On the path to Bwlch Penbarra.
The from the rod s we descended the Coed Ceunant road.
A roadside trees with snow sticking to its branches.
Distant hills decked in snow.
Looking across the Coed Blaenant valley towards Cae-Mawr Farm.
Mike getting round the fallen tree,
The view from my lunch spot.
Lunch time.
Descending the path through Coed Rhiwisg.
We had to cross this field of mangelwurzels.
Going through one of the many new kissing gates.
Offa's Dyke Path south east of Moel Eithinen.
Walking on Offa's Dyke Path.
Nigel's photo of the birthday girl.
Another photo of the birthday girl in the snow.
Nigel checking the route?
When is Hare not a Hare?
When a closer look shows that it's bush!
The6e is plenty of snow on this side of Fron Hen.
Even the north facing wall is coated in snow.
Enjoying the snow.
Distance: 7.6 miles.Climb: 1657’ Time: 5 hours 4 minutes.
On the moves walking average: 2.1 m.p.h.
Overall walk average; 1.5 m.p.h.
Temperature: Around 4.7 Celsius. Lowest measured was 0.6 Celsius as we contoured around Fron Hen.
BWF: 0-3 Max 12.7 m.p.h. Gentle breeze.
Birds seen or heard included: Common blackbird, Common buzzard, Common chaffinch, European robin Long tiled tit, Carrion crow and Common chaffinch.
We knew that it was going to be cold, but none of us anticipated how much snow we would encounter.
We originally planned to start at Bwlch Penbarra, but the road to the top car park was very icy, so we eventually decided to park at the lower car park.
The nearby hills were covered in snow, giving us superb views as we descended the road
The only problem that we had was at the top of Coed Blaenant, where a tree had fallen across the path, but with care and Mike’s supporting role, we all managed to get past.
We stopped for lunch, just before joining the A494 Ruthin Road. It was Fran’s 27th birthday, so she treated us all to some home-made chocolate cake with quince jelly between the layers.
After lunch, as we left Coed Rhiwisg, heading for the Clwyd Gate, it was pleasing to note that all the stiles had been replaced with kissing gates. Not having to climb over awkward stiles, is always appreciated by the >70 members of the group.
After Clwyd Gate, I suggested that it preferred to miss out Foel Fenlli, and return to the car using path that contoured around the eastern slopes of Fron Hen. No-one objected.
It was on this section that we had to cross six-inch-deep snow with Hare foot prints. At point we were the fist to walk in the snow. There is something special about walking in virgin snow.
Overall, a very enjoyable walk, and one that will be repeated again in the future. After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Glasfryn, where the beer of choice was Purple Moose’s “Cwrw Eryri”.
After dropping me off, the Upton contingent, headed for the Wealstone in Upton, to continue their celebration of Fran’s birthday.
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