World’s End and Cyrn-y-Brain from the Ponderosa 28th September 2024

 

The Ponderosa at the start of our walk.

First views of Moel Famau.

The Berwyns above the Berwyn Quarries.

On the delightful moorland path, heading towards the Eglwyseg Valley.

Still on a good path.

Head for the sheep pens.

The new gate we should have used.

Autumnal leaves on a fallen oak tree that blocked the way ahead.

This was the only way to get past!

Looking back across the field below the quarry.

A n Offa's Dyke Footpath marker stone on the roadside.

The ford at World's End.

Using the stepping stones  to get past the ford at World's End.

Autumn leaves are falling.

The slate Offa's Dyke Footpath marker stone showing the start of the paved section across the moors.

Heading for Llandegla Forest.

Is that the narrow path we want on the left of the fence.

A beautiful moorland plant - it is a type of Star moss.

The stile that we wish we had remembered would have allowed us to bypass the heather and bilberry challenge.

Sir Watkin's Tower and trig point on Cyrn-y-Brain.

Moel Famau from Cyrn-y-Brain.

The Eglwyseg Escarpments from the track / road leading to the Panderosa.

Distant mountains of Eryri.

The final approach to the Ponderosa and the car.

Walk stats: 8.8 miles. Climb: 1545'.
Time: 5 hours 42 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall Walk average: 1.5 m.p.h.
Temperature: 10.8 Celsius to 14.7 Celsius, but mainly around 11.8 Celsius
Beaufort Wind Force: Mainly 0-3. Mainly Calm, but did rise to a 7.8 m.p.h. Gentle breeze as we descended from Cyrn-y-Brain.
Group: Martyn and Mike.
The weather forecast was pretty good, but the feel like temperature given as below 10 Celsius, made me opt for my Paramo winter gear. After an hour, I thought I had made a mistake again and took off my jacket and kept it off until lunch time.
Near distant views were good, but mountains of Eryri and the Berwyns were not so easily identified. Moel Famau and the Clwydian hills were easily identified.
The start of the path across the moorland, heading south eastward to the Eglwyseg Valley gave superb views of the limestone escarpments.
The biggest challenge of the day was getting past a fallen oak tree. The only was we were able to get past, was to take off our rucksacks and crawl under the branches on our hands and knees.
Lunch was taken just before crossing the paved section of the Offa’s Dyke Footpath heading across the moors to Llandegla forest.
At the forest, we debated where the route description was directing us. We chose the right path through the heather and bilberries, that proved to hard going. We afterwards found we could have by-passes by going through the gate and taking the forest track to a stile that would enable you to rejoin the path across Cyrn-y-Brain.
Wooden pallets had been placed across the peat bog sections of the path, making it easier to avoid the worst bits.
We took the usual there and back to the Sir Watkin's Tower and trig point, before descending the track / road from the masts down to the Ponderosa.

As we went to the Sir Watking's Tower, it started to rain, but thankfully stopped after a few minutes.
Birds seen or heard included: Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Raven, Meadow pipit and Red grouse.
Overall, an enjoyable walk and home in time to clean my boots outside.
As we had heard that there was a new landlord at the Bridg Inn at Pontybodkin, decided to call in to see what it was like. Yes, things had changed, the only beer on hand pump was “Doom Bar”. Lots of young people drinking lager, it reminded me of being more like a rugby club bar. I don’t think I will be stopping there again for a drink anytime soon!