Aug17 - Jul18
Sunday July 29th 2018. Slate Trail – Manod Mawr to Cwm Cynfal. Eight brave souls turned out on a wet and windy Sunday for a walk up Manod Mawr and along the Slate Trail. In the event, the weather was better than forecast with several dry hours in the middle of the day and even the occasional misty view of the landscape. The walkers met at Llan Ffestiniog and took cars on to Cae Clyd at Manod village to start the fairly easy climb up Manod Mawr. The refuge at the top at 2200 ft was reached in time for a morning panad. The route then went down through Cwt y Bugail, one of the few surviving quarries still producing Welsh roofing slate and also famous as a place of safe-keeping for the National Gallery’s pictures during the War. A further descent by the road down Cwm Teigwl was followed by a stiff climb of 500 ft and lunch in a sheltered eyrie of rocks high above the valley. The walk continued south through remote upland paths along the Afon Gemallt and around Craig y Garreg-lwyd, eventually reaching the shores of Llyn Morwynion. At last the party reached the headwaters of Cwm Cynfal, turning west to follow this dramatic valley all the way back to Ffestiniog. Even in the gloomy drizzle the jagged rocks, dripping mossy woodlands and gushing streams were a spectacular sight, crowned by two magnificent waterfalls. The party were glad to get back to a welcome in the community-run Pengwern pub in Ffestiniog after an arduous, but rewarding walk in varied terrain of over 11 miles in 7 hours, where the wet and windy conditions proved quite refreshing after the recent spell of hot weather. Noel Davey
Thursday July 19th 2018. Rhiw Coast Path Circular. Thirty four members and friends met at Rhiw on a perfect summer’s day for a lovely circuit along the coast path, led by Lis Williams. The route started from the new Plas yn Rhiw carpark, taking the recently opened section of coast path south through pleasant woodland up onto the 500ft contour on the slopes of Mynydd y Graig. The walk continued across the open hillside through bracken and heather, past Carreg Lefain and on to the tip of the jutting headland of Mynydd Penarfynydd. This provided a wonderful spot for lunch in the warm sunshine tempered by a light breeze with glorious views of the surrounding deep blue rocky coves and the distant sweep of the Cambrian Mountains across Cardigan Bay. Returning by the lower path above Penarfynydd Farm, the walkers then took the track and road into Rhiw village. Half the party continued up on to the 1000ft summit of Mynydd Rhiw to enjoy the yet more spectacular panorama across the Llŷn. To round off the day they then joined the rest of the group for a very welcome tea at the Old Rectory perched high on the eastern slope of the mountain overlooking Porth Neigwl. A presentation was made of the Club’s previous walk’s charity donations (approaching £500 in total) to the St David’s Hospice organiser who accompanied us on the walk. Noel Davey
Sunday July 15th 2018.
Glyders Linear. 'A++' walk. Roy Milnes led half a dozen ramblers on a challenging linear walk from Capel Curig to Llanberis across five peaks of the Glyders and the adjacent ridges. Up in the mountains it was a refreshingly cloudy day, inclining to misty conditions with a quite chilly wind at times, but this welcome change from the recent oppressive heat was accompanied by shafts of sunlight which regularly lit up the spectacular views of the surrounding peaks of Snowdonia throughout the day. The route started out in a westerly direction along Cefn y Capel, climbing steadily along the ridge over Y Foel Goch and eventually up to the amazing jumble of jagged rocks forming Glyder Fach. Here the walk paused for a classic photo of the group strung out on the Cantilever, followed by lunch in the shelter of nearby boulders. Then onwards across the eerie rock-strewn plateau to Glyder Fawr, at 3300ft the highest point of the day. The steep scree path north-west down to Llyn y Cwn was heavy going, only to be followed by the long ascent up the bare slope of Y Garn. Faster progress was then made on the relatively level ridge path looping north and west towards Elidir. From here there were fine views down the Ogwen Valley to the east and towards Llyn Peris on the west. After crossing the narrow Bwlch Marchlyn above the reservoir feeding the Electric Mountain pumped storage scheme, the final ascent of the day brought the party to the top of Elidir Fawr. The last leg of the walk led down through the fascinating remnants of the vast Dinorwic quarries on the southern slopes of Elidir, closed some 60 years ago but still a showcase of rusting machinery and precipitous inclines. It was a relief to reach the final goal of the Victoria Hotel in Llanberis about 7.30 in the evening after a memorably strenuous but most rewarding trek of some 14 miles and 5250 feet of ascent over 9 hours. Noel Davey.
Nant y Benglog. After the recent very hot weather and whilst it was welcome we had started to suffer as opposed to enjoying it and the change to more normal temperatures during the past few days was welcome. Today’s “A” walk was a marathon 14 miler and an alternative” B” walk was arranged starting from the same place as the “A” walk being Joe Brown’s car park, at Capel Curig. A total of 11 members turned up and split into 6 “A” walkers and “B”s. The “A”’s set off at a gallop whilst the five “B” walkers leisurely finished preparing themselves before setting off. The 7 mile walk, led by Dafydd Williams, began in a northerly direction up the treacherous race track like A5 for approximately half a mile. Thankfully we passed Bron Heulog and crossed the stile on our right and headed north/northwest uphill to Tal-y-Waun stopping occasionally to regain our breath and admire the magnificent views as we gained height. Within an hour or so we reached Llyn Cowlyd Reservoir, 1100 feet above sea level and the deepest lake in North Wales and is one of two reservoirs supplying water to the aluminium works in nearby Dolgarrog. Lunch was taken in a sheltered spot by a wooden bridge crossing the leat before we set off again on the path alongside the leat in a westerly direction. After approximately a mile we reached a path going south west towards Tal-y-braich farm and as we headed down hill the roar of the traffic from the A5 became increasingly louder. We crossed the “race track” at speed and went through a gate to safety and within 100 yards went across the river Llugwy on a stone bridge and turned left on the old A5 in a marginally south of east direction. This took us back the whole way to our starting point at Capel Curig and all that was left was to enjoy a welcome cup of tea and cake at the nearby Siabod Café and contemplate another enjoyable ramble in the hills. Dafydd Williams.
Thursday July 5th 2018. Llŷn Coast Path Challenge. The walk today was programmed by the Club as part of a three day Llŷn Coast Path Challenge to raise funds for St David’s Hospice and the O Ddrws i Ddrws Coastal Bus. The first day comprised a 13 mile linear coastal walk from Abersoch to Rhiw. Noel Davey led a group of 16 members of the Club in the company of 20-30 other walkers taking part in the Challenge. It turned out to be an ideal day for walking with initial hazy cloud and later a brisk breeze keeping the temperature at a tolerable level. The participants met at the Golf Club at 8.30 and started off about 9.0, making good time and eventually reaching Rhiw about 3.30. The route first crossed the Golf Course at Abersoch, circling round the headland at Cim with good views of the St Tudwals Islands, then descending to the superb bay of Porth Ceiriad and up again onto the grassy expanses of Mynydd Cilan. Here the Coast Path track round the headland offered spectacular views of Porth Neigwl/Hell’s Mouth below, unusually tranquil today, and down the peninsula towards Ynys Enlli. Following lunch on the sand near Pentowyn, the route turned inland across open fields, eventually reaching a rather tedious road section, before the final short climb through woods for a well deserved tea at the Plas yn Rhiw café at the end of the walk. Three cars parked earlier at Rhiw then took the party back promptly to Abersoch. This was an unusually long walk for a Thursday, but all the participants took it in their stride, most covering the whole route, one joining at Cilan and two returning by the Coast Bus after walking 8 miles as far as Pentowyn. A few hardy souls planned to continue round the coast towards Nefyn on the second and third days of the Challenge. It proved a great day out and about £400 was raised by Llŷn Ramblers to support the participating charities. Noel Davey
Sunday July 1st 2018. Bethania, Llyn Dinas- Craflwyn. The Club Chairman, Gwynfor Jones, led 8 ramblers on a lovely circular walk of just over 8 miles from Bethania. The day was well into the summer heatwave we have been enjoying, but there was a pleasant breeze in the mountain valleys around Snowdon which took the edge off the heat. The walk started up through the delightful woods of Parc Hafod y Llan, following the lower reaches of the Watkin Path. Just before the waterfalls, the route turned off west onto National Trust footpaths towards Craflwyn, climbing to over 1000 ft at Bylchau Terfyn through broken terrain and past old mine workings on the southern slopes of Yr Aran. There were grand views over the still verdant green of the upper Glaslyn Valley and the surrounding peaks. Descending steadily down the valley of the Afon y Cwm, most of the party took a detour on a winding wooded path, past a delightful waterfall and eventually up onto the prominent hilltop of Dinas Emrys: this is the legendary stronghold of Vortigern, the fifth century prince, and a seminal site in Welsh mythology as the battle ground of dragons, culminating in the victory of the Welsh Red Dragon over the Saxon White Dragon; the ruins of a medieval tower at this magical spot made a good stop for lunch. The final leg of the walk followed the scenic and much improved path along the eastern shore of Llyn Dinas. Despite the café at Bethania being closed by a burst water main affecting Beddgelert, this was a most enjoyable leisurely summer walk. Noel Davey
Thursday June 21st 2018. Coed y Brenin Waterfalls. 8 members joined Nick White for a leisurely 3 mile stroll through Coed y Brenin visiting some of the waterfalls there. It was a pity that some stalwarts were missing due to more strenuous opportunities on Hadrian’s Wall as the weather was perfect for a nice woodland walk along Forestry Commission tracks. There were remains of gold mining activity as the falls were glimpsed through the trees, and the River Mawddach sparkled in the sunshine. Owing to the prolonged dry spell there was only a moderate flow over Pistyll y Cain and Rhaeadr Mawddach, but the sunshine more than made up for this. The group were able to marvel at the height the river must have reached in the flash flood of 2003 as they crossed the bridge that was swept away near Gwynfynydd where a stop for coffee was made. Walking down the river and across by the bridge below Tyddyn Gwladys two active wood ant nests were passed before arriving back at the picnic spot at Tyddyn Gwladys where the cars were parked. This delightful spot was perfect for lunch before the return drive. Noel Davey.
Sunday June 17th 2018. Arenig Fawr. After the recent spell of sunny weather, it was a bit of a shock to face damp, misty and windy conditions for an ascent of Arenig Fawr. Judith Thomas led a party of 9, starting from Pant yr Hedyyd, just beyond the hamlet of Arenig and heading broadly south past Llyn Arenig Fawr. A brief stop was made at the imaculately kept bothy. The main climb then followed westwards past Carreg Lefain and Y Castell, mist making navigation increasingly difficult. The summit at about 2800ft was reached after about two hours in time for lunch in the useful refuge. A memorial here commemorates the loss of American servicemen when a Flying Fortress crashed into the mountain in 1943. A steep descent on tussocky grass brought the party down to a muddy track at Fridd Nant y Pysgod. The final leg circled back to the north and east around the mountain on an easy route, partly following the dismantled railway track. The weather meant views were at a premium, but the rain was limited to intermittent drizzle and this proved an enjoyable and bracing walk of some 7.5 miles length in this remote mountainous area. Noel Davey
Thursday June 7th 2018. Borth y Gest. A day of warm sunshine brought out 25 ramblers for a lovely 7 mile circuit led by Kath Spencer around Borth y Gest. The walk started at Porthmadog Golf Club, taking the delightful section of the coast path above the Glaslyn estuary leading into the picturesque village of Borth y Gest itself, where the car park was closed while sea walls are rebuilt for flood defence. The party then climbed steep steps into the shade of the woodland nature reserve of Parc y Borth, crossing the Morfa Bychan road at the Llama farm to take an old cart track through open countryside north-west towards Moel y Gest. Lunch was taken on warm rocks near Bron y Foel with lovely views across the estuary and in the company of a pair of inquisitive ponies determined to join in. The route then turned south-west along pleasant pastoral, but often indistinct footpaths, passing Garth-morthin and rejoining the cart track at Tyddyn Adi where there was a tea stop. The final leg led through the vast well landscaped grounds of Greenacres Caravan Park, eventually returning to the Golf Club where the bar was a magnet to quench thirsts parched by the unaccustomed heat. This was a relaxed and sociable day of walking with wonderful views of this area of fine landscape. Noel Davey.
Sunday June 3rd 2018. Y Fron. A fine warm day with sunny periods provided good walking weather for an enjoyable 11 mile circuit in the attractive uplands of Uwchgwyrfai. Kath Spencer led a group of 11 ramblers, starting at about 1000ft elevation from the scattered village of Y Fron and heading north-east, with the majestic elephant shaped bulk of Mynydd Mawr ahead. The route then descended 500ft to the Gwyrfai valley at Betws Garmon, following Nant y Betws through pleasant pastoral countryside to Waunfawr. A steep section of the Slate Trail then took the party back onto the upland heather moorland and over the three hills of Moel Smytho (the lunch spot), Moel Tryfan and Mynydd y Cilgwyn (the tea stop). These vantage points all provided lovely hazy views across the countryside, north towards the plains of Arfon, the Menai and Ynys Môn, and south to the Nantlle Valley and Ridge. Moel Tryfan, the highest point at 1400ft, is an SSSI renowned for its rocky formations and development in the heart of the Cambrian Slate Belt and its role in shaping evolutionary theories of geology, including the ideas of Darwin who visited in 1842. The summit cairn on Mynydd Cilgwyn, with its now damaged memorial to St Twrog, brought views of the huge area of former slate quarries above Nantlle, before a gentle descent back to Y Fron at the end of a great day out . Noel Davey.
Thursday May 24th 2018. Rhos on Sea. Miriam Heald took 22 members outside their usual stamping ground for a varied and most interesting walk of about 6 miles length over the Little Orme to Llandrillo yn Rhos. The party assembled at the Craig y Don Premier Inn (a good place for refreshments after the walk) and turned almost immediately up a path onto the distinctive crags of the Little Orme (Creigiau Rhiwledyn), reaching about 400ft elevation. This relatively unspoilt limestone headland supports a wealth of wild flowers and birdlife together with archaeology dating back to the earliest stone age. The grassy quarry basin at Trwyn y Fuwch above Port Dyniewyd (Angel Bay, noted for its grey seals) provided a lovely spot for coffee with fine hazy views across Penrhyn Bay and along the North Wales coast. The walk continued on the Wales Coast Path along the shore and sea defences, eventually reaching the tiny chapel of St Trillo, thought to be the smallest church in Britain. Lunch was taken on the array of commemorative benches on the front. An interesting perambulation through the streets and more affluent areas of Rhos-on-Sea brought the walkers to the prominent wooded hill of Bryn Euryn, which is served by a network of delightful wooded paths through a nature reserve, passing the impressive 15th C ruins of Llys Euryn, the original seat of Ednyfed, righthand man of Llewellyn Fawr, and later home of the Conwy family. At the 400ft summit, a natural site for a hill fort, there were superb views in all directions to the sea and coastal towns below and across the Conwy Valley to the mountain of Snowdonia. There was a final visit to Llandrillo Church to see the grave of an heroic officer on the Titanic, before a bus back to the start point. Dry, bright weather with light cloud contributed to a most enjoyable day out. Noel Davey.
Sunday May 20th 2018. Moel Eilio. A party of 11, guided by Dafydd Williams, made an ascent of Moel Eilio starting from Llanberis on a dry bright day with good visibility. After some initial confusion over parking and the meeting point (not unusual in Llanberis), the route started at the Snowdon Railway station, climbing past the spectacular Ceunant Waterfall, then skirting open ground towards Bwlch y groes. The main climb then followed up the long grassy ridge over Bryn Mawr to the summit at 2400ft. From the top there were magnificent views of all the encircling peaks of Northern Snowdonia and towards the Menai and Ynys Môn beyond. The refuge cairn provided a sheltered spot for lunch out of the fairly brisk wind. The route then continued south-eastwards along the ridge aptly known as the ‘Carousel’ which swoops up and down over Foel Gron and Foel Goch, finally descending steeply to the path junction at Bwlch Maesgwm. From here there was a steady descent along a well-made gravel path northwards down Cwm Maesgwm, eventually rejoining the outward route back to Llanberis. An excellent walk of 9-10 miles length was rounded off with refreshments at the Station café. Noel Davey.
Thursday May 10th 2018. Bethania – Cwm Lan. Dafydd Williams guided 23 walkers on a 5 mile excursion from Pont Bethania into the beautiful hanging valley of Cwm Llan on a mostly sunny day with an occasional chilly wind. The route followed the first leg of the Watkin Path, arguably the best and most difficult route up Snowdon. The walk led up through the bright green spring woodland of Parc Hafod y Llan, soon reaching the open grassland above Castell with views of the spectacular waterfalls. These have been recently harnessed by the National Trust for a small and now wholly inconspicuous hydro-electric scheme which serves the Hafod y Llan Farm below, where the turbine house is sited. Further on the route passed the ruins of a Plas, once the manager’s house for the South Snowdon Slate Works which operated between 1840 and 1882, leaving interesting relics including an incline, barracks and dressing sheds. Lunch was taken at the famous Gladstone Rock which commemorates the speech on ‘Justice for Wales’ the Prime Minister made at this spot in 1892 at the age of 83. As the murky bulk of Snowdon loomed above, the route turned off the Watkin Path, taking a section of the old quarry tramway to the west of the Afon Cwm Llan back to the waterfalls. The last section of the walk re-crossed the river by a narrow slab bridge, descending to the Hafod and along the Afon Glaslyn back to Bethania where the every reliable café provided final refreshments. Noel Davey
Sunday May 6th 2018. Dyfi Hills – Cross Foxes. Hugh Evans led a dozen ramblers on a great 8.5 mile walk in the Dyfi Hills in lovely warm hazy weather, a welcome contrast to the mist lurking on the coast. The walk started from the Cross Foxes junction on the A470 east of Dolgellau, soon turning away from the busy main road onto a track past Gwanas Fawr, and steadily ascending through coniferous forest out into the open access moorland; a stray fox was sighted here. A further climb brought the party up to Cloddfa Gwanas, a 19th century slate quarry with an impressive pit. From here the route followed a ridge south westwards at around 2000ft elevation; a sudden drop in the terrain led to an unsuspected and challenging steep ascent to the peak of Waun Oer, at 2200ft the main objective of the day. This was a splendid spot for lunch, providing a magnificent panorama towards the Maesglase massif to the east, the Cader Idris chain stretching off to the west and the hazy mountain landscapes of northern Snowdonia. The afternoon leg took the party further west along Mynydd Ceiswyn and by an easy descent to a metalled track used as cycle route down to the main Machynlleth road. Coming down, the walkers had a bird’s eye view of the site of a serious looking accident which closed the road as air and road ambulances converged. The walk took a loop west of the road mainly on a metalled cycle track past Gwerngraig, enlivened by the sound of a spring cuckoo, finally re-crossing the main road to follow a once metalled path, now more like a muddy stream bed which came out at the recently refurbished Cross Foxes Bar and Grill. This establishment provided much needed refreshment of tea and cold drinks before the journey home. Noel Davey.
Tabor - Y Foel. As we set off from Pwllheli/Criccieth the conditions were far from ideal with a clammy sea mist limiting visibility to a few yards but on reaching Porthmadog we emerged into brilliant sunshine which we enjoyed throughout a warm day. Having elected to do the easier B walk 5 members led by Nick White set off from a lay by near the Cross Foxes Inn, Dolgellau and took the minor road, initially a touch north of west towards Tabor and then north on field paths and past numerous farms before crossing the A470 and reaching another minor road. We then turned sharply towards the north east on the delightful slightly uphill Torrent Walk path where the late spring growth was at its best particularly the striking and numerous Beech trees. On reaching the minor road the B4416 we continued in an easterly direction culminating in a steep ascent of Y Foel (1100 feet) which afforded us excellent views in all directions and particularly of the Mawddach estuary to the west. We then made a short circuit of the the village of Brithdir before re-crossing our original route and creating a figure of eight before completing the walk by heading southwards along another minor road and passing “Gwanas” farm. This was a relatively easy and enjoyabl walk in excellent conditions and we were then invited to Nick and Ann’s new home in Dolgellau where we enjoyed their hospitality and a cup of tea/coffee and home-made cake. We had been aware in the afternoon of helicopter traffic, police car and flashing lights in the vicinity of our cars and we subsequently learned there had been a serious road accident a mile or so from the Cross Foxes on the A487 towards Tal y Llyn. Dafydd Williams.
Thursday April 26th 2018. Conway Hills. Fifteen members of the club set out from near the walls of Conwy Castle for a very pleasant 7.5 mile ramble initiated by Maureen Evans and mostly led by Noel Davey. It was a fine sunny day, though there was quite a brisk and chilly SW wind. The walkers first skirted around the picturesque harbour front in the town and Bodlondeb Wood, then headed up on the North Wales Path onto the bare southern slopes of Mynydd y Dref or Conwy Mountain, reaching an elevation of about 700ft from where there were good views across the Conwy Valley. The route passed the site of the large iron age hillfort at Castell Caer Seion which is believed to have been occupied between the 6th and 2nd centuries BC. Lunch followed in a sheltered hollow just above the Sychnant Pass. The walk then descended in a SE direction by wide grassy tracks down into the Conwy Valley, passing Lodge, Llechwedd and Groesffordd. The return leg was via a network of pleasant field paths strung between country lanes, culminating in a steep wooded descent to the castle walls in time for tea and ice cream at the convenient kiosk in the car park. Noel Davey
Sunday April 22nd 2018. Bronmiod - Pen y Gaer. Sue Woolley and Miriam Heald gamely led a party of 14 on an 81/2 mile walk from Llanaelhaearn into the lovely valley and hills above Cwm Coryn. After the recent spell of warm sunny days, the morning brought maddening weather conditions of low mist and rain which limited visibility and made navigation difficult. The route started from the new car park next to the cemetery in Llanaelhaearn village, heading east up the lane into Cwm Coryn. At about 700ft the walkers turned north onto a muddy track to climb steeply up the prominent hill of Moel Bronmiod, pausing for coffee at the large natural cairn on the 1350ft summit, sadly deprived of views by the day’s murk. After a descent by the same route, the track was followed east, skirting the base of Bronmiod and on across pathless moorland to the foot of Pen y Gaer, which was invisible in the mist. The party stopped for a damp lunch amid the ancient stones of a large oval hut circle and then decided to head back, giving the second hill a miss. Almost immediately it stopped raining, the mist lifted and the sun came out, at last rewarding the ramblers with fine views of the adjacent hills, the remarkable patchwork of stone walled fields all around and the tranquil countryside stretching down across the Llŷn to the sea. Thus the return leg of the walk offered much more of interest and was followed in somewhat better spirits than earlier in the day. Most took the chance of a final stop to look at the elegant 12th century church of St Aelhaearn. Noel Davey.
Club Holiday in Exmoor. April 13th -20th. 27 members of the Club travelled to Exmoor for the annual holiday, most making the 8 hour journey by Caelloi coach from Gwynedd to Holnicote House, situated in a pleasant rural site between Porlock and Minehead in Somerset. As always, this HF country house hotel offered a reasonable standard of accommodation and service and an enormous amount of excellent food and drink to sustain the party on their packed week of walking and social activities.
On each of 5 ‘walking’ days there was a wide choice of harder, medium and easier walks, all led by members of the Club, in the region of 12, 9 and 6 miles length, respectively. A good balance of numbers participating was maintained between the 3 groups, so that almost everyone clocked up between 30 and 60 miles over the week. The weather turned increasingly warm and sunny: the best walks were in good weather on the delightful coast and along the remarkable deep wooded river valleys, including especially the walk to Lynmouth and Linton which featured both a ride on the funicular railway and a traverse of the striking Valley of the Rocks. The worst days of weather coincided with a rainy trek over the Quantock Hills and the ascent of Dunkery Beacon, Exmoor’s highest point at 1700ft, where low mist, driving rain and 50mph gusts made the going difficult and cut down the boasted potential view of 13 counties to barely one. Fortunately, one of the sunniest days coincided with a final walk in the wilder parts of the moor which provided much pleasanter walking conditions and gave a better idea of Exmoor’s rather bleak and featureless expanses.
On the ‘day off’ most took the bus to the pretty town at nearby Dunster, dominated by its impressive castle and gardens which provided many hours of interest. Others took another walk or visited other local features such as the heritage railway at Minehead or the village of Selworthy and the Beacon above.
The evenings were filled by a wealth of engaging social activities, mostly organised by members of the Club, including the ever popular Chinese Auction and chaotic Dansio Gwerin, as well as four quizzes and a tricky photo competition to recognise members as youngsters.
Many thanks to Hugh for his thorough organisation of yet another successful annual holiday. Noel Davey
Thursday April 12th 2018. Nantlle Holey Walk. Tecwyn Williams led a leisurely and most interesting trail of about 5 miles through the ‘Holey Land’ of the Nantlle Valley, comprising the many tips, pits and lakes surviving in this major centre of slate quarrying, soon, it is hoped, to be part of a World Heritage Site. The walk started from Talysarn and headed straight up north by characteristic old quarry paths, past an Orthodox shrine and former chapel to reach the foot of Mynydd Cilgwyn at about 900ft. The route then skirted east along the top of the closed Cilgwyn landfill site, now being reclaimed and sourced for methane for small scale power generation. At the scattered upland village of Y Fron the party turned back southward, stopping for lunch on an old quarry tramway with fine views of the extensive workings of the Pen yr Orsedd quarries and across the Nantlle Valley to the impressive wall of the Nantlle Ridge. The return leg followed a section of the newly opened Snowdonia Slate Trail, weaving between a string of impressive deep pits, many flooded, including the Twll Mawr with its blue water, the murkier Dorothea, a mecca for divers, and the mysterious Talysarn lake. An inspection was made of the evocative ruins of Plas Dorothea/Talysarn Hall, where the horses and dogs seemed to have enjoyed better lodgings than the quarry owner. This was an excellent walk on a bright and dry day, rounded off by a visit to the nearby café at the Pant Du Vineyard. Noel Davey
Sunday April 8th 2018. Mynytho-Garn Fadryn. On an increasingly warm and sunny day Roy Milnes led 23 ramblers on a lovely walk of some 8.5 miles from Mynytho to Garn Fadryn and back. This mainly followed part of the new cross-Llŷn ‘Sailors’ Path’ under development in a northerly direction from Abersoch/Llanbedrog to Nefyn, comprising new kissing gates and a few new sections of footpath. The walk first ascended the steep conical hill of Foel Gron, a fine viewpoint across Abersoch and St Tudwals Roads, and then took the central track across the open heathland of Mynytho Common. From there an old path has been brought back into use with the granting by the Nanhoron Estate of a right of way past Pandy down a woodland track to the road at Pont Llidiard y Dŵr or Inkermann Bridge (a memento of the Crimean War). A little further on the old path, long disappeared into the pit of the Nanhoron Quarry, has been replaced by a new route across fields to the west which comes out on country lane at Penbodlas. The route then continued up west of Garn Bach, guarded by an impressive scarecrow, to the foot of Garn Fadryn itself. The fairly easy path to the summit at 1200ft is not as daunting as it appears and the walkers, some climbing this iconic peak for the first time, were rewarded with spectacular 360 degree views across Penllŷn, as well as a glimpse of the outline of the iron age fort and hut circles on the slope immediately below. After a welcome lunch in warm sunshine, the party made its way back at a leisurely pace mainly by the same route. The eastern path was taken across Myntho Common, offering lovely views towards Port Neigwl and Rhiw and passing the Ffynnon Sarff, (Serpent’s Well), one of a number of ancient wells on Llŷn rehabilitated by an AONB project. This was a relaxed, convivial and relatively easy Sunday walk enhanced throughout the day by the good weather and delightful views of the landscape. Noel Davey
Thursday March 29th 2018. Fairbourne-Blue Lake. About thirty walkers turned out for a short walk of just under 4 miles from Fairbourne to the Blue Lake led by Nick White. Most took advantage of the last day of free winter travel on the train from Pwllheli down the Cambrian Coast line which provided lovely views in clear conditions with sunny periods. The walk started along the promenade at Fairbourne, lined by the massive wall of concrete blocks built as Second World War defences, turning inland to ascend a steep track up to the site of the old Golwern slate quarry. This enterprise operated for 50 years from 1865 and, though never very successful, has left an interesting legacy of inclines, tunnels, waste tips and rusting machinery on four different levels. From level 2 at about 400ft above sea level there were fine views up the coast towards Barmouth and Harlech and across Cardigan Bay down the whole length of the Llŷn peninsula stretching from Porthmadog to Ynys Enlli. The most remarkable feature of the quarry is the deep pit accessed by a damp low-roofed tunnel and now occupied by a pool of still blue water reflecting the encircling hewn slate cliffs: the Blue Lake was the highlight of the walk, its rocks providing a unique spot for lunch, in much pleasanter conditions than on the soaking walk experienced by six members on an exceptionally wet Sunday last December. The walk then retraced its steps, touring through the village past the terminus of the narrow gauge Fairbourne Railway which runs two miles along the coast to Barmouth Bridge. Here the party broke into several groups: one caught the delayed 13.45 train back to Pwllheli, another drove to Dolgellau to shop and sightsee, another enjoyed coffee and ice cream while waiting or walking a couple of miles further on to Morfa Mawddach station for the next train. One nameless individual walked across the bridge to Barmouth arriving in the nick of time to catch the train. This proved an interesting and pleasant excursion. Noel Davey
Sunday March 25th 2018. Arthog – Llynnau Cregennen. A party of 18 club members met at the old station at Arthog for a lovely day’s walk led by Nick White. While temperatures were near freezing first thing, strong March sunshine and clear skies soon warmed things up. The route of almost 9 miles led up steeply from the St Catherine’s Church in Arthog village through magical woodlands past the impressive waterfalls of the Afon Arthog, a path we last took on a much wetter day in December. On reaching the open plateau at about 500ft there was a stop for coffee amidst the stone remnants of Llys Bradwen, traditionally the court of a legendary 7th century chieftain. From here the path went east to the Llynnau Cregennen, a deservedly popular recreation spot since Victorian times, as attested by the remains of 19C lavatories. This was an excellent site for the lunchbreak affording superb views not only across one of the lakes, but also to the majestic wall of the Cader Idris peaks to the south and the expanses of the Mawddach Estuary and Barmouth Bridge to the north. The walk then followed a fairly level path north-east beneath the ridge of Pared y Cefn hir alongside stone walls of remarkably varying state of repair, passing Ty’n Llidiart where for many years Gwynfor Evans had a mountain retreat and is celebrated by a memorial stone in Reheboth cemetery nearby. The path came out by the grim looking King’s Youth Hostel onto a wooded country lane which runs alongside the Afon Gwynant down to the A493 at Pont Abergwynant. From here the route took the grand avenue of Coast Redwoods and Wellingtonias leading to Abergwynant Hall, and after skirting the Abergwynant Woods past an old lime kiln, reached the Mawddach Trail. This excellent amenity offers a scenic and easy route along the Estuary for walkers and cyclists, following the track of the former Ruabon to Barmouth railway which closed in 1965. Its flat and well-maintained surface allowed the walk to pick up the pace back to the cars at Arthog after a most rewarding day in the spring sunshine. Noel Davey.
Thursday March 15th 2018. Around Llyn Gwynant. Rhian Watkin led a party of 18 on a delightful 6.5 mile circuit round Llyn Gwynant in the heart of Snowdonia on an increasingly bright and sunny spring day. The route started from Bethania in Nant Gwynant, taking the field path north-east across the National Trust farm of Hafod y Llan alongside the upper reaches of the Afon Glaslyn. From here there was an ascent onto the wooded path above the northern shore of Llyn Gwynant. A coffee stop was made on the prominent outcrop popularly known as Elephant Rock, Penmaen Brith in Welsh, offering beautiful views across the placid lake. Further on, the shore at the northern end of the lake provided an idyllic spot for lunch in warm sunshine. After a short stretch along the main road the route turned up north of the lake through the woods of Coederyr, reaching a high point of 600ft from where magnificent views opened up across the valley towards the nearby peaks of Gallt y Wenallt, Lliwedd, Yr Aran, Moel Hebog, crowned by the bulk of Yr Wyddfa itself, still flecked with snow after the recent Arctic blast. The last leg of the walk was an easy descent on the minor road past Plas Gwynant back to Bethania. The café in the converted chapel here provided an ever welcome opportunity for post-walk coffee and cake. In spite of its many challenges of pervasive mud, perilous tree roots, slippery rocks, a fallen tree and a tricky stream crossing, this was a rewarding walk taken at a relaxed pace which everyone seemed to enjoy. Noel Davey
Sunday March 11th 2018. Trawsfynydd – Roman Fort. A sunny morning and the promise of a walk of moderate length (some 7.3 miles) brought out 16 club members for an enjoyable ramble led by Tecwyn Williams from Trawsfynydd. The walk started from a layby on the A470 just north of the village, taking a pleasant wooded path up Nant y Cefn and then turning north-east at Craig y Tan, eventually reaching the bleaker open access moorland in the Afon Llafar valley. A gravel track built to maintain the overhead transmission lines provided an easy route free of the mud which characterised the field paths. Ruins at Dolddinas provided a good spot for the lunchbreak. This is the site of one of two Roman Practice Works where legionaries based at the nearby Forts trained some two thousand years ago, but little visible remains on the ground. The route then turned west crossing the line of the Roman Road of Sarn Helen at Dolbedyr and the Braich ddu Slate quarries which still operate on a small scale. The walk soon reached the main site of the Roman Fort, which the club visited on a Thursday a couple of months ago. Everyone took the opportunity, a few for the first time, to climb the prominent mound of Tomen y Mur, the Norman motte on the same site, which with an elevation of over 1000ft provided fine views over Llyn Trawsfynydd and the surrounding mountains. From here the route turned back south, keeping above the main road, around Llwyn y Crwn and back to the start point. The party then ended a pleasant day with tea at the now familiar community café on the Trawsfynydd lakeside. Noel Davey
Thursday March 1st 2018. AGM & Criccieth-Pentrefelin walk. The Club held its 39th AGM in Capel y Traeth in Criccieth attended by 30 members on a bitterly cold and wintry St David’s Day. A successful and efficiently brief meeting included election of a new Chairman, Gwynfor Jones, following Nick White’s retirement at the end of his three-year stint.
Following the meeting and an early lunch in the shelter of the Chapel, 17 brave souls ventured out, led by Dafydd Williams on a 4.75mile walk. Sub-zero temperatures felt like -10C in the wind chill, but at least it remained dry and the frozen ground was a welcome change from the perennial mud. The party followed the promenade at Criccieth, past Dylans Restaurant, onto the Coast Path, turning inland at Rhiw-for-fawr past the listed house of 16th century origin at Ystumllyn; this is noted for an 18th century character known as Jack Black who was captured as a slave when a child, kept as a servant, went on to raise a local family and is buried at nearby Ynyscynhaearn. At Pentrefelin the route crossed the main road, past the Eisteddfa fishing lake and the home of Lady Olwen Carey-Evans, daughter of Lloyd George, and her family. There was then a climb to nearly 500ft up a lane to Braich y Saint. From there the party descended across the now sadly defunct golf course back into the relative shelter of the town. A good pace kept the group reasonably warm and in good spirits and they felt lucky to get this walk in before Storm Emma’s collision with the so-called ‘Beast from the East’ brought in blizzards and black ice. Noel Davey
Sunday February 25th 2018. Snowdonia Slate Trail. This was a crisp cold sunny day with cloudless skies, perfect for a long walk. Eleven met near the Nelson Pub in Bangor for an outing led by Noel Davey to Bethesda via the first section of the newly opened Snowdonia Slate Trail and back by the Lôn Las Ogwen cycle path. The first leg was a fast and easy march south from Port Penrhyn along the wooded cycle path, so easy that the leader managed to overshoot the turnoff east towards Llandygai and Bryn Cegin by half a mile. From there the route crossed the A5, tracked past the rugby ground by paths cleared by the Ramblers, and then alongside and under the A55. It was a relief to turn off into the quieter fields alongside the River Ogwen, a good spot for morning coffee, just upstream of a new mini-hydro weir and a step from Felin Cochwillan. Further on the path passed the fine, well-preserved 15th Century house of Cochwillan, part of the large medieval landholdings of the Gruffydd family of Penrhyn. Coming out onto a short section of the A5 at Halfway Bridge, the path then went up to Llanllechid where the pleasant churchyard hosted lunch, before a further climb to the highest point at over 750ft near Rachub; this opened up the best views of the day towards the Penrhyn Quarry, the Carneddau and the Menai Strait. A steep descent brought the party into the centre of Bethesda. Two caught the bus back to Bangor from here after 8 miles, while a further 3 bussed back from Tregarth after 10 miles. The remaining 6 soldiered on, making fast work of the almost flat tree-lined cycle path all the way back to Bangor with a final tally of 14.5 miles over 6.5 hours. The Lôn Las Ogwen is a popular and valuable amenity for walkers and cyclists, following sections of the tracks of the early Penrhyn railways and the later Bethesda-Bangor LNWR branch railway. A particular point of interest was the recently reopened Tregarth Tunnel. A bit further on the excellent community café at Moel y Ci provided a welcome tea break. The fine weather made this a good day out, offering a variety of interest and plenty of exercise, while allowing people to tailor the length of walk to their own preferences. Noel Davey
Thursday February 15th 2018. Maentwrog Circular. There was a good turnout of 24 for this interesting and varied walk of about 5 miles led by Tecwyn Williams from the Oakeley Arms at Maentwrog. It was a fine sunny day which showed off the broad Vale of Maentwrog and the wooded hills either side at their best, despite a strong cold wind. The first leg of the walk followed the drainage dykes zigzagging across the flat estuary floor alongside the broad meanders of the Afon Dwyryd; these are rarely walked and not formal rights of way, but they offer a unique view of the valley. After crossing the A487 at Bryn Mawr (home of the astrologer Russell Grant), the party climbed up through gardens to the great house of Plas Tan y Bwlch, built in the 19th century from slate wealth by the Oakeley family, but now an environmental studies centre run by the Snowdonia National Park Authority. The picnic tables on the grand terrace in front of the Plas provided a superb site for lunch with commanding views across the valley, landscaped and remodelled by the Oakleys. The route then ascended paths in the grounds behind the Plas through fine groves of Japanese Red Cedar, soon reaching and circuiting the magical setting of Llyn Mair. The last leg of the walk followed forest tracks and paths, somewhat disrupted by recent forest clearance, through Coed Ty Coch beneath Y Garnedd and the Ffestiniog Railway. A steep descent brought the party back to the Oakley Arms where coffee and cake rounded off a most enjoyable day. Noel Davey.
Sunday February 11th 2018. Llanystumdwy. Dafydd Williams and Jean Norton took over to escort 11 walkers on this lengthy but worthwhile jaunt through the pleasant countryside inland from Llanystumdwy. The route followed a 12 mile figure of eight on a network of relatively flat paths, retracing in reverse direction part of a recent Thursday walk notable for its muddy conditions. Mud was again the main theme of the day, but regular sections of road gave intermittent relief from the ankle-deep rural mudbath and fortunately the weather was dry, apart from a short sharp hail shower, with some sunny periods but a cold wind. The party first headed west from Llanystumdwy village past the cemetery, crossing the Dwyfach and joining the southern end of the Lon Goed just beyond Ysgubor Hen. After walking down to the A497 at Afon Wen and pausing for coffee, the ramblers passed through the large new well screened solar farm at Bryn Bachau to Chwilog, where the (child-free) playground provided a useful spot for lunch. From here there was an easy road section heading north-east before a plunge back into the mud past a fishing lake to rejoin the Lon Goed. The walk followed this stately tree-lined old track northwards, passing Rhosgyll Fawr and turning off along an east west path after a couple of miles near the intersection of the old track of the Bryncir-Afon Wen branch railway line. The return leg south took a road section and then a lovely woodland path skirting the east bank of the Dwyfach, eventually crossing fields through Gwynfryn and back to the village at Llanystumdwy. Conversation rarely flagged throughout the day, suggesting that few were put off by the walk’s challenges. Noel Davey.
Thursday February 1st 2018. Mynytho - Llanbedrog. Jean Norton took over at short notice to lead a group of 22 on a good walk from Mynytho to Llanbedrog. The weather stayed dry and sunny, but there was a cold northerly wind. The choice of paths was limited both by muddy conditions and overgrowth, and once again the leader spent some time cutting back brambles and ivy before the walk. Even so, there were plenty of waterlogged and muddy sections encountered on the network of paths leading east from the start point at Foel Gron. The route skirted the eastern edge of an area of boggy common land, past Gadlys and caravan sites at Ty Hir and Bodwrog, and cut through the garden at Erw. The way then led down through fields and an enchanting wooded path alongside the nant rushing steeply down to the A499 defile set between two lofty iron age forts. From here there was a steady ascent to the 400ft+ summit of Mynydd Tir-y-Cwmwd in time for lunch. Most found sheltered spots behind boulders nestling out of the wind in the heather and gorse to enjoy both the picnic and the spectacular sunlit views south across the bay to Abersoch, Cilan and the St Tudwal Islands. The toposcope here, repaired after recent vandalism, provided an interesting guide to the distant hazy peaks of Snowdonia. After lunch some of the party inadvertently took a longer route round the edge of the Headland, rather than the more direct route due east to the next fine viewpoint featuring the iconic ‘Iron Man’; this is the third statue to be erected on this site since Solomon Andrews first placed a ship’s wooden figurehead here. Eventually, the party regrouped near Plas Glyn y Weddw, having descended either to the beach by the steep steps or by the easier gradients through the wooded Winallt. The walkers then made their way back to Mynytho mainly on the same paths as the outward route. This pleasant walk of over 6 miles was taken at a relaxed pace, but was for many a strenuous outing. Noel Davey
Sunday January 28th 2018. Llanuwchllyn & Afon Dyfrdwy. This excellent walk of 10 miles from Llanuwchllyn along the Afon Dyfrdwy near Bala was last tackled by a small group on Easter Sunday 2016, but was definitely worth a revisit. This time ten walkers led by Hugh Evans set out in a south-westerly direction though pleasant countryside on the southern side of the valley, following a newly upgraded path, now part of the 28 mile Mary Jones trail, celebrating her heroic efforts as a girl to lay hands on a bible in 1800. A tree marking the site of a Roman Camp provided a good spot for a coffee stop, though not much evidence of any Roman remains. Near Pant Clyd the route crossed the busy A494 and the track of the former railway linking Dolgellau and Bala. There was then a steep 600ft ascent by a mossy forest path up Carreg y Hebog which proved the most strenuous part of the walk and all were ready for lunch in a forest clearing near the top. After that the walk continued by an easier forest track, crossing the Dyfrdwy and skirting open access land at the foot of the craggy Moel Caws. The return leg encountered some less frequented paths and plenty of mud, but fortunately the leader had carried out some vegetation clearance on the most difficult sections in advance of the walk, the third time this has been needed on programmed walks in as many months. The weather was cloudy with a blustery mild wind and increasingly damp later, which muted the views somewhat, but this was a good day of walking in this pleasant and little known corner of Gwynedd, crowned with a visit to the White Lion in Bala on the way home. Noel Davey
Thursday January 18th 2018. Around Garn Boduan. Maureen Evans stepped in at short notice to lead 26 members on an enjoyable 7 mile walk on a varied network of paths between Nefyn and Porth Dinllaen. Apart from a brief flurry of hail it was a dry day with some sunshine but a bitingly cold wind. The walk started southwards from the Stryd y Plas car park on a newly upgraded Coastal Communities Fund path across the Black Prince’s jousting ground, turning north across the B4417, past the large community duck pond to reach the coast. The route then turned west along a fine section of the Coast Path as far as Port Dinllaen, offering good views across the bay and back to Yr Eifl. The path here is at constant risk from erosion and subsidence of the underlying fragile cliffs and a section has now been lost to an inland diversion. After a spell along the beach, the outdoor picnic tables at the famous Ty Coch pub provided an excellent spot for lunch with some shelter from the wind. The return route across the exposed Golf Course to Morfa Nefin was rather colder. The walk then rejoined the Coast Path back into Nefyn, passing the excellent Amguedd Forwrol/Maritime Museum in Old St Mary’s Church. A good outing. Noel Davey
Sunday January 14th 2018. Around Llyn Trawsfynydd. A forecast of fair weather and a relatively easy route brought out 27 ramblers for an excellent 8.3 mile circuit led by Judith Thomas around Llyn Trawsfynydd. This beautiful lake is a manmade reservoir first developed in the 1920s for the still working hydro-electric station at Maentwrog; it was extended in 1965 as a source of cooling water for the Trawsfynydd nuclear power station which closed in 1991 and is likely to remain in decommissioning for a century. The local amenities have been enhanced by the recent completion of a cycle and footpath around the lake, offering a relatively flat and hard surface. The route taken went anti-clockwise, starting from the lakeside café westwards past the remaining hulk of the power station to the main dam at the north-west corner of the lake. From there the path turned south with a modest climb alongside the Coed y Rhygen Nature Reserve. Following a coffee stop on the southern dam, the party crossed the long footbridge, skirting Garreg yr Ogof, into Trawsfynydd village where the playground and seats in front of the Hedd Wyn monument and the Llys Ednowain Heritage Centre and Hostel provided good places for lunch. Since the right of way is missing on a short section of the shore north of the village, the route took a muddy footpath for a mile or to the east of the A470, regaining the lakeshore for the last leg back to the start point where the community café rounded off the day nicely. Throughout the day the chilly winter sunshine enhanced the views of the lovely setting of the lake nestling beside the Rhinogydd mountains. Noel Davey
Thursday January 4th 2018. Llanystumdwy. Kath Spencer led 19 club members on a good circular walk of 7 miles in the lovely wooded countryside inland from Llanystumdwy. The day was mostly sunny with just one period of blustery showers. The trees gave good coverage from some very strong winds, the tail end of Storm Eleanor, but many sections were notable for very muddy conditions underfoot and a number of slippery and awkward stiles. The route led through the village and up a steep lane, continuing north across muddy fields past Gwynfryn Farm and the burnt out ruins of Plas Gwynfryn, and crossing the Afon Dwyfach near Betws Fawr. A section of metalled lane gave some relief from the mud, before the route turned west along another soggy path where some shaded mossy stones provided a welcome lunch spot. On reaching the Lôn Goed, the party turned south to follow this imposing tree-lined track built in the 18th century to serve estate farms. The last leg of the walk circled past Plas Talhenbont, re-crossing the Dwyfach at Glyn Dwyfach and reaching the path alongside the main A497 near the cemetery at Bont Fechan, which soon brought the party back to Llanystumdwy. This was a very pleasant walk over about 4 hours. Noel Davey.
Sunday December 31st 2017. Clynnog Hills. New Year’s Eve brought out 14 ramblers for an 8.5 mile circuit in the Clynnog Hills, led by Noel Davey. It was a day of bright sunny periods and the odd shower, but also brisk westerly winds. The party started from the former Y Beuno pub in Clynnog Fawr and headed straight uphill by a steep road and a very wet bridle way which eventually led out into open fields and open access land on the northern slopes of Bwlch Mawr. The steady ascent from here to the summit (1690ft) by sheep tracks through grass and low gorse was quite a slog, but everyone made it in time for a mid-morning panad. The party were able to make use of one of two recently installed stiles (erected at the behest of and with some volunteer assistance from members of Llŷn Ramblers) to gain access across the high walls to the summit trig point. From here there were fine misty views north towards Ynys Môn and the Menai, south across Eifionydd to Tremadog Bay and west over the chain of mystic hills down the Llŷn. The route then tracked south across a dry grassy plateau to reach the main east-west path across the Clynnog Hills, soon to be adopted as part of a Coastal Communities Path. On this westward stretch of the walk there were a number of decrepid and very slippery stiles to negotiate and some very muddy fields. Around midday there was a brief period of stinging rain and buffeting winds which mercifully soon abated with sunshine returning in time for a picnic in the shelter of a wall overlooking Cwm Coryn. The walk continued along the track through ancient walled field systems and soon descended the zig zag path down towards the coast and the A499 below. Before reaching the road near Rock Cottage, the route turned north-east, skirting the northern edge of the Clynnog Hills, following a rough but level path which once served the former Tyddyn Hywel granite quarry workings on the slopes of Gyrn Ddu. After a detour around Ystymllech farm a woodland path brought the party out onto Pont y Felin in Gyrn Goch, from where it was a short walk back to Clynnog by the cycle track alongside the main road. This was strenuous walk but a good antidote to the Christmas excesses before gearing up for the New Year festivities. Noel Davey.
Thursday December 21st 2017. Llanberis Waterfall. On the winter solstice fifteen walkers found the right car park beside Llyn Padarn in Llanberis for a most convivial ramble of just over 6 miles led by Tecwyn Williams. The route led inland through the scenic Coed Doctor community woodland and the western outskirts of the town. Then, passing under the viaduct bearing the Snowdon Railway, the party followed a slippery narrow path through a deep mossy-walled defile formed by the rushing Afon Ceunant to reach the foot of the spectacular falls tumbling down into a pool at the end, a memorable spot for a morning panad. Retracing their steps, the walkers then climbed up the hillside road for another fine view of the falls from the top. A pair of santas were encountered running aross the open fields and moorland before a lunch break in a site with good views back down to the lake and the tiers of slate on the slopes of Elidir above. After crossing the Ceunant and the railway, the way down joined the Snowdon Llanberis Path, before turning off through Coed Victoria. A detour was made to visit the distinctive round tower of Llywelyn Fawr’s Castell Dolbadarn. The Electric Mountain café provided a good tea stop before the walk back along the lake. Here the final highlight was the 20ft high sword sculpture (Llafn y Cewri - Blade of the Giants) newly erected to celebrate the area’s illustrious heritage from the time of the Welsh Princes. This was a most enjoyable and interesting walk in dry and mild, though cloudy, weather. Noel Davey
Sunday December 17th 2017. Friog Blue Lake & Arthog Waterfalls. Six slightly mad club members met at Morfa Mawddach for a very wet walk of 9.6 miles led by Nick White in the hills south of the Mawddach Estuary. A good pace was made over the first two miles in the teeth of stinging rain and buffeting wind along the straight, flat and exposed sea defence embankment running westwards towards Fairbourne. The party paused to regroup in the shelter of one of the beach chalets south of the town, before climbing 500 ft up to the former quarry of Golwern. This is the site of the magical Blue Lake, a deep pool surrounded by sheer cliffs formed by slate mining and now a magnet for abseilers and wild swimmers. Today it was deserted, but even on such a sombre damp day, the dark blue of the pool and craggy rocks gave this special place its uniquely evocative atmosphere. The cover of the low quarry entrance tunnel provided a good spot for lunch out of the rain. While the morning had been every bit as wet as forecast, conditions in the afternoon were drier. The route continued upwards to about 900 ft elevation, heading eastwards past Cyfanedd towards Cregennan. There was then a long slippery descent through magnificent beech woods alongside the tiers of impressively wild torrents comprising the Arthog Waterfalls. The final leg was an easy march along a segment of the Mawddach Trail. The weather made this walk a challenging experience and not one for views, but on the whole the party still seemed to relish the day exploring this lovely area of countryside. Noel Davey
Thursday December 7th 2017. Sarn Meyllteyrn. The walk today was a circuit from the village of Sarn Meyllteyrn through the lovely inland countryside of western Llŷn. Anne Jones led 23 ramblers on an interesting route of some 7.7 miles. The weather was sunny and dry, though increasingly windy. The party set out southwards from the village up a country road, soon turning off westwards onto a muddy footpath beside a raging stream past Ty Fair leading to Bryncroes. Here the well-kept churchyard of St Mary provided a good spot for a morning panad. The walk continued for a while on a minor road and then followed a wide hedge-lined bridleway past Pencraig Fawr, turning onto one of the many new farm tracks built to serve the modern dairy enterprise, including an outdoor milking carousel, on the Cefn Amwlch estate. A rocky outcrop on Foel Meyllteyrn provided some shelter from the increasingly chilly wind for the lunch stop. There were fine views from this vantage point across rolling expanses of rich grassland towards the sea at Port Neigwl and the distinctive line of hills from Foel Gron in Myntho Common to Garn Fadryn, with Yr Eifl in the background. Further farm tracks took the party onto some of the muddy field paths leading to Bryn Mawr which were fresh in Club members’ minds from the walk across Llŷn just a few weeks ago. The walk eventually descended the steep road back to Sarn after an invigorating four hour outing. Noel Davey
Sunday December 3rd 2017. Dolwyddelan, Ty Mawr Wybrnant. A party of 14 ramblers met at Dolwyddelan station for a good 6.8 mile walk led by Dafydd Williams. The route led north-east on woodland paths and tracks along the southern slopes of the Afon Lledr valley, pausing for a morning coffee at the old school at Cyfyng. The path then descended to the Afon Wybrnant, famed as the site of Ty Mawr Wybrnant, a 16th century farmhouse which was the birthplace of Bishop William Morgan, venerated as the first translator of the Bible into Welsh. This is now managed by the National Trust, though closed at this time of year. This idyllic spot with its elegant little arched bridge over the nant was an ideal spot for the lunch break. The main ascent of the day to about 1100ft and the worst of the many wet and muddy paths were saved till the afternoon. The route continued across an extensive area of plateau and deforested land, between Foel Felen and Drosgol, from where there were fine views of the snow streaked peaks of Moel Siabod, Lliwedd and Yr Aran. A steady descent down forest paths eventually brought the party back to Dolwyddelan where some enjoyed a well-earned tea at the nearby café at Plas Penaeldroch Manor. This was a most enjoyable late autumn day out in the pleasant upland country above the Lledr valley enhanced by mild sunny and dry weather. Noel Davey
Thursday November 24th 2017. Tomen y Mur, Trawsfynydd. Twenty club members met at the Canolfan Prysor lakeside centre just inside the Trawsfynydd power station grounds for a circuit of 4.5 miles via Tomen y Mur, led by Nick White. The day was fine and dry, providing good conditions for walking in this pleasant area of countryside. The walk first took a delightful path southwards skirting the north-east shore of the Lake, soon pausing for lunch following a scheduled midday start. After crossing the busy A470, the route climbed gently northwards by a muddy track - a familiar feature of almost every walk this autumn. The distinctive hillock of the Norman motte at Tomen y Mur soon came into view. The party, some for the first time, spent half an hour touring the important and fascinating remains of the Roman fort high on this bleak and windswept moorland area. The site is now enhanced by a number of informative interpretation panels describing the visible structures, including ramparts, an amphitheatre, bathhouse, guesthouse, parade ground and traces of the Roman Road of Sarn Helen. Everyone then climbed the ‘tomen’ for superb views down to the lake and the more distant Rhinogydd mountains before taking the return path down, across a surviving section of the Blaenau-Bala railtrack and past the roadside chapel at Utica. A very pleasant and sociable walk was rounded off with a panad and (for some) cake at the excellent, recently renovated café. Noel Davey
Sunday November 19th 2017. Across Llyn. Judith Thomas led a party of 14 on an heroic 11.2ml coast to coast expedition across the Llŷn from Tudweiliog to Abersoch. Some recalled the hallmark muddy fields and innumerable stiles from the last time the Club did this walk in 2004, but 13 years later the route had noticeably deteriorated, being obstructed with many stiles in a dilapidated state, wire fence barriers, almost no signage, ankle deep mud and overgrown paths – many thanks to Jean and Miriam for their efforts with loppers in clearing an impenetrable section as part of the essential extensive prior reconnaissance. The route headed out from the Lion in Tudweiliog, taking a country lane south-eastwards skirting Cefnamwlch, soon turning off into the mire across fields to Bryn Mawr and Trefaes and eventually reaching the road at Botwnnog. On the way the walk passed Capel Salem, a well-preserved listed Chapel built in 1879 and now cared for by Sister Serafina. The afternoon took the party onto one of the newly created circular walks funded by the Coastal Community Fund, but it was dismaying to find even here some stiles on their last legs. From Botwnnog the path passed Trewen, heading across fields towards the distinctive turret of the tiny church at Llandegwning, crossing Saithbont near Neigwl Ganol and eventually reaching the attractive village of Llangian. The last leg crossed the long Bont Newydd over the Afon Soch and climbed steeply up past the iron age fort of Pen y Gaer, providing good views back to the river meanders and flood plain fringing Porth Neigwl below. The walkers did well and were relieved to reach their destination in Abersoch with a good half hour to spare before dusk. In spite of the challenging conditions, this was a great walk through Llŷn’s lovely inland countryside which looked its best on an unexpectedly sunny, dry, calm and mild day. Noel Davey
Thursday November 9th 2017. Glan y Wern - Afon y Glyn - Soar. A party of 18 travelled by the Cambrian Coast railway from Pwllheli and points north, alighting at Ty Gwyn near Talsarnau, where they were joined by 8 others who came by car. This scenic rail trip is always a popular jaunt, all the more for bus pass holders who can travel free in the winter months. Fred Foskett led the walk from the station up through the lovely wooded valley of Afon y Glyn. The route cut down along a wooded dyke path to the Pont y Glyn, passing near Glyn Cywarch, the family seat of Lord Harlech. A footpath led initially along the east bank of the river, rising relatively gently to reach Llyn Tecwyn Isaf. This tranquil lake provided a pleasant spot for lunch in the autumn sunshine. The route back followed a narrow country road through Bryn Bwbach, below Coed Garth Byr and Soar, then turning off onto a path descending through the Black Wood on the west side of the Afon Glyn back to Glan y Wern. This brought the walkers back in good time to catch the 2.35 train home after a most enjoyable 6.4 mile walk in sunny weather in this magical stretch of countryside. Noel Davey
Sunday November 5th 2017. Coed y Brenin. 11 walkers had a good day in Coed y Brenin led by Noel Davey. The weather was better than forecast with only a few brief showers and plenty of sunshine to light up the autumn woodland colour left after recent storms. An anti-clockwise circuit of 9.5 miles was followed from Ganllwyd in the south, mainly following broad forest tracks above rivers rushing through deep valleys. The route crossed the Afon Mawddach and followed the river bank northwards past Ferndale to the magnificent falls of Rhaedr Mawddach and Pistyll Cain, both in full spate, near the confluence of the two rivers. The turbine house of the recently completed Clogau hydro-electric scheme provided a good spot for morning coffee. Traces remain at this site of an older hydro project in operation early in the 20th century, together with ruins of the former Gwynfynydd gold mine. From here a rocky path took the party high above the Afon Gain, crossing the river and then ascending further to 800-900ft from where there were more open views towards the Rhinogydd. Lunch was taken in the clearing of the Llwyn Du ‘Bloomeries’ (Gwaith Pwdlo), the remains of medieval charcoal ironworks. The route then crossed the main A470 at Gelli Goch, passing through open fields and a muddy woodland area. The way back was along a long track running south through coniferous forest parallel with the Afon Eden, and passing the former Coed y Brenin forestry headquarters, now a sign workshop. There was a welcome tea stop at a third impressive waterfall, the Rhaedr Ddu, just above Ganllwyd, where an inscription records a poem of Thomas Gray (in Latin and English, but sadly not Welsh) commemorating this beautiful woodland site. Relatively easy terrain and a leisurely pace kept the party cheerful and talkative throughout the 5 1/2 hour walk through this excellent amenity area, remarkable both for its landscape and interesting history. Noel Davey
Thursday October 26th 2017. Nefyn-Y Gwylwyr-Pistyll. 25 club members met at Stryd y Plas car park in Nefyn for an enjoyable 5 mile ramble to Pistyll led by Maureen Evans and Gwynfor Jones. The walk started with a steady 500 foot climb, taking advantage of recently improved paths up to the prominent hills of Gwylwyr and Carreg Lefain – the latter’s apt name borne out by testing the echo from its rocky crags. The elevated open access land around these peaks opened up a fine panorama of Nefyn and the north coast below and an unusual view of Yr Eifl rising above a cloud inversion. The route circled back down to the coast at Pistyll, passing the site of the former hotel and once second home of the Godard family, reaching the pilgrim church of St Beuno in time for lunch. This tranquil place is remarkable not only for its ancient building, but also for its leper window which served the spiritual needs of the nearby leper colony in the middle ages and the continued tradition of a rush strewn floor; the graveyard is also well known as the last resting place of actor Rupert Davies (Maigret) and his wife. The walk retraced its steps to Nefyn along the Wales Coast Path, skirting a former quarry and crossing some very muddy fields. Features on the last leg of the route included a community pond and picnic area and the refurbished Ffynnon John Morgan, possibly commemorating a 19th century London-based businessman with interests in Nefyn-built ships. Although the day was overcast, the rain held off till the last mile or so. This was a pleasant, gently paced walk which provided ample time for conversation. Noel Davey
Sunday October 22nd 2017. Nantcol-Bwlch Drws Ardudwy, Cwm Bychan. Hugh Evans led a party of 7 walkers on a challenging hike from Cwm Bychan via Nantcol, a distance of almost 10 miles, involving a cumulative ascent of about 3000ft. It was a day of blustery winds and intermittent showers, the tail end of storm Brian. Surface water made the rocky paths slippery, requiring constant concentration to keep one’s footing. The walk started from Llyn Cwm Bychan at the head of this magical valley penetrating deep into the wild Rhinogydd mountains. The route headed south-east climbing steadily up the slabs of the ‘Roman Steps’ through Bwlch Tyddiad, an ancient route used since at least the Bronze Age through medieval times. After pausing for a coffee out of the wind just beyond the col at the top, it was a relief to descend to the drier and sheltered paths through the forested area of the Rhinog National Nature Reserve below. The path then turned south-west for some 2-3 miles through the Bwlch Drws Ardudwy, a narrow valley running between the peaks of Rhinog Fawr and Rhinog Fach, eventually descending to the remote farm of Maes y Garnedd in Cwm Nantcol. This early 17th century house is known as the birthplace of the regicide, John Jones, one of the signatories of Charles I’s death warrant. From here there was a steady ascent of over 1000ft by indistinct paths across a bleak expanse of heather moorland. The watershed at about 1700ft brought fine views of a sunlit Llŷn to the west and the more sombre hues of the jagged rocks of the Harlech Dome all around. Eventually, the path descended past the remote lake of Glowy Lyn and rejoined the outward route leading back into Cwm Bychan. Despite the tough conditions, this proved a rewarding day out in the mountains. Noel Davey
Thursday October 12th 2017. Round Moelfre. Fred Foskett led 13 club members on a favourite walk around the distinctive conical hill (just under 2000ft) of Moelfre in Ardudwy. It was a fine day with a fresh wind and sunny periods which made the most of this wild, depopulated and lonely upland tract and the superb views across the bay to Penllŷn. The walk started at a look-out point high above the Nantcol Valley reached by a narrow gated road lined by the remarkable stone walls that are a feature of this landscape, an adventure just getting there. The route went anti-clockwise, passing a well-known medicinal spring and traces of manganese mining. It followed a section of the old and now often very boggy trackway which was once an ancient drover’s road and later part of the coach road between Harlech and London, branching off over Pont Scethin. Lunch was taken on a small prominence marked by a buried cairn, close to the ruins of Ty Newydd on the southern slope of Moelfre, a well-used stop-over in former coaching days. Continuing along a better track towards the Llyn Bodlyn reservoir, the walkers soon turned off north, climbing over a grassy col at about 1400ft above sea level, with fine views of the Rhinogydd and Nantcol valley, and eventually regained the road leading back to the start point. Noel Davey
Sunday October 9th 2017. Round Llyn Tegid/Bala. The original plan was to walk all the way around Llyn Tegid as the Club did about 10 years ago, but a combination of the longer than expected length of the newly waymarked path and the short autumn daylight hours persuaded the Club, certainly now older and, perhaps, wiser, to switch to two separate walks, either side of the lake. Heather Stanton led 10 ramblers on a 9 mile walk from Bala to Llanuwchllyn on the SE side of the lake, while Dafydd Williams led a further 4 on a 7.5 mile walk from Llanuwchllyn to Bala on the NW side of the lake. These proved ideal walks for a dry and bright October Sunday.
The A walk headed south out of Bala, climbing steeply through the pleasant woodlands of Fridd Fach-ddeiliog and reaching about 1500ft above sea level in the open access land of Mynydd Cefn-ddwy-graig and Isafon. From here splendid views opened up of the lake below dotted with sailing dinghies and, beyond, the impressive backdrop of the Arenigs. A circuitous upland route, some of it waterlogged, led through an area of coniferous woodland, still with traces of earlier farming settlement, and then followed the Afon Glyn down in the direction of Llangower on the lake. The wooded site of a small hydro weir near some falls provided a good spot for lunch. A series of paths connecting farms and some further ascents took the walk around the lower slopes of Cefn Gwyn, eventually descending through gentler fields to the village of Llanuwchllyn, nestling at the southern end of the lake. Here the way passed through the terminus station of the surviving lakeside heritage railway. This was sadly not operating on this autumn Sunday, so a waiting car provided transport back to Bala. This was a most enjoyable outing, offering a rich variety of scenery, a range of terrain and a cumulative ascent of almost 2000ft. Noel Davey
The B walk, as indicated above 4 walkers led by myself experienced an exhilarating day’s walking in this scenic part of North Wales with the town of Bala, rich in history and Llyn Tegid adjoining, flanked on both sides by green pastureland rising on the NW side in particular to moorland and mountains. Leaving the village of Llanuwchllyn behind and after some 400 yards we meandered our way along farm lanes passing the remains of a Roman Fort and encountered the extremely wet conditions underfoot which was a constant feature throughout. A derelict tractor trailer provided a good lunch stop site albeit surrounded by mud and you know what! Pressing on we then passed through a good half mile of slippery marshland, however, fleeting sightings of the lake to our right were much appreciated until we reached a caravan site and a short break. After a further half mile we turned south and descended through woods to the road running alongside the lake which we followed for the last mile stopping at the lakeside cafe for a welcome cup of tea and scone. In the main street I encountered a club member, Jane, who with a partner had attempted to ascend Arenig Fawr but had been thwarted by the low cloud whilst we, a few miles away had enjoyed a relatively dry sunny day. Returning to the car park we discovered that the A walkers had already collected their cars and disappeared. Dafydd Williams.
Thursday September 28th 2017. Rowen - Pen y Gaer. 14 members of the club met at Rowen for a most enjoyable ramble in the Conway Valley in a welcome return to warm sunny weather. This very thoroughly reconnoitred walk of just under 6 miles was led by Jean Norton and Miriam Heald. The route led south from the village through a pleasant pastoral landscape and across the Afon Roe, pausing for lunch in bright sunshine at picnic tables courtesy of ‘Ye Olde Bull Inn’ in Llanbedr-y-Cennin. There was then a climb to over 500ft on the lower slopes (Ochr Gaer) of Pen y Gaer, site of a large iron age fort and bronze age cairns (the summit was saved for another day). From here there were fine views across the Conway Valley. The walk wended through the garden of Cae Asaph by permission of the owner, Peter Barnes, whose interesting range of sculptures feature in the wooded grounds. The route back was through further wooded fields, lanes and riverbanks dotted with fine country houses. The afternoon was rounded off by a substantial tea with scones at the nearby Conway Water Gardens. Noel Davey
Sunday September 24th 2017. Barmouth - Tai Cynaeaf. Dafydd Williams led a party of 10 with assistance from Nick White on a linear walk from Barmouth to Bontddu, a distance of 9.3 miles including a cumulative ascent of 2000ft. The route led steeply up from Barmouth past Cell-fechan, Craig y Gigfran and the extensive remains of manganese mines, eventually reaching Bwlch y Llan at about 1100 ft. It was dry for the first hour or two, allowing some fine misty views over the magnificent Mawddach Estuary towards Cader Idris and across to the Llŷn Peninsula; but then a fine drizzle set in for the rest of the day, limiting visibility and making the going on wet and slippery paths sometimes quite difficult. The walk continued at high level on the slopes of Llawlech, past the few surviving stones of the bronze age stone circle of Cerrig Arthur and an ancient milestone with a faded inscription marking the junction of the old coach road from Harlech and Talybont leading down from Bwlch y Rhiwgyr. Further on, the route climbed again to follow an old tramway which served part of the Clogau gold mine, eventually descending through the dripping woods of a nature reserve to the main road and cars waiting at Bontddu. This was the fourth wet club walk in a row, but the otherwise mild and calm conditions helped to make this a good day out, crowned by a most welcome and generous tea at Anne and Nick’s house nearby. Noel Davey
Thursday September 14th 2017. Llyn Tecwyn Isaf - Bryn Cader Faner. Nineteen club members met at Llyn Tecwyn Isaf for a lovely 5.5 mile walk up to Bryn Cader Faner led by Dafydd Williams. The day was punctuated by many sharp and wintry showers, but the intervening sunny periods provided brighter conditions and opened up some fantastic views. Starting from the lakeside, the route climbed steadily about 1000ft, first by a steep wooded country road (where an ivy-laden tree crashed to the ground alarmingly as we passed), continuing via Caerwych and onto very boggy open moorland. The highlight of the walk was the remarkable bronze age cairn circle of Bryn Cader Faner, famed for its dramatic setting commanding the ancient upland trackway and its unusual ring of thin angled slabs from which it is often known as the ‘Crown of Thorns’. This was a good vantage point for lunch, offering fine views towards the Moelwyns. The route down past Y Gyrn led through more traces of ancient settlement and provided a spectacular panorama of the Dwyryd Estuary, Portmeirion, Moel y Gest, the hills of Penllyn stretching out below into the Irish Sea, and finally the iconic outline of Harlech Castle. This was strenuous walk for a Thursday with very wet conditions both underfoot and overhead, but the magnificent landscape and good company made the effort well worthwhile. Noel Davey
Sunday September 10th 2017. Penmachno Circular. On this persistently wet Sunday Tecwyn Williams led 10 people on a 7 mile walk in the remote Bro Machno, a new area for the club - at least for many years. The route started in the interesting village of Penmachno and followed mainly wide tracks and some country road sections within Cwm Penmachno and the tributary valley of the Afon Glasgwm. The walk first took a loop eastwards, passing the 16/17th century house of Hafod Dwyryd and then crossed to the west of the Afon Machno. Next there was a climb to about 1000ft around the foot of Moel Pen-y-Bryn through the Gwyryd Forest Park, an excellent leisure amenity run by National Resource Wales and shared by walkers, horse riders and mountain bikers. A useful shelter provided by the Park management was chosen for an early lunch. Descending to the Glasgwm valley, the walk then followed the river back to Penmachno. A highlight was a stop out of the rain for coffee and cake in the hospitable surroundings of the café at Plas Glasgwm. This is another fine grade II listed house with a courtyard setting, built in in the mid-16th century by John Gwynne, son of John Wynn ap Maredudd of Gwydir and ultimately a descendant of the Welsh Princes. Despite the rain and gusty wind, it was quite warm and this was a sensible walk for the day’s conditions which everyone enjoyed. We hope to return to this attractive valley on a brighter day. Noel Davey
Friday, 1st September 2017. Snowdon. Ian, Dafydd, Tecwyn, Gwynfor and 3 others made a successful, not to say heroic, ascent of Snowdon - Ian in celebration of his recent 80th birthday; Dafydd to consolidate last year's feat, now he is 81; Tecwyn for the first time in 3 years now he is near full recovery from his drawn-out illness; and Gwynfor, possibly the first time to the top. This time the sun shone and it was dry, the mist lifting steadily as we ascended and clearing briefly from the summit around lunchtime to provide stunning views. Congratulations all on a brilliant effort! Roll on next year! Noel Davey.
Thursday August 31st 2017. Tanygrisiau Resevoir. Tecwyn Williams led 27 club members on a good ramble around Tanygrisiau The route first circled north and east, below the impressive layered ‘steps’ of rocky cliffs which possibly give the village its name, and then by a network of interesting paths through the outskirts of the village, passing the birthplace of the late Gwyn Thomas, scholar, poet and literary figure. Persistent rain for the first two hours bore out Blaenau’s notorious reputation, but after a damp lunch near a scrapyard, the weather dried up and the sun came out for the second half of the walk. This involved an anti-clockwise circuit on paths through bracken and heather around Tanygrisiau Reservoir (Llyn Ystradau) which now forms the lower reservoir for the Ffestiniog pumped storage hydroelectric scheme. Together with the larger scheme at Dinorwic, this plays a vital part in the National Grid by supplying short bursts of electricity at times of peak demand; the massive dam at Llyn Stwlan, the upper reservoir for the scheme, loomed high above. The path on the western shore crossed the Ffestiniog Railway, busy today with holiday steam trains, leading through the remnants of the Moelwyn Mine and passing the power station itself on the route back. The remains of an older dam at the south of the lake provided a good stop for tea in the sunshine, while most repaired to the excellent Lakeside Café for more sustenance at the end of the walk. The wet and slippery conditions and some steep and rocky sections demanded constant attention and a sensibly slow pace, belying the length of some 4.5 miles of this enjoyable walk. Noel Davey
Sunday August 27th 2017. Cnicht - Gelli Iago. On this sunny Bank Holiday 27 club members and friends met at Croesor for two walks in this ever popular area. 18 took the A walk up Cnicht, led by Roy Milnes. Dafydd and Tecwyn led the other 9 on a shorter B walk which avoided the mountain and the worst of the boggy sections.
The two groups initially followed the same track northwards for about a mile. The A group then turned off to climb Cnicht, reaching the prominent rock and level ground 300ft below the summit in time for coffee. The final tricky ascent coincided with the annual run from Croesor up and down Cnicht. Fortunately the 60 or so impressively agile runners were well able to avoid getting mixed up with the slower climbers. From the iconic peak at some 2300ft the walk then continued north east along the ridge, affording spectacular views either side towards the Moelwyns , the peaks of northern Snowdonia and the jumbled rocks above Croesor etched with purple heather. Near Llyn Adar the party descended to the north, taking a less frequented path across extensively waterlogged ground past this lake and Llyn Llagi with its impressive backdrop of steep cliff and long sinuous waterfall. Lunch was taken in a fine position overlooking Snowdon and the Glyders. Eventually the party reached ‘dry land’ at the road near Gelli Iago, but the relief was short-lived as the route soon turned back south and up, climbing steeply 750 ft past a prominent hill known as Castell. From there yet more boggy land was encountered, though the route thankfully diverged from the right of way marked on the map right across an unnamed shallow lake, soon rejoining the outward route. Those who had time rounded off a delightful walk of just over 9 miles with tea at the Community Café in Croesor . Noel Davey
*** Notwithstanding that the Secretary’s description of the B walk read as follows “an easy 7 mile B walk”, the following is my description of the nearly 8 MILE walk which I, Dafydd Henry Williams led together with my friend Tecwyn Williams! As stated above the walks initially followed the same route northwards and after separating, the B walk continued northwards over very wet ground passing to the left of the small nameless lake through the middle of which the path is shown on the map with the forbidding Yr Arddu towering above us. A knee jarring descent to Gelli Iago followed where lunch was taken alongside a bunk house and an interesting old water wheel. The road at Blaen Nanmor was nearby and here we turned left, southwards, and in the direction of Nanmor but after a short distance we went over a stile on our right continuing southwards parallel with the road on a very boggy path in parts. After a mile or so we entered woodland at Coed Caeddafydd and continued downhill until we once again reached the minor road turning left and east along it passing Bwlchgwernog and uphill steeply on an old road/track which at one time apparently going back to the stage coach days was the main route from Beddgelert to Dolgellau. This was the sting in the tail as the track was uphill and downdale but mainly up until after a mile or so we reached Croesor and enjoyed a welcome cup of tea and bara brith at the Café but only after a lengthy wait due to the Bank Holiday hordes. A far from easy walk according to the participants but it was enjoyable! Dafydd Williams.
Thursday 15th August 2017. Aberffraw, Porth Cwyfan, Llangwyfanisaf. John Enser led 22 club members on a delightful walk of 5.3 miles from Aberffraw in the SW corner of Ynys Môn. The day was fine and bright with a keen wind. The route crossed the fine 18th century hump-backed bridge on the outskirts of the village and followed the coast path southwards down along the Afon Ffraw, reaching the sea at Porth Lleidio. From here the path skirted a series of spectacular rocky bays, notable for their very ancient pre-Cambrian geology. Following lunch on the sands at Porth Cwyfan, the party visited the remarkable little lime-washed church of Llangwyfan, ‘the church in the sea’ , one of the oldest stone churches in Anglesey dating back to the 12th century and superbly located on the island promontory of Cribinau reached by causeway at low tide. From there the path turned inland past the former army camp of Ty Croes, now a motor racing circuit, and then across fields back to Aberffraw. A very pleasant outing was completed with a sociable tea at the Llys Llewelyn Tearooms, a reminder that Aberffraw was once the foremost royal court of the Princes of Gwynedd. Noel Davey.
Sunday 13th August 2017. Moel Siabod. Eleven club members, all starting from Pwllheli, met at Bryn Glo near Capel Curig for a first class walk up the distinctive isolated peak of Moel Siabod (the shapely hill?). The weather was bright with sunny periods and light winds, just right for this strenuous mountain walk led by Roy Milnes. The route first crossed the Afon Llugwy over the venerable Pont Cyfyng, passing above the impressive waterfalls. It continued south along a relatively flat moorland track, turning westwards through the Clogwyn Llwyd Forest. Then began a steady ascent over rough and boggy paths through heather and bilberries, with a pleasant stop for coffee, up to the hanging valley occupied by Llyn y Foel at around 1650ft. The serious scrambling began here with an ascent of about 1000ft up the Daear Ddu, a steep ridge bristling with chaotic rocks marked by bubble-like pits and pockmarks suggestive of the area’s volcanic geological history. A late lunch at a spot just below the peak at 2850ft was the reward, affording superb views south across the Llugwy Valley to Dolwyddelan and Penamnen, and further towards the Arenigs and all the ranges to the south and east. The return route took the ridge heading north-east, providing more wonderful views of the Snowdon massif, Tryfan, the Glyderau and the Carneddau. The party kept up as high as possible over the massive slabs of rock which provided a thorough work-out for the knees, eventually descending by a tricky scree path and grass tracks to rejoin the start point near Pont Cyfyng. A lovely day of 7.5 miles walking over 7 hours was rounded off by a hard earned panad at the Bryn Glo café. Noel Davey
Thursday 3rd August 2017. Nefyn. Miriam Heald led a group of 22 members on a circular coastal walk from Nefyn to Porthdinllaen, a distance of approximately 7 miles. The weather was mostly bright and sunny, apart from one very brief shower. The group first of all headed east on a few very little used footpaths, before turning westwards to join the main, much improved coastal path. A short coffee stop was taken overlooking Nefyn Bay, to take advantage of the fine weather to appreciate the stunning views, before continuing along the beach to Morfa Nefyn, where lunch was taken outside the Ty Coch Inn, watching holiday makers enjoying themselves in the sea and on the beach. The walk then continued around the headland to Lifeboat Bay, where members visited the fairly new Lifeboat and Station and many commented on how immaculate the Lifeboat was kept. The next part of the walk was over the headland towards the Porthdinllaen Coastwatch Station, where there was an invitation to go inside and learn a little of the work carried out there as part of the Search and Rescue Organisation. There was a fairly cold wind at this point, so little time was lost in continuing along the path through the Golf Course, where another stop was taken at the newly refurbished Porthdinlaen Caffi, to enjoy either a cup of coffee or an ice cream. The walk then resumed back to Nefyn along the coastal path. Miriam Heald.