Clare and I were there last week with 6 friends sharing a rather nice farm
cottage, Tyn-y-cornel, 6 miles southwest of Cadair Idris (as the crow
flies!). Now, the main aim of the week was to celebrate our good friend
Anna's 40th birthday, which we did in great style. But, as we were all keen
outdoor people, be it cycling or walking, we spent everyday outdoors
exploring the area. My first time in that region of Snowdonia, and I was
really impressed with the surrounding mountains.
So where did we walk?
The first was a 6 mile circuit from the cottage, visiting the peak of Birds
Rock at 751ft, apparently a famous nesting ground for the Chuff bird. The
start took us NE along the Afon Dysynni past Dysefin Farm to the small
campsite at Llanllwyda. Joining the narrow lane at the campsite, we then
followed the path up the east side of Birds Rock, before branching off right
up to the top of the northern peak. Interestingly, near the top we came
across a staked TV Ariel pointing back into the valley. (Must be poor
reception down below.) A short walk brought us to the rocky summit of Birds
Rock - which was actually a stone circular wind shelter. It was needed too
as the wind was really howling up the valley from Cardigan Bay. After a
snack-break, we set of down 'off-piste' through gorse and bracken to join
the bridlepath skirting around Birds Rock. We descended down to Gesail then
followed the lanes back over the Afon Dysynni and up through the woods to
the cottage. Not a long walk, or high, but still a refreshing outing ......
and although it was overcast and windy, we survived the rain.
Next walk was a two-pass walk from Llanfihangel-y-pennant, a short drive
northeast up the south side of Afon Dysynni, parking across the road from
the Chapel. The start was east following the boggy track close to Nant yr
Eira south of Mynydd Tyn-y-fach to above Cedris Farm southwest of
Tal-y-Llyn. We dropped down slightly then followed the track northeast
through the forest to reach the farm cottage at Rhiwogetof, high above
Tal-y-Llyn. It was then back north west through yet another boggy valley
south of Mynydd Pencoed to reach Pencoed. A steepish descent south brought
us to the track which we followed back to the lane at Tyn-yddol. A short
walk on the lane and we were soon back at the car. Another murky outing,
but again no rain, and a little sunshine through the clouds in the final
stage of the walk.
Walk 3 saw Clare and I alone as we ascended Cadair Idris from the car park
at Minffordd, northeast of Tal-y-Llyn. I got the impression that Cadair
Idris must be like Helvellyn on Bank Holiday weekend! We did the walk on
Friday before the crowds arrived for the weekend but there was still plenty
of walkers around. It was an exhilarating walk, and more so after all the
rain. The Nant Cadair was a raging torrent as it roared its way down
through the woods of Dol-y-cae. Stunning sights, more so as last Friday was
sunny making the rich green of the vegetation striking against the pure
white of the rapids. So, after climbing the steps, it was a gentle walk
around to the rich blue of Llyn Cau - nestling in the bowl below the summit.
Interestingly, there was an inflatable boat being rowed across the Llyn.
Strange sight. Anyway, turning left we follow the path over Craig Cau to the
summit of Cadair Idris. Stunning views from the top, and the way up. Hot
coffee and a snack in the sun refreshed us, after which we made our way
across to Mynydd Moel. After more photos, we turned south and descended
back to Nant Cadair above the forest - and to a slight problem! We had
noticed the torrent of water on the way up, but thought we would find a
suitable crossing point not too far up stream. Not so. It was raging way up
stream and dangerous to cross. So we returned to where the path meets the
Nant and reconsidered our options. It was of boots, and waded through the
water taking great care not to lose our balance. Cold and stony, but we
crossed OK, and the shorts had almost dried by the time we reached the car.
Brilliant outing up a rather impressive mountain.
Out final walk on the Saturday was again from the cottage. Not a summit
walk, but a little remote and quiet. In fact, in the seven miles we saw two
cyclist. The route took us northeast again to near the campsite passed on
our first walk, but this time we continued up following the Afon Dysynni to
meet the little lane leading to Bodilan. Turning left up the valley, we
passed the farm then branched off left onto a Bridlepath. It was a steep
climb up to Mynydd Pen-rhiw before turning north onto a gentler incline.
Passing between the peaks of Esgair Berfa and Trawsfynydd, we joined the
track near Cwn Llwyd then headed south to above Peniarth-uchaf. It was then
on a series of footpaths for a short distance back to Tyn-y-cornel. An
overcast day again, but no rain and little wind.
So, that was our last walk, and what an introduction to the region. The
walks averaged about 7 miles with between 1200 to 3200ft of ascent.
Although three of the walks were from our cottage, they could all be done
from convenient locations along the route.
What a fantastic week we all had, and what a way to celebrate a 40th
birthday - cheers to Anna and Kevin for the week. And to Tim & Jill and
Tony & Gill for helping to make the week a great success.
Photos from along each walk will be on my website soon, hopefully before the
end of this week.
--
Sandy Saunders @ www.thewalkzone.co.uk
"Mountains or Mole Hills ..... reaching the
summit still brings the same excitement"