Clip-y-Orsedd, The Druids Circle and More 18th October 2014

Llanfairfechan from the path near Henar Farm.

Still climbing, but only just sure that we are on the right path!

At the Druids Circle.

Heading back after lunch.

It took 4 attempts to get ALL of these two ponies in the same frame!

Penmaenmawr and Foel Lus framed by a rainbow.

Our last view towards Clip-y-Orsedd.

Walk stats: Distance: 10.0 miles. Climb: 1800' (Estimated as it was a wind assisted 3530' on the GPS)

Time: 5 hours 37 minutes. On the move waking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Celia and Mike.

Optimistically we hoped that the Beeb weather forecast would be right and that it would be warm and only the occasional shower. They were right, but we hadn't appreciated just how strong the wind would get. I've always regarded myself to have the physique quite suited to be an anchor man, but attempting Clip-y-Orsedd, I found myself sitting on the ground!

 Nevertheless we still soldiered on, battling to stay upright as we headed for the the stone circle. Our next problem was to find a suitable place to have lunch, protected from the wind if possible. Lunch was taken at the junction of paths between Foel Lus and Craig Hafodwen, where there was a convenient bench for us to sit on. Celia chose to sit on the grass sheltered from the wind by a large stone.

 We had longer than usual for lunch, Mike had finished his apple before we set off (I think I must have been trying to put off the return journey when we would be heading in to the wind.)

 The views today were good, especially towards the coast, but occasionally we had glimpses of the higher Carneddau mountains.
 Overall an enjoyable walk, despite the wind.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Carrion crow, Jackdaw, House sparrow, Common blackbird, Raven, Common buzzard, Common kestrel, Stonechat, Common starling and Meadow pipit.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Bluebell at Halkyn where the ciders went down well as did Facers' Bluebell bitter (although Mike did say he preferred the Lees bitter!).