Berwyns              Saturday 24^th April 2004

 From the wonderfully situated village of Llangynog at the head of the Tanat valley Colin, David, Matt and Ann set off along Cwm Rhiwarth on a truly excellent morning.  If there was ever a day to introduce three friends to a new hill walking location then this was the day.  Warm sunshine, blue skies and spring really was here.

As the lane turned to a track Ann got the opportunity to test out her improving Welsh on a friendly local farmer before we climbed to the head of the cwm and rested while looking back at the length of the valley we had walked.  Further on we crossed the Bala road and headed for the main ridge.  Here a wooden walkway has been constructed to aid progress across the moor.  Not that attractive, but when it finishes you realise how useful it is.  Today was not particularly wet underfoot, but there were still soggy areas to avoid before we reached drier ground and the summit of Moel Sych.  From here we could see the Arans with Cadair Idris beyond. The Rhinogs were prominent as were the Moelywns, Arenigs and even Snowdonia could be seen in the haze beyond.

Avoiding the direct descent we continued on to Cadair Berwyn along the escarpment before descending to Llyn Lluncaws for another break.  Here there was Wheatear, Buzzard and Ring Ouzel along with the more common Skylarks and Meadow Pipits.  Lower down, the path followed the attractive Nant y Llyn before we reached Tan y pistyll and the Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall. 

Watching the waterfall while enjoying a relaxing drink at the café proved to be therapeutic.  The advantages of this near idyllic situation had its downside however, as there was a re-ascent of 230 metres to return to our starting point.  The sun seemed to be at its strongest as we headed uphill, but we were soon at the top.  After a steep descent and a few minutes to investigate a mine level, the walk back to Llangynog was soon completed followed by a well deserved pint and bowl of chips at the local pub.

Colin Green

Arenig Fach           Saturday 17^th April 2004

 From a parking area on the north side of Llyn Celyn Colin, Keith, Michele and Eileen took the forest track that headed up towards Carnedd y Filiast.  Surprisingly there were other walkers here - this is not well walked country.  Overtaking them we began to warm up on the ascent, but as we reached higher ground it was clear there was a cool wind.  An annoying 60 metre descent that seemed further was soon regained as we headed up towards the highest point.  Here we diverted to the minor top of Waun Garnedd-y-filliast before returning to Carnrdd y Filliast and its trig point.

From here Arenig Fawr, the highest point of the day, looked a long way off as we followed the fence line to the west.  A detour for another minor top meant another walker caught us up - busy day on these hills.  The going, though straightforward, became very wet underfoot with only islands of dry grass.  As we rested after crossing the Afon Gelyn the water could be seen pouring off the peaty heather into the stream in waterfalls.  The ascent of the Arenig was less wet but there was more heather.  Fortunately traces of a path could be found and higher up a track followed a ridge close to the summit. 

On top the wind had really got up and we made use of the summit shelter before we started to beat a retreat.  Clouds to the west had darkened and as we started to descend steep heather a sharp cold shower came across.  Lower down it eased though a couple more caught us as we continued across the trackless heather and grass moor.

As we approached Llyn Celyn an easy way was found between fields and a farm to reach the road.  All that was now left was a kilometre or so of road taking us back to our starting point – and dry too.  And as if to complete a fine day a pub meal at one of our favourites – The Old Three Pigeons at Nescliffe.

Colin Green