Mountain Archives - AnnMarie's Blog

Llyn Morwynion & Y Garnedd

Posted on March 15, 2019

A short walk in wild country to the east of Ffestiniog.

This walk is a little over 3 miles in length with around 700 ft of ascent. It takes in the small dammed lake ‘Llyn Morwynion’ and the peak of Y Garnedd. Most of the walk is across open-access land.

Parking is available (currently free) just off the B4391 near the viewpoint for Rhaeadr y Cwm. It is definitely worth taking a small diversion to view this cascade of falls. Some of this area can be very boggy, so do be prepared.

Leave the parking and walk west along the B road for a short distance before crossing a gate on the right and following the water company track to the dam of Llyn Morwynion. Proceed around the head of the lake on a small pathway. As you now walk northerly along the western edge of the lake, gradually climb to the higher ground away from the lake. The views behind you are extensive, across moorland towards Arenig Fawr.

Now turn north easterly along this small ridge towards Y Garnedd. Carefully choose a route across the marshy ground at the base of Y Garnedd before climbing up between rocky outcrops to the small summit. We found some colourful sheep amongst these rocks ..

The local sheep sporting a fashionable hair do in red.

Upon reaching the summit, perhaps pause to enjoy the views that continue to be panoramic across this upland region; including a view north to Llyn Mawr Gamallt & her crags.

Llyn Mawr Gamallt with Craig Goch y Gamallt beyond.

We now descended towards the south-east. Care must be taken here to avoid the loose rock / cliff falls by the old quarry. Skirt the southern edge of the quarry and zig-zag down to its access road. Follow this track for a short distance until it turns sharply to the left. It is possible to follow this track back to the road and walk along the road back to your car – this would avoid the boggy crossing. We however, turned off the track to head SW across the peat bog back to the northern edge of Llyn Morwynion. Care must be taken to select a suitable route (especially in winter). Upon reaching the lake, turn left, through a small gateway and follow the narrow path along its edge back towards the dam. This is a very peaceful upland lake, slightly sheltered from the wind on the day of our walk (see post header picture).

As we crossed this tufty marsh grass area, a well camouflaged short-eared owl took off just in front of me. There was no time for a quality photo but I did get this quick snap of him.

To return to the car park, either retrace your steps along the dam access road or take the indistinct footpaths across the rough grassland, as indicated on the outline guide map below.

Do take a few minutes to enjoy the nearby waterfall viewpoint, or perhaps follow the footpath down closer to the river cascades.

The cascading waterfalls of Rhaeadr-y-cwm - as the Afon Cynfal descends from high on the moorland east of Ffestiniog. — The cascading waterfalls of Rhaeadr-y-cwm – as the Afon Cynfal descends from high on the moorland east of Ffestiniog.

Map:

Exploring Cwm Prysor

Posted on January 14, 2019

Alongside the A4212 from Trawsfynydd to Bala runs the old disused railway line, a section of which has kindly been made in to a permissive footpath. We took the opportunity of a fine January morning to explore the section through Cwm Prysor, with its fine old viaduct being the centre of attraction. A small amount of parking is available at the side of the main road, see map below. The walk is a straight walk & return that is mainly level and which can be extended or shortened to suit your wishes.

Parts of the walk can be quite wet despite following the old rail line but these damp cuttings offer much in the way of mossy foliage & trickling water.

Icy clutching fingers protrude from the cutting walls

As one approaches the viaduct it is possible to view from the left side of the line. A little closer and one can carefully drop down the forest edge of the viaduct to join the North – South FP right of way (which barely exists anymore). I can’t say that this is an ‘official’ or recommended action but it does give access to more dramatic views of the viaduct.

Morning light floods in to the forestry under the arches of Cwm Prysor Viaduct

The highest arch of the viaduct is 105 feet tall, certainly enough that perspective corrections were needed on my HDR image stack above! There are more photos taken from this lower footpath in the gallery at the end of this post.

Heading back up to the rail line, we can now cross the viaduct, taking care not to lean too firmly against the old fencing at the edge of the precipice.

The view westward along Cwm Prysor viaduct

On our previous walk, over Arenig Fawr, we had spotted the viaduct from the summit; this prompted our exploration of Cwm Prysor a few days later. Don’t miss the view back to Arenig Fawr from on the viaduct..

Arenig Fawr as viewed from Cwm Prysor viaduct.

Having crossed the viaduct, one can now continue westwards along the old line. It is possible to take diversions in to the hills via paths and open access land or to reach as far as Trawsfynydd; check your maps. The views open up westwards, towards the Rhinogs.

From the old Trawsfynydd to Bala rail line

Once you’ve walked far enough for your liking, just retrace your steps back to the start. On our return walk I paused just before reaching the viaduct to take this infra-red photograph of the scene, hoping to give the viaduct view an old but timeless feel ..

The old Trawsfynydd - Bala viaduct at Cwm Prysor. Photographed in infra-red. — The old Trawsfynydd – Bala viaduct at Cwm Prysor. Photographed in infra-red.

It’s a great walk for a fine day. In spring & summer the old line will be busy with birds & butterflies, in winter it’s a peaceful walk with great views.

Map:

Gallery (click on any image to bring it up as a slideshow with exif data):

Morning light floods in to the forestry under the arches of Cwm Prysor Viaduct
Arenig Fawr as viewed from Cwm Prysor viaduct.
Cwm Prysor viaduct from the forestry
From the old Trawsfynydd to Bala rail line
Cwm Prysor – Looking north at the viaduct from the footbridge.
Looking west along the old railway line
The old Trawsfynydd – Bala viaduct at Cwm Prysor. Photographed in infra-red.
The view approaching the viaduct from the east.
Icy clutching fingers protrude from the cutting walls
The view westward along Cwm Prysor viaduct
One of the old rail line cuttings

An enjoyable scenic route over Arenig Fawr

Posted on January 7, 2019

The Arenigs are a less walked group of Snowdonian peaks, yet Arenig Fawr with its central positioning, enjoys huge panoramic views across most of Snowdonia. Here’s a circular route that we walked early on a very frosty January morning. The GPS track reported 7.25 miles of distance with about 2000 ft of climb. Allow 4 hours or so – more in adverse conditions. The ascent follows paths that are generally obvious whilst the descent & return crosses un-pathed grassy slopes before following tracks & lanes back to the start.

We start at a small lay-by on the minor road south of Llyn Celyn (if no parking is available here, then park at the old quarry just west of Arenig village). Cross the lane and follow the track uphill away from the road in an initially south-westerly direction. This path twists and turns over the moorland of Moel y Garth with beautiful views down on your left towards Bala and Llyn Tegid.

Golden light pours into the valley and begins to lift the sleepy mists of night.

The track gives access to the small dam of Llyn Arenig Fawr and we shall soon find ourselves descending slightly to this beautiful lakeside. Here you will find a small walker’s bothy that could provide some useful shelter on a less pleasant day. Cross the ladder style next to the bothy and head across just below the dam.

If your are lucky enough to have great weather (as we did) the morning reflections in Llyn Arenig Fawr are glorious and it is well worth while pausing to soak up some of the tranquillity.

Llyn Arenig Fawr in the winter golden hour. Reflections and warm glow on a frosty morning.

Now we must climb up the hillside to the south of the lake, via Carreg Lefain and on to the point known as Y Castell. The climb is steeper here and follows a smaller path but the way is clear and there are no significant obstacles.

Having crossed an old dilapidated fence-line near Y Castell, we continue ahead, slightly less steeply for the moment. Shortly we will find ourselves walking parallel to another fence-line and with great views of Arenig Fawr ahead. Whilst there are various options here, we chose to cross the fence-line to our right and head uphill on to the shoulder of Arenig Fawr.

Now progress consistently uphill south westerly towards the summit. There’s a little patch of scree and boulders but the path makes for easy crossing along its upper edge. Eventually you will notice the summit trig point ahead of you.

The views from the summit are spectacular, though you will need a clear day to appreciate it at its best. Rhobell Fawr & Cadair Idris to the south (see header feature photo), Snowdon a little over 17 miles to the north plus Rhinogs, coastline and more to the west. As so often, there was a little haze on our morning but still very enjoyable views.

From the summit of Arenig Fawr: Moelwyn, Cnicht, Nantle Ridge.

There are lots of possibilities for the descent from here, we chose to partially retrace our steps for a few metres to the NE. A westerly facing gully will be noticed just beneath you (headed by an old post when we were up there). Drop down through this gully and then bear to your right (NE again) to carefully descend on to the rough grassy western slope of Arenig Fawr.

From here we are crossing pathless open access land to descend towards the old abandoned farmhouse of Amnodd-wen. As you get lower down the slope, head for the gateway through the stone wall and then down onto the track just south of Amnodd-wen, turning right (northerly) when you reach it. It’s worth pausing at Amnodd-wen to look back at the mountain you’ve just crossed, as well as to perhaps consider what life was like living here in years gone by.

Now follow this track to the north. When you meet the old railway line do not stray on to it, just continue to follow the track back to the local lane. When you reach the lane, turn right on to it and follow it back through Arenig village to where you parked. A beautiful walk which you may well have all to yourself.

Maps & more photos below.

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Route Map:

Gallery:

Ode of the Dawn Walker

Posted on January 5, 2019

Ode of the Dawn Walker

As golden flood pours in
Sleepy night gives way to mists of morn
In vale below the cock doth crow
And hound speaks forth
The darkness sundered and torn.

The tweet of birds stirring in heather
The prominences of walker fresh & cold
Caressed by sun born anew, like gentle glowing feather.
Still the frosted path leads ahead
A serpent slithering amongst the mountain folds.

Reflections deep and vivid speak
Eye to the soul of mountain borne
Up ridge, through col to lonesome peak
View and atmosphere a magic spawn
This traveller shall return, for another dawn.

Aperture: ƒ/6.3
Credit: AnnMarie Jones
Camera: COOLPIX B700
Caption: Morning path to Llyn Arenig Fawr
Copyright: AnnMarie Jones
Focal length: 5.4mm
ISO: 100
Keywords: Landscape, Mountain, Seasons, Winter, scenic
Shutter speed: 1/1600s
Title: Walking into the Sunrise

(inspired by a lovely walk, whose route I’ll post next week)

Carneddau Excursion (Cwm Eigiau loop)

Posted on December 20, 2018

A glorious circular route in the Carneddau, from the remote parking near Llyn Eigiau (SH732663).
A Snowdonia walk for the more adventurous, taking in less walked peaks and an enjoyable ridge.

Summary:
Approximately 9 miles and 2800 ft of ascent.
Section 1 – mainly stoned tracks to Cwm Eigiau quarry.
Section 2 – craig ascent & ridge-walk – mixed rock & grass, some exposure.
Section 3 – descent – unmarked pathless heather & grass.
Allow 6+ hours for an enjoyable day.

The attached map shows our approximate route; given the nature of the terrain you may wish to modify this to suit your own needs. There are several rocky traverses that would become quite challenging in wintry conditions and the potential drops are significant; please be well equipped for the conditions and be confident in your own skills.

Approach:
Take the B5106 alongside the Afon Conwy to Tal-y-bont. In the village turn west up the single track lane to Llyn Eigiau. Note: During snowy spells the lane may become a challenge, even for well shod 4x4s. Park in the car park at the end of the road, SH 732 663.

Walk:
Leave the car and walk down the access track to Llyn Eigiau. The break in the dam wall that caused the 1925 disaster, resulting in the loss of 16 lives, can be noted on the right of this track.

Craig Eigiau towers up behind the broken dam wall of Llyn Eigiau.

Continue onward until meeting the main dam wall, at which point turn left over a bridge and then right to follow the lower path along the left side of the wetland. After a short while follow the main path as it crosses the valley floor to the right and bridges the Afon Eigiau.

Crossing Afon Eigiau and the marshy area that would have been flooded when the dam was built.

The track now climbs steadily upwards in to Cwm Eigiau, passing by a small lone dwelling. It is well worth pausing to look back at the view of the valley, as well as keeping an eye open for the Carneddau ponies that live here.

Looking back along Cwm Eigiau from the upper quarry track.

In due course you will come to the old quarry at the end of this track. At this point, we now need to swing right and proceed northerly up the rough grass slope, heading for the waterfalls that feed the Afon Eigiau and located on the north-eastern edge of the craig.

The old quarry workings at the head of Cwm Eigiau with Craig yr Ysfa beyond.

Skirt the left-hand side of this small cascade and head uphill amongst grass & boulders to reach a small plateau. We paused here for a few snacks before moving on again. From here the going is both rough and steep heading up to the higher plateau of Penywaun-wen, beneath the summit of Carnedd Llewelyn. After a careful clamber up to this point, we found it to be a good place to pause for some lunch. The views around are stunning, Carnedd Llewelyn immediately to the NW, Cwm Eigiau down to the east, Tryfan & Glyderau to the SW – you may even spot Snowdon beyond.

The shimmering blue waters of Ffynnon Llugwy.

Now continue south-easterly along the ridge to Bwlch Eryl Farchog and then up to Pen yr Helgi Du. This section does include a short stretch, that some consider to be a scramble; if wearing a backpack, as we were, you’ll definitely want to be ‘hands on’. Furthermore in windy / icy / snowy conditions even more care should be taken – its not desperately narrow but the drops are big. Once at the Pen yr Helgi Du end, you can enjoy the view back of what you’ve just crossed.

Looking back across Bwlch Eryl Farchog on approach to Pen yr Helgi Du.

Having negotiated the rocks to Pen yr Helgi Du summit, there is a more relaxing & grassy descent to a ladder style at the top of Bwlch y Tri Marchog, before climbing the grassy bank of Pen Llithrig y Wrach (Peak of the slippery Witch), what a name! More interesting views open up from here, especially looking north over Llyn Eigiau, past where you parked, to the N. Wales coast and its offshore windfarm.

Looking north from Pen Llithrig y Wrach over Llyn Eigiau to the North Wales coastline.

It’s now time to descend. We headed NE at first, before heading towards the disused quarry workings. There are no paths here, it is rather damp walking across boggy heather. At the old quarry (care needed), pick up the path that will quickly lead you back to the original outgoing path. Now simply retrace your earlier steps, back to the car parking. See below for a few further photos and for the route map.

You may also enjoy my earlier blog post “Carneddau Ponies” with pictures of the ponies that live on this highland region of Wales.

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Map:

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