Arenig Fawr 2nd August 2008

At the memorial and summit shelter on Arenig Fawr.
Arenig Fawr from Gallt y Darren
Back on a path at last after descending into the valley from Gallt y Darren.

Walk stats:Distance:13.1 miles; Climb:4539'.

Time:7 hours 5 minutes;Walking average:2.1 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:1.8 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn; Richard, Roger, Sylvia and Dave J.

Arenig Fawr the Nuttalls way. Thankfully the weather was kind to us and we experienced only a few spots of rain at lunchtime. Temperatures were good despite a cooling wind accompanying us for most of the day. At times the sun even shone! The walk across the main ridge of Arenig Fawr is always worth the effort, and even crossing the boggy area before ascending Moel Llyfnant isn't to bad, but the tortuous route to Foel Boeth and the descent from Gallt y Darren to the old railway track will be assigned to the "I've done them once and never again" group of peaks. Despite the mile after mile of bog hopping and the challenge of over four thousand feet of ascent and at times lagging about a mile behind Richard, this challenging walk was enjoyed by all and aching knees were revived with a pint of Great Orme bitter at the Cholomendy Arms at Cadole.

The start birds of the day were a pair of Pied flycatchers dashing on and off the fence wires in front of us near the start of the walk.

Birds seen or head today included: Pied flycatcher, Pied wagtail, Grey wagtail, Buzzard, Kestrel, Meadow pipit, Wheatear, Carrion crow, Chough, Redstart and Swallow.

Arenig Fawr will be climbed again, but my way not the whole Nuttall way!

Richard has reminded me that once again we had to come to the rescue of a sheep trapped by its head and wool in the wire fence. Its only sign of gratitude was that it dashed away down the track and at one point springinging into the air kicking its legs backward like a gambling lamb full of the joys of spring!