A Ponderosa Round 6th July 2017

A delightful track above Bryn-yr-odyn.

Looking across the Horseshoe Pass with the Llantysilio Mountains on the right.

Enjoying the shade on the descending path to Pant Glas.

The Eglwyseg Escarpments from the track leading to Fron-lwyd.

Lunch in the shade - West of Fron-lwyd.

Lunch in the shade of an old tree.

The bracken lined path West of Fron-lwyd.

"Where am I?"

" I don't know either!"

Walk stats: Distance: 6.6 miles. Climb: 1040'.

Time: 4 hours 34 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.0 m.p.h Overall walk average: 1.4 m.p.h. (Extra time spent enjoying the shade at lunch time!)

Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, David S., Mal and Ed.

We set off from the Ponderosa, not quite knowing exactly what weather we would get, but we knew it was going to be pretty warm. Thankfully we didn't get the thunder and lightening that some of the forecasters had hinted at.

 The green track crossing the moorland towards World's End is always delight with its superb views over the Llantysilio Mountains and at its highest point the escarpments on the East side of the Eglwyseg Valley.

 Our original plan was to follow Offa's Dyke Footpath along the the road past World's End until it reached Llandegla Forest.

 However we didn't get that far. After some debate it was decided to avoid the long trek on the road by following the bridleway past Fron-lwyd. This track, although only a gentle gradient, seemed a real slog in the heat and humidity of around mid-day.

 We were very grateful to find a large tree, giving everyone enough shade as we had our lunches. I fact I for one was very reluctant to set off again as I knew the rest of the walk mean being exposed to the full glare of the Sun. We could but hope for clouds to muster and a cool breeze to come to our rescue. Both did, but only briefly.

 I had by now already decided that for me the full walk was not an option, and that I would shorten the walk by heading for wireless Station as soon as I could. In the end everyone decided that in this heat and humidity that they would do the same.

 We arrived back at the car, happy that the walk was long enough under the conditions, explored one new path and still had water left to drink had we needed it. 

 Overall a very enjoyable walk, especially when the final descent from the Wireless Station gave us views of the scarred path over the Llantysilio Mountains, reminding us how much better it is to walk on the moors East of the Ponderosa.

 Not many birds were seen or heard today, but they included: Skylark, Meadow pipit, Barn swallow, Stonechat, Common whitethroat, Raven, Carrion crow, Grey wagatil and Woodpigeon.

 Afte walk drinks were enjoyed at the Red Lion at Penyfordd, where Timothy Taylor's Landlord went down well.