouth steeply up through the old town and past "The Frenchman's Grave" towards Borthwnog. On an almost perfect day for walking, the very well led party,had tremendous views down to The Pembrokshire Coast in the South and of Pen Llyn seemingly sitting on a deep blue sea to the North. This was a really delightful walk finishing at Borthwnog. Ian Spencer.

Barmouth-Panorama Walk-Llanaber. On the same day Nick White led a second Party of 10 members on an easier ramble along the Panorama walk. They too had a great day above the Mawddach Estuary assuredly led by Nick. Ian Spencer.

Thursday November 4th. Walk around Afon y Glyn. Nancy Saville led a delightful walk from Talysarnau along the Afon y Glyn and they had a picnic lunch at the side of Llyn Tecwyn Isaf. The 10 members, who defied the severe weather warrnings, had a largely dry walk with some light rain during the final hour. As usual Nancy provided plenty of background information on the area visited. Ian Spencer.

Sunday October 31st. Yr Eifl, Nant Gwtheyrn. 16 members most ably led by Judith Thomas, enjoyed a strenuous but not too long a walk from Mount Pleasant car park near Lllithfaen. They climbed up to the remarkable Tre'r Ceiri hill top iron age village and then on to Yr Eifl. From the summits the views were magnificent. They then descended to the Nant Gwrtheyrn Language Centre before climbing back to the Coastal Path and then back to the car park. Oh and it remained fine all day. Ian Spencer.

Thursday, October 21st. Mawddach Estuary. 31 members had an excellent, sunny day, travelling by rail to Morfa Mawddach and then taking a 6 mile circular walk, led by Alan Edwards and Beryl Davies, through varied and delightful scenery in the hills above Arthog. There were superb views over the Mawddach Estuary and beyond to Llyn. Photos. Noel Davey.

Sunday, October 17th. Nant Gwynant. Gwenda Jones led 13 walkers on a most enjoyable ramble from Bethania around Llyn Gwynant, finishing with tea at the local cafe. This was the first Sunday ‘C’ grade walk in the new programme and was a great success. Gallt y Wenallt, Cwm Dyli. At the same time, Noel Davey led 11 other members on a strenuous 11 mile walk up Cwm Meirch, onto Gallt y Wenallt and back via the Miners’ Track, Penypass and Cwm Dyli. Both walks benefited from fine weather and some good views. Photos. Noel Davey.

Thursday, October 7th. Portmeirion-Dwyryd Estuary. John Edlington led 26 members on a delightful, leisurely walk in glorious weather from Portmeirion along the Dwyryd estuary, as far as the interesting nature reserve in the former Cooke’s Explosives site near Penrhyndeudraeth. After returning across the tidal estuary flats, most of the group enjoyed a final tea and a stroll in Portmeirion village. Noel Davey.

Sunday, October 3rd. Moelwyns. A small group of ramblers ventured onto the Moelwyn range. Following a damp climb up to Croesor Quarry, it brightened up on Moelwyn Mawr. Misty conditions made the route across Craigysgafn tricky, but the views on the long descent from Moelwyn Bach were magnificent. The day ended with tea at Oriel Caffi Croesor. Noel Davey.

Thursday, September 23rd. Beddgelert-Nantmor. 32 members had a great outing on the Welsh Highland Railway, travelling by steam train through the dramatic gorge of Afon Glaslyn from Beddgelert to Nantmor. They then walked back through refreshing rain along the Fisherman’s Path. Slippery conditions made the going tough in places, but the scenery was spectacular. Many thanks to Glenys and Arwel for organising the day so well. Noel Davey.

Sunday, September 19th. Llyn y Parc, Swallow Falls. Walk was regretfully postponed as a result of the dismal weather, but we hope to reschedule the walk in the next programme. Noel Davey.

Thursday, September 10th. Around Llanfor Bala. Emyr and Rhian Jones led 25 members on an excellent 6 mile walk through the pleasant, pastoral landscape around Llanfor, near Bala. The sun mostly shone. There was a welcome tea after at the impressive, new Canolfan Cywain Bala. Noel Davey.

Sunday, September 5th. Roman Steps-Bwlch Drws-Ardudwy-Gloyw Lyn. 10 members braved a few showers on an 8 mile walk led by Noel in the wild Rhinogydd. They started from the enchanting Cwm Bychan, climbing the Roman Steps, then descending through Bwlch Drws Ardudwy as far as Maes-y-garnedd and returning over the col via Gloyw Lyn. An enjoyable, if strenuous day. Noel Davey.

Thursday 26th August. Circular walk from Plas Llanarmon. 58 members enjoyed a short walk led by Ian Spencer from Plas in Llanarmon. They went to the Medieval House at Penarth Fawr. On the return route they saw some Ostriches. This was a prelude to a garden party with cream teas, a raffle, cake, jigsaw and book stalls in aid of the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team. The event raised £445.25 which has been forwarded to their treasurer. Ian Spencer. Memorable for the wonderful hospitality, organisation and parking problems. Many thanks to Ian and Kath - Jan Atherton.

Sunday 22nd August. Nant Pencoed. 10 members led by Catrin Williams enjoyed an excellent and very enjoyable walk from Abergynolwyn on a lovely sunny day. They took time to explore Castell y Bere and look at the memorial to Mary Jones who at the age of 16 walked from Llanfihangel y Pennant bare footed to Bala buy a Bible. The walk continued up through Nant Pencoed, with tremendous views back to the sea, and down to Tal y Llyn and then back through the woods. Ian Spencer.

Thursday 12th August 2010. Llwybrau Llanrwst Footpaths. The walk, enjoyed by 16 members, was led by the club's chairman Meirion Owen. Despite a very poor forecast the drizzle at the start of the walk soon cleared up. The walk from the started by the riverside, crossed the river and climbed up into the Gwydyr Forest. The Ramblers enjoyed a picnic lunch beside Llyn y Parc. They eventually returned to Llanrwst and had a scones, jam and cream tea at the National Trust Cafe. Ian Spencer.

Sunday 8th August 2010. Drum from Abergwyngregyn. Dafydd Williams led the walk from Abergwyngregyn up to and along the ridge to Foel Ganol and then on to Drum. At the summit the mist closed in markedly reducing the visibility. The party of 10 members returned via Pen Bryn Du and the North Wales Path. They all enjoyed both the walk and sharing the admirable leaders birthday with him. Ian Spencer.