Waterfall on the Nant Y Pandy
Ice coated heather.
Most of the group at the summit of Moel Fferna.
Michel getting the celebrations started.
Who's the naughty boy then?
On the easy track again.Walk stats: Distance: 9.5 miles; Climb: 2056'.
Time:5 hours 12 minutes; Walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Richard, Annie H., Nigel, Celia, Fran and Tito, Sylvia and Dave J., Sue and Michel.
Time:5 hours 12 minutes; Walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Richard, Annie H., Nigel, Celia, Fran and Tito, Sylvia and Dave J., Sue and Michel.
This birthday walk for Michel (one day early really) had a few more surprises than we anticipated. Nigel joined us for the first time for a long time on a Thursday - he obviously had withdrawal symptons from Moel Fferna.
The initial approach along Nant y Pandy followed closely to tumbling, cascading river, a beautiful sight when plenty of water is flowing as it was today. The remains of old slate processing sites added to the interest. On leaving the confines of the wooded section of Nant y Pandy we decided to take a slightly differen route to the high moorlands by follwing the path through Cwm Canol and climb the gently rising path up the valley side to tarmac road that goes across into the Ceiriog Valley. At this point it was very evident that the temperature was below freezing with ice clinging to anything that it could get hold off, dressing the heather, trees and fences with beautiful/magical adornments. Photographs don't do it justice, but the privilage of seeing them makes a lasting memory.
Approaching the summit of Moel Fferna became more difficult as the visibilty was greatly reduced, and the main party lost contact with the three in the advanced party. Unfortunately the O.S. map indicated paths at the wrong point and the main group continued close to the fence when they should have taken the track that went half right (as Celia initially wanted to). Eventually we realised that we had gone wrong and retraced our steps back to that point, and were soon reunited with the three n........ boys, who had by this time been waiting for about 30 minutes for us and had started look for us. We returned to the summit cairn/shelter where we could celebrate Michel's soon to arrive free bus pass status. Carva, rum laced fruit cake and lovely rich biscuits were enjoyed by all. Here the temperature wa very cold and unprotected hands soon began to suffer. What a welcome hot drinks were today!
The descent to the valley was now easy to follow and and the temperature roase as we dropped below the mist. All the surprise weren't yet over! Fran decided to investigate an unusal object at thwe top of the field, and was disappointed to find that it was only an old sack on a fence post, the purpose of which still eludes us. Finally, at a point where Dave J. had slipped about a year ago, Celia decided to do the same, hurting her dignity and getting wet muddy gloves and evidence in other areas too that this wasn't really the place to sit down.
We were soon back at the cars and eager to sample again the warm welcome and delights of the Grouse Inn at Carrog.
Birds seen or heard today were very few, they had more sense and stayed under cover. They did include: Robin, Wren, Raven, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, House sparrow and Fieldfare.
At the Grouse Inn, the first pint of Lees bitter was excellent, but the next few pints were a little on the cold side. Two of the group enjoyed hot cups of tea, eventually bringing them back to life!
The initial approach along Nant y Pandy followed closely to tumbling, cascading river, a beautiful sight when plenty of water is flowing as it was today. The remains of old slate processing sites added to the interest. On leaving the confines of the wooded section of Nant y Pandy we decided to take a slightly differen route to the high moorlands by follwing the path through Cwm Canol and climb the gently rising path up the valley side to tarmac road that goes across into the Ceiriog Valley. At this point it was very evident that the temperature was below freezing with ice clinging to anything that it could get hold off, dressing the heather, trees and fences with beautiful/magical adornments. Photographs don't do it justice, but the privilage of seeing them makes a lasting memory.
Approaching the summit of Moel Fferna became more difficult as the visibilty was greatly reduced, and the main party lost contact with the three in the advanced party. Unfortunately the O.S. map indicated paths at the wrong point and the main group continued close to the fence when they should have taken the track that went half right (as Celia initially wanted to). Eventually we realised that we had gone wrong and retraced our steps back to that point, and were soon reunited with the three n........ boys, who had by this time been waiting for about 30 minutes for us and had started look for us. We returned to the summit cairn/shelter where we could celebrate Michel's soon to arrive free bus pass status. Carva, rum laced fruit cake and lovely rich biscuits were enjoyed by all. Here the temperature wa very cold and unprotected hands soon began to suffer. What a welcome hot drinks were today!
The descent to the valley was now easy to follow and and the temperature roase as we dropped below the mist. All the surprise weren't yet over! Fran decided to investigate an unusal object at thwe top of the field, and was disappointed to find that it was only an old sack on a fence post, the purpose of which still eludes us. Finally, at a point where Dave J. had slipped about a year ago, Celia decided to do the same, hurting her dignity and getting wet muddy gloves and evidence in other areas too that this wasn't really the place to sit down.
We were soon back at the cars and eager to sample again the warm welcome and delights of the Grouse Inn at Carrog.
Birds seen or heard today were very few, they had more sense and stayed under cover. They did include: Robin, Wren, Raven, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, House sparrow and Fieldfare.
At the Grouse Inn, the first pint of Lees bitter was excellent, but the next few pints were a little on the cold side. Two of the group enjoyed hot cups of tea, eventually bringing them back to life!
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