#60.MOEL FAMAU,MOEL FENLLI Linear walk.21-11-11.

Today's walk saw me walking locally in the Clwydian Mountain's.Meeting Howie at the Clwyd Gate Motel at 9a.m. i arrived a little bit early at 8.30 so got my boot's and gaitor's on and waited for him.Luckily Howie was early arriving at 8.50 so i left my car there and jumped in his for the short drive to the village of Cilcain where we left his car by the water pumping station and we were walking by 9 o'clock.We took the lane that lead's up to the 3 reservoir's.

We took the second left turn to walk past the Cae Newydd Farm.

At the next junction we carried straight on in the direction of the Anderson Shelter.

The Anderson shelter was a decoy site to protect the Valley Works in Rhydymwyn,i found this following text about the site.......
During the beginning of the Second World War hundreds of these sites were built and there were many different types and designs. In 1941 it was decided that Valley Works needed a night type decoy known as a QF site to draw away any enemy aircraft.

The control bunker for the site was an Anderson shelter with blast walls screening its entrance. There was a steel ladder on the far wall which led to an observation hole in the ceiling which was probably enclosed as a wooden sentry box. This bunker was the control centre to ignite fires on Ffrith Mountain running up to Moel Famau. The actual fires were located in combinations of troughs and baskets filled with flammable material, some capped by tar or roofing felt and fed by fuel from distant elevated storage tanks. They were ignited from the bunker by a series of detonators set in the troughs. If you look closely on the side of the trail on the way to the bunker you might see the detonator cables.

When the site first opened it was manned by RAF personnel and later manned by Valley staff or local police. There was also no phone at the bunker in its early days the nearest phone was around 1½ Miles away, someone would have to cycle to the phone to receive orders and information about possible incoming enemy aircraft. A phone line was installed later on and there’s evidence of this near the door.

The Valley site was never detected by enemy aircraft and was the only UK military site to remain unknown during the war.

Taking the lane that run's below Ffrith Mountain now,rough at first.

And then nice and grassy,we soon got our first glimpse of the Jubilee Tower.

We took the short cut through the forest.

To reach the rough track just short of the summit of Moel Famau.

Looking back down to Cilcain and the forest we walked through from the tower.

The weather was a real bonus,the forecast's i saw was for a dull cloudy day with the chance of rain and although it was a little bit cold we had some decent spell's of sunshine and it was quite warm when we were sheltered from the wind.Heading down the main path now to Bwlch Penbarras car park we had a little altercation with 2 ladies who had 7 dog's off their lead's,1 of them chased some sheep over the shoulder of the mountain,and they were quite put out when they were told that the dog should of been on a lead.If i had a phone number for someone in authority i would have rang them to tell them about this dog.Below is the bwlch car park and Moel Fenlli.

There are 2 way's up Moel Fenlli,a very steep attack up it's north face which bring's you directly to the summit or the gentler westerly approach following the Offa's Dyke footpath with great view's over the Vale of Clwyd,we chose the latter.

The hill fort has large ramparts on all sides and a portal on the west side,here is Howie entering it.

Here you turn right and follow the ramparts south.

Eventually reaching the steep stepped path up to the summit.

Me at the summit with Moel Famau in the distance.The mountain is named after the British King Benlli who ruled this part of Wales in the 5th century.

Close up of Moel Famau.

Heading down to Fron-heulog we still had time for a detour to pick up a few small hill's that had been on our to-do list for a while,so we headed for the tumulus above the Cae Mawr Farm seen below.

From here we had a good view back to Moel Fenlli.

The cloud's started to roll in and it looked like they were carrying rain so we made for the track below Moel Eithinen and headed for Gyrn.

Close up of the mock castle with Moel Gwy in the distance.

Howie descending Gyrn.

We just made it to the car as the first spot's of rain started to fall and we then drove to the Druid in Llanferres for a pint.Within minutes the cloud had dropped down very low and you couldn't see any of the hill's,how's that for timing.This great little traverse was 7 mile long with 2,150 feet of ascent.




MILEAGE      429.5
ASCENT       106,300
TOPS           105.

#59.ARENIG FAWR REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY.13-11-11.

It's been on my to-do list to visit the summit of Arenig Fawr on remembrance sunday for a few year's now and this was the day i knocked it off.The weather all week had been poor in Wrexham,leaden skies,rain and drizzle but the forecaster's had predicted a nice weekend.I had a lazy day on saturday after getting up off night's and was raring to go on sunday,particularly as the forecast was for a clear,sunny day with reasonably strong wind's.We rose at 6a.m. and were leaving the house at 7.It was a lovely sunny morning on the drive there but it soon got cloudy.We parked at Pont Rhyd-y-fen where we alway's leave our car near to the dis-used Wrexham to Barmouth railway line and were walking at 8a.m. I had decided to take Julie to see the bothy by Llyn Arenig fawr so this entailed a 1.5 mile walk along the old road through the village of Arenig.

The old chapel.

Looking across to Arenig Fach low cloud had started to descend.

It was very warm walking along the road but as we turned onto the track that lead's to Llyn Arenig fawr and started to gain height it was getting windier so we stopped to put our fleece's and hat/ear warmer's on as it was a cold wind.

I deliberately set off early with the intention of having a brew in the bothy and to have a slow steady walk up to the summit of Moel yr Eglwys (AKA Arenig Fawr) but on reaching the bothy that was out of the question as a noisy group were surrounding it.

So we crossed the ladder bridge and found a spot a little higher up out of the wind and away from the noise.

Looking up the cloud's had really come down but it was brighter further east and i hoped it would clear before we reached the summit.

Reaching the cliff's of Y Castell the wind was gaining in strength making the going tough but i knew we had load's of time to get to the summit for 11.11a.m. so we took our time over the tricky rocky terrain.

We got no view of the summit,as it was a pea-souper,until we were about 20 metres away.We had timed it to perfection as it was 11 o'clock when we arrived.Although we had only walked 4.5 miles it had took us 3 hour's but we were taking our time,we didn't want to make the summit too early and stand around in the cold for too long.I was very surprised to only see 4 other people on the summit,perhap's the weather had put other's off.There were a few poppies at the memorial plaque to the 8 man crew of the Flying Fortress that crashed on August 4th 1943.

Julie paying her respect's by the memorial on the 2,802 foot summit.

It is only a quarter of a mile to Arenig Fawr South Top,another Nuttall,but in the strengthening wind which was blowing from the east crossing it's rocky summit was not an easy undertaking,great care was needed not to have an injury on the rock's.Julie near the 2,743 foot summit.

Heading south and descending the mountain the terrain get's very rocky so i had to take the trekking poles off Julie so she could hold the fence on the descent as the rock's were very slippery.Just as we reached the grassier part of the descent the cloud's started to lift,giving us faint view's at first and then the cloud disappeared all together affording us tremendous view's.The wind was still very strong,not as bad as our last walk on Llwytmor but not far off.

Finally a view to Moel Llyfnant.

The descent flatten's out to an area of small lakes and knoll's and in half a mile the summit of Arenig Fawr South Ridge Top (2,336) is soon reached.

My intention was to carry on south along the ridge to Craig y Bychau and cross to reach the south end of Moel Llyfnant and to search out the old mine working's on the ascent,but as it was horrendously windy i changed our plan's and we dropped down to the fence and crossed it to descend to an old wall where we took a break.we were sheltered from the wind on this side of the mountain and sitting in the sun it was very warm.Below,Julie admiring the view with Moel Llyfnant across the valley.

Crossing the boggy col we started our last big climb of the day and were soon getting buffeted by the strong wind's again.The cloud had been lingering on Moel yr Eglwys all day but as i glanced across she was now free of cloud.

Moel Llyfnant summit cairn with Moel yr Eglwys yonder.

The last time i descended this mountain i kept right and there was a tricky section of rock's that had to be negotiated so i headed further left and it was grassy all the way down to the track,result.

It is a 2.5 mile walk back to the car first passing the derelict property of Amnodd Bwll.

And Amnodd Wen.

The track here is very boggy until you reach the wall that lead's to to Craig y Hyrddod.

This track lead's down to the railway line and eventually back to the car.

After a quick change we headed to the Bryntirion Pub in Llandderfel for a sunday roast and a couple of pint's of Bragdy Conwy's fine ale.

The length of today's walk was 10 mile with 3,000 feet of ascent.


MILEAGE       422.5
ASCENT        104,150
TOPS              103.

#58.YORK and KNARESBROUGH.6-11-11.

Me and Julie spent the weekend in York and on the sunday we walked the city walls.Parking in the St. George's Field car park below the Skeldergate Bridge which span's the River Ouse.It was a beautiful sunny morning but quite cold being only 8 degree's

Crossing the bridge we climbed up onto the wall's via the Bishop Gate.

Somebody had placed a few geo-caches on the wall's so i picked these up as we walked around.With it being a gorgeous morning the wall's were very busy so stealth was required to grab the caches.

Micklegate Bar below.A bar is an entrance into the city.

York Minster now comes into view.

We now crossed the Lendal Bridge.

By now my memory card was full so we made a detour into town to find a camera shop to buy a new one,taking in a few of the sight's along the way back to the wall.The Shambles below.

The Minster.

Clifford's Tower.

The tower's very efficient grass cutter's.

Returning to the car we drove 15 miles to Knaresbrough to visit Mother Shipton's Caves.I looked at their website to find the postcode but didn't look at the opening times,i assumed it was open all year round,it shut's for November,December and January,doh.Oh well we had a walk along the River Nidd and visited the castle in this beautiful town.

8 miles were walked with a total of 500 of ascent.


MILEAGE        412.5
ASCENT          101,150
TOPS                99.

#57.CASTELL DINAS BRAN.30-10-11.

With the Essex girl's stopping a second night me and Julie had arranged to meet them in Llangollen on a glorious sunny calm day,we were going to assess Donna's injury and see if they fancied a walk locally.Donna said she felt a bit sore but wanted to try another walk.Sioban had made many journey's to Snowdonia down the year's and had alway's wanted to climb up to Castell Dinas Bran so this is what we decided on.Parking in the main car park in the town centre we walked across the River Dee and took the path that run's along side Ysgol Dinas Bran.It was really warm today and we walked at a gentle pace having lot's of stop's to take in the view's and for them to take photo's.Donna did well and we were soon at the castle were we had a good look around.
      I took them down the north side toward's the Eglwyseg before picking up the lane that lead's back down to the town.Taking the second footpath sigh we entered the field's where the path goes through a farm before dropping down to the Llangollen Canal.
    A nice gentle stroll brought us back into the town where Rich and Eva were waiting for us.We said our goodbyes before we headed for a sunday roast to the White Water Hotel.
   We walked 4 mile with 1,200 feet of ascent.


MILEAGE     404.5
ASCENT      100,650
TOPS            99.

#56.LLWYTMOR and LLWYTMOR BACH.29-10-11.

I had organised a forum meet up in the Northern Carneddau and we had a decent attendance of 15 member's.The forecast was for a sunny morning but clouding over bringing light rain,turning heavier in the afternoon and with wind's of up to 40-50 mph.
          I had arranged to car share with Julian and Deb so had made them a bacon toastie and cup of tea on their arrival.After breakfast we set off in Julian's car for the journey to Aber Fall's.It was a beautiful clear morning with a stunning sunrise but on approaching Llandudno it got cloudier and we were hit with a massive shower of rain.It didn't last long and we arrived at the Bont Newydd car park in glorious sunshine.
        The other walker's turned up with the exception of the Essex girl's who had stayed overnight in the Oswestry Travel lodge,a text from Donna confirmed they were on their way but had been held up by an overturned lorry.
        Our 9 a.m. meet time came and went so i went to find the nearby geo-cache and grab some photo's.

It was just after 10 a.m. when they arrived and 10.15 by the time we set off along the Afon Goch.

The pace was good on the easy path up to the fall's.

I tried to take another photo and my camera packed in,i went through the menu to see if anything was out of place but i think that it has just died through over use,never mind i have had it for a long time and took hundred's of photo's,time for a new one me think's.
      After a visit to the bottom of the fall's we headed up the scree path that lead's to the top of the fall's.Safely negotiating the slippery rock's we reached the top of the fall's in good time,i noticed that Donna had slowed up but Howie was accompanying her.The weather ahead looked foul,dark cloud's,and the wind started to pick up.Stopping by the sheep fold to wait for Donna and Howie a few spot's of rain started to fall so we donned our wet gear.Still following the Afon Goch Donna and Howie fell back again so i suggested a break behind some big rock's the afforded us some shelter.
    We had walked 2.5 miles in 4 hour's and i was concerned we wouldn't complete the circuit i had proposed so suggested a shortened route.I know some people were disappointed but the pace was very very slow.Moving again the walk steepen's sharply as it head's directly for the summit of Llwytmor.in 0.8 of a mile it climb's 1,170 feet.The wind was getting stronger by the minute and the team was really spread out now.Again Donna dropped back struggling with the steepness of the mountain,Sioban and Deb now staying with them and me and Julie about 50 metres away.When we looked down to them we saw that Donna was sitting down,we wondered if she had injured herself as the wind was making it difficult to cross the rock's,Julie had been blown over a couple of times.Dennis came down to us and then went down to see if Donna was alright.Howie and Sioban had come up to us to say that Donna had cramps and couldn't go any further.It was decided that Howie would take Donna,Deb and Dennis down and i would collect the other's and bring them down via Llwytmor Bach.So me,Julie and Sioban carefully ascended in the strongest wind i have walked in in year's.We had to crouch down and virtually walk on all four's to progress higher,nearing the summit shelter i sent Julie and Sioban to the col whilst i went to the shelter to relay the message about the other's,i told them my plan's and they were all in agreement and we left the safety of the shelter to meet Julie and Sioban at the col.We still had good view's,the rain was only light but i reckon the wind's were approx. 70-80 mph.Great care was needed leaving Llwytmor as it is a very rocky mountain but we safely reached the grassy saddle and made our way to Llwymor Bach.Here we had another break before descending down to the forest.We found a bit of shelter from the wind here but the rain became really heavy now as we entered the forest and made our way back to the car park.A fast pace down saw us arrive at the car park 10 minutes after the other's where we quickly changed and made our way to the Gladstone Hotel in Dwygyfychi for beer,a chat and a warm.Donna was feeling embarrassed but a lot better but everybody said they had enjoyed the day,especially battling against the wind.In total we walked 7 miles with 2,650 feet of ascent.


MILEAGE         400.5
ASCENT          99.450
TOPS                97.