Ty Mawr Wybrnant from Dolwyddelan 24th February 2024

Moel Siabod above Dolwyddelan.

Another view of Moel Siabod above Dolwyddelan.

Distant views of Dolwyddelan Castle.

Glimpes of snow decked mountains of Eryri.

This was one of the better tracks.

Moel siabod again.

Still on a good track.

Looking back down the track showing signs of it boggy character - but worse was yet to come!

The track at the start of the forest challenge.

Bigger challenges were still to come.

A slightly better section of the forest track.

Approaching Ty Mawr Wybrnant.

Ty Mawr Wybrnant.

The slate notice at Ty Mawr Wybrnant.

The Wybrnant Valley.

Daffodils on the side of the track as we approach the school at Dolwyddelan.

The Snow Moon from home at the end of the day.

Walk Stats:
Distance: 8.9 miles. Climb: 1650’.
Time: 6 hours 9 minutes.
On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.4 m.p.h.
Temperature: 6.6 Celsius at the start. 15.7 Celsius mid walk in bright warm sunshine. 8.0 Celsius at Ty Mawr Wybrnant at lunch time (14-00 hours). 7.3 Celsius at the end of the walk.
Beaufort Wind Force: Not enough to measure .
Group: Martyn, Mike and Ed.
Surprisingly this turned out to a good day for walking, largely sunny, no wind, although we did have light hail briefly as we approached Ty Mawr Wybrnant.
As we climbed out of Dolwyddelan and looked back over the village we had good views of Moel Siabod and glimpses of snow decked higher mountains of Eryri.
Our main challenge today was on the section after Bwlch y Groes as the track went through the forest via Pigyn Esgob. Large sections of the track were covered by deep water with very peat boggy terrain next to it. Trying to get round these sections wasn’t easy and frequently we had to retreat into the trees. Both Mike and Ed managed to sink into the bog up to their knees. Going was slow, our overall walking average dropped to 1.1 m.p.h.
We were all thankful to hit the tarmac road leading to Ty Mawr Wybrnant where we had lunch using one of the picnic tables.
We anticipated easier going underfoot, but we had one more challenge, another flooded track between the Afon Lledr and the railway.
We arrived back at the cars to be serenaded by a Song thrush perched on top of a tree in the car park.
Birds seen or heard today included: Jackdaw, European robin, Common blackbird, Great tit Common buzzard, Meadow pipit and Raven.
Overall a walk with unexpected challenges, probably never to be repeated!
After walk drinks were enjoyed at The Stables in Betws-y-coed, where three beers from the Conwy Brewery were on offer. The pot of tea I had was excellent.
All the way home we had superb views of the Snow Moon, with an orange glow at first, eventually appearing white as the light faded.