Moel Famau Twice 14th August 2014

The first of several new wood sculptures around the woods.

Our first approach towards the summit.

At the Jubilee tower on Moel Famau, first time round.

At the entrance to the new steps up the Jubilee tower.

The Clwydian Hills looking North.

The second route up Moel Famau, seen from Ffrith Mountain.

On the Jubilee Tower, second time round.

On Jubilee tower, Moel Famau, second time round.

Walk stats: Distance: 6.8 miles. Climb: 1991'.

Time: 5 hours 34 minutes. On the move walking average: 1.8 mp.h. Overall walk average: 1.2 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Phil, Sue and Dave P.

Weatherwise we weren't sure if we would get any rain, and we set of from the car park, optimistically hoping we wouldn't get any! Alas the Beeb were right and just after an hour, we had to take shelter for about half an hour in the woods to miss most of the downpour. Even in the woods we needed our waterproofs on! Thankfully that was the worst of the weather, although we were in cloud as we arrived at the summit first time round. 

The route up Moel Famau was the "Purple Route", though our description of the route described it as the "Red Route"!

 As we left the summit we started to get good views in all directions and we debated which of the Snowdonia peaks we could see.

 We decided to vary the route slightly from the original route planned, so ended up having lunch sitting on a stone wall just before crossing Ffrith Mountain. By now we were in sunshine, but there was also a cool breeze, making a few of the group reluctant to remove waterproofs.

 The second approach up Moel Famau was new to all of us, and started with a very steep start through the woods and then along a track that wound its way through high vegetation on each side that restricted any views. Once above the tree line the path was better and the views opened up.

 The second time on the Jubilee Tower was much better, and we didn't have the place to ourselves as we had the first time round.

 Overall a good walk, with the bonu of seeing the Clwydian Hills decked in Purple Heather.

 Birds seen or heard today were few and far between, but included: Woodpigeon, Black-billed magpie, Carrion crow, Meadow pipit, Barn swallow and Common buzzard.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the "We Three Loggerheads Inn", where Hafod's "Hopper" went down well.