Melin-y-Wig and Derwen 24th August 2017

Heading down the delightful green track leading to the valley and Llyn Derwen.

Distant hills on our way to Melin-y-Wig.

Our lunch spot near the Afon Clwyd.

Part of the delightful riverside path on the way to Derwen.

The Afon Clwyd between Melin-y-Wig and Derwen.

Looking South west down the Vale of Clwyd towards Melin-y-Wig.

The 15th century preaching cross in St Mary's church yard at Derwen.

Ffynnon Sarah, a medieval well, North of Derwen.

The last climb of the day on the track from Braich farm.

The Llantysilio Mountains from the track lading from Braich farm.

Not the easiest gate to negotiate!

Walk stats: Distance: 8.2 miles. Climb: 903'.

Time: 4 hours 57 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Oeral walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, David S., Celia and Jim.

The forecast said 5% chance of rain, but just as we were about to set off from the Boncyn Foel Bach Forest Enterprise Car Park, it began to rain and the rest of the group donned waterproofs, iI just sheltered underneath a tree. In fact it soon stopped and the rest of the day was pleasant with sunny intervals, some breeze, but no more rain.

 An early part of the walk headed South from Glan-y-gors through the forest, not a good experience. The path wasn't easy to follow, with many fallen trees barring the way, making it quite difficult to negotiate safely. What a relief when we eventually found the stile out of the forest into open fields.

 It was along the road from Llyn Derwen to Melin-y-Wig that we had our first good views of the hills towards the Arrenigs.

 At Melin-y-Wig we picked up the riverside path and our lunch spot. The riverside path is delightful, but at times had become eroded by high river floods.

 At Derwen, St Mary's church was open, so we paid it a visit as well as looking at the 15th century preaching cross in its grounds.

 The route from Derwen was largely uphill, with the occasional flatter sections. 

 Birds seen or heard today included: Common buzzard, Pied wagtail, Goldfinch, House sparrow, Common whitethroat, Barn swallow, Black-billed magpie, Woodpigeon, Carrion crow and Eurasian Jay.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Druids Inn at Llanferres, where Banks' Sunbeam went down well. Celia enjoyed her Kronenbourg 1664 so much, she wants us to go back again next week!