Moel Famau 6th March 2014

Looking back down the path we had just climbed, 

but alas this was the "E" route, not the "Red" route planned.

The entrance to the magnificent new steps to the top of the Jubilee Tower.

The path contouring the Northern slopes of Moel Famau.

Trying to find a mud-free route along the path leading to Ffrith Mountain.

Walk stats: Distance: 6.2 miles. Climb: 1362'.

Time: 3 hours 38 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger, Annie, Celia and David S.

We set off from the lower car park, intending to visit the summit of Moel Famau twice, but after visiting the tower the first time we decided to change our plans. The top was in cloud, views none-existent and it was pretty windy as well, and no-one was keen on the idea of revisiting the top in the hope of better views.

 The route through the forest was pleasant enough, but somehow we ended up on a path that took us to the Offa's Dyke path about a mile South of the summit, rather than the Red route path that should have taken us much closer.

 The new set of steps up the Southern side of the tower had been well constructed and blended in well with the rest of the brickwork of the tower, so much so that I didn't notice the concealed entrance as I approached from the North west side.

 Lunch was taken South of Ffrith Mountain, just before the path contoured around the Eastern edge of Coed Cefn-goleu. We were able to take advantage of the stones on an old field boundary wall.  Margaret Smith kindly provided us all with Welsh cakes in celebration of St.,  David's Day, this being the nearest Thursday walk day to the 1st. They we appreciated by all who were fortunate enough to be on the walk and were able to sample them. Thanks Margaret.  I suppose we should thank Roger too as he carried them in his ruck-sac.

 Birds seen or heard today were few and far between but included: Blue tit, Great tit, Coal tit, European robin, Carrion crow, Common buzzard, Meadow pipit, Skylark and Raven.

 This was my first shorts walk of the year, but it was only the Skylarks singing that reminded me it was Spring!

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the We Three Loggerheads, where Hafod brews were on off. I had to sample the Moel Famau brew that tuned out to be more of a stout than a bitter. Everyone else were on soft drinks, teas or coffees!

 The walk was much shorter than usual, but it meant that we were able get home early to enable Roger to be home for the return of Cinderella and Celia to sort out the over heating in her car problem.