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Showing posts from April, 2018

Circular hike around the slopes of the Moelwyns

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4 mile hike skirting across the slopes of the Moelwyns, using a very convenient old tramway bed. The start point from the road is already quite high, which makes the onward ascent towards Moelwyn Mawr much easier. Old tramway Parking is roadside on the gated minor road between Tan-y-Bwlch and Croesor , uphill from the entrance to Penrallt (farm). Parking at roadside summit of minor road                                        What to bring Wear stout footwear, and expect it to be boggy in places. Bring a packed lunch, which we can eat while resting high up on the tramway, whilst admiring the sweeping view down to Croesor. Moelwyn Bach Head of the incline Obstacles: There is only a one low stile, high up on Moelwyn Mawr and about half way round the route. Contemplating the stile on Moelwyn Mawr The ascent is a long steady slope. Can be boggy after rain. You may want to scramble around the old mine buildings, but otherwise the going and the gradient is

Short (steep) walk in Cwm Pennant

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Short and initially steep walk (of only 2 miles) up through woodland to reach the restored Cwm Cypwrth copper mine. Inspecting the old copper-mining equipment The riverside pool is a great place for paddling and picnicing (so maybe arrive early with a picnic ?!!!) Riverside parking place, excellent for a picnic and a paddle Parking place (and starting point for walk) is here: https://goo.gl/maps/i9hsg8FSQGJ2 The first 200 yards are across a sheep pasture - (so dogs on leads!). There are two substantial post-and rail stiles, (which may need a bit of dog-lifting assistance for the less agile!), but no other sgnificant obstacles. One of the two stiles encountered en route The short ascent through the woodland is by a reasonably steep stony path, though there are several points for a rest on the way up. At one point the route currently diverts around a fallen tree. There is a good viewpoint for a proper rest after the second stile, so time to take a break and a

Hike up to Llyn Tan-y-graig and the New Precipice walk

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A moderate 4.5 mile walk up from Llaneltyd village to the Llyn Tan-y-graig reservoir, then via the old mine tramways along the New Precipice Walk . (Much safer than it sounds! Stunning views of the Mawddach Estuary.)  Return to Llaneltyd via the lower woodland paths. Mawddach Estuary panorama The "Precipice" is a flat track cut into the valley side, on the slopes of Foel Ispri, and makes use of an old tramway which was built to serve the workings of the long-abandoned Voel goldmine. There are stunning views of the Mawddach estuary as far as the Barmouth viaduct, and across to Dolgellau and the Arans in the other direction. Directions From Dolgellau and the south : A470 just north of Dolgellau; turn right onto minor road signposted Cymer Abbey. Follow Cymer Abbey signs but stop short and park near No Through Road down to the  old Llaneltyd Bridge From Trawsfynydd and the north : A470 100 yards BEFORE roundabout with A496 north of Dolgellau, and 3.5 miles sou

Stroll - Morfa Nefyn beach and Porthdinllaen headland circular

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This easy 2.5 mile walk has sweeping sea views across to Anglesey. Portdinllaen was once a bustling port, but lost its trade to the likes of Liverpool and Holyhead. Porthdinllaen headland, once an Iron Age promontory fort From the high point on the cliff top at Morfa Nefyn, walk down onto the sandy beach at the foot of the Portdinllaen cliffs. Follow the beach round to the headland. At the lifeboat station, take the access road up onto the cliff top (once an Iron Age fort,) and return to Morfa Nefyn. Historical Iron Age fort information The date of this walk makes use of the opportunity to dog-walk on this stretch of beach before the May-September high season dog ban takes effect. Beach by the Lifeboat Station Parking National Trust Car Park, (opposite Caffi Porthdinllaen), Morfa Nefyn LL53 6DA There is a charge for this car park, except for National Trust members. Directions From A497 take B4412 into Morfa Nefyn.  Follow Lon Pen Rhos towards Golf Club.