At the summit cairn on Y Garn (is this Y Garn the third?) and no we aren't lost! 
The ridge heading for Pumlumon Fawr.
At the summit of Pumlumon Fawr - photo taken by Dave J.
Dave at the cairn on Pen Pumluman Llygad-bychan.
The waterfalls and the "secret valley", branching South off Cwm Hengwm.Distance:13.4 miles (14.4 miles); Climb:2886' (3486').
Time: 7 hours 16 minutes; On the move walking average:2.2 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:1.8 m.p.h.
Group:Martyn, Richard, Celia, Dave J. and Mike D.
After many years, more than I care to remember, of having this walk on the list, but until day never even attempted, at last the challenge has been completed! This was a first for all of us, and a long time has past since we last bagged 4 (5 for some) new Nuttall peaks in one day!
After many years, more than I care to remember, of having this walk on the list, but until day never even attempted, at last the challenge has been completed! This was a first for all of us, and a long time has past since we last bagged 4 (5 for some) new Nuttall peaks in one day!
This was a good day for attempting this walk, warm, mainly sunny weather, a nice cooling breeze/wind for most of the day, and a Spring that had been the driest for 79 years!
The initial ascent of Y Garn was not as easy as most of us would have liked, the tussocky grass made the going somewhat unpleasant to say the least! The picture of the group isn't a true reflection of what we felt, most of us were elated just to be there with a relatively easy path ahead to the summit of Pumlumon Fawr and the biting horseflies had been left behind. Three of the group decided to visit Pumlumon Fach, requiring over 300' of descent and an extra 300-400' of climb, I for one didn't think it was worth it!
The rest of us waited patiently at the summit cairn at Pen Pumlumon Llygad-bychan, where we heard the plaintive call of the Golden Plover, but hadn't been able to spot it. Fortunately later we did.
We had lunch at the cairns/shelter on Pen Pumlumon Arwysti, the shelter at this point was quite welcome as the wind had become quite blustery at this point.
The descent from here to the path on the Northern side of the Hengwm Valley wasn't one that will linger long my memory, if only things that you enjoy last! In fact crossing the footbridge over Afon Hengwm one mile short of the road back to the car was the most memorable point on this final section of the walk.
Rather surprisingly for this remote area, we saw quite a few other walker, several of which we happy to pass the time of day with us, and even give us good advice in terms of the final stages of our descent along the Hengwm Valley.
At least, all but one of us, arrived back at the car without getting wet feet.
Birds seen or heard today included: Meadow pipit, Skylark, Buzzard, Red kite, Wheatear, Raven, Stonechat, Swift and Golden plover (bird of the day).
After walk drinks were enjoyed by most of us at the Cholomendy Arms at Cadole and Celia bought the crisps again!
A fantastic walk, but what else could I say, when you have been wanting to do this walk for over 25 years!
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