The Vale of Clwyd rom the Northern slopes of Moel Arthur.
Waiting at the summit of Moel Arthur.
Looking towards Pentcloddiau from Moel Arthur.
Looking towards Moel Famau from Moel Arthur.
The Vale of Clwyd from the terack on the Western side of Penycloddiau.
Heading towards the muddy section of the track on the Western side of Penycloddiau.
The summit of Penycloddiau.
Walk stats: Distance: 7.6 miles. Climb: 1736' (Wind assisted GPS reading). In reality about 1680' on Memory Map Route calculation, so not as much wind assistance s I expected!
Time: 4 hours 37 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Nigel and Fran.
We set off, knowing that rain was on it way, but exactly when we didn't know. The wind as well could have been an issue with gusts of upto 28 m.p.h. a possibiity. At least at the moment it we had no weather issues to worry us.
The climb from Coed Llangwyfan up the Northern flank of Moel Arthur is never a route I look forward to, but at least the steep what seems an endless climb usually gives views to appreciate when we arrive at the summit of Moel Arthur, but not so today.
Distant views today were not brilliant, but at least we could see Moel Famau and the extent of the flooding in the Vale of Clwyd.
After descending fom Moel Arthur, a short section led us to the track ariund the Western flank of Moel Arthur, always pleasant, if you can negotiate any muddy sections.
After passing the intriguing, now completed house, Pen-y-bryn, we set off alomg the track around the Western side of Penycloddiau. It was now mid-day, so our objective was to find a suitable spot for lunch, but not before passing the metal water tank that has become etched into our memories. Reaching this landmark seemed to take for ever, but i was only about half an hour after starting along the track.
After lunch we continued along the Clwydian Way e extensive views of the flooded sections of the Vale of Clwyd, accompanied by a wind that was beginning to increase in strength.
The last section of our walk took us along the Offa's Dyke Path on a mile clong climb up the North western slopes of Penycloddiau, a seemingly endless slog, more so today when the wind did its best to blow us off our feet.
Thankfully we only experience a few drops of rain around lunch time, so we arrived back at the car having had a good walk, quite tired and at least one side of our face feeling weather beaten!
Birds seen or heard today included: Common pheasant, Great tit, Common kestrel, Common buzzard, Winter wren, Raven, Red legged partridge, Eurasian jay. and Carrion Crow.
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Glasfry at Mold , whereBrunning and Price's house bitter, Purple Moose's Snowdonia Ale and Newton Pale ale all went down well.
Even better as we left the Glasfryn for home, it was now raining steadily - wee had definitely made the most of the day without getting wet!
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