A Pontricket, Pandy, Bryn Awel and Ty'n-y-mynydd roumd 29th October 2022

 

The Afon Ceiriog (looking towards Pont-y-Meibon) from Pem-y-bont,Pontricket.

Not the most encouraging view along the Ceiriog valley on the way to Pont-y-Meibon.

Artistic glass depicting the Pandy heritage.

Not a lot to see at the highest point (Brun Awel) before lunch.

Our lunch spot, looking north eastwards Bryn Awel.

On the way to the highet point of the walk (472m / 1532').

Back on track to Tregeiriog.

Nearly there, the start point is sjust in sight!

Walk stats:

Distance: 8.6 miles. Climb: 1378'.

Time: 4 hours 54 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

Temperatur: Max - 17.8 Celsius. Lunch - 14.2 Celsius. Minimum - 13.8 Celsius at the highest point of the walk on the way to Ty'n-y-mynydd.

Beaufort Wind Force: 0 -  4. Before lunch , hardly any wind at all, reaching no more than a light breeze around Bryn Awel.

Max at the highest point of the walk when it gusted to a moderate breeze of about 14 m,p,h.

Group: Martyn and Mike.

This was a walk that Mike found linked to his OS app. Much of it I had done before, but there after lunch part of he route was new to me (always a bonus!),

We arrived at Pontricket start point just as it stopped raining - no excuse to delay setting off.

The weather forecast was so bad that we both set off with full set "Paclite" of watwerproofs on, and it wasn't long before my umbrella was up as well!

It was light rain, on and off, never feeling cool and fairly well sheltered all the way asfar as Bryn Awel.  The views from this point was very limited as we had almost reached the cloud level, but at least now we were heading downhill,
Near Ty-du, a local stopped in his car and asked us where we were going, and pointed out where each track woud takeus, Advice taken and after thanking him, we headed up the track he said would lead to Pandy. Just after this we stopped to have lunch, th rain had stopped and we found a couple of stones on which to sit and a relativey dry spot to put our rucksacks on the ground. 

After lunch was new territory for me, at least I think it was, as I didn't recognise it,  The track initially wasn't easy as it seemed more like a stream rushing down, so it was  good once we reached the open moorland.

Evetually we arrive at Tregeirog where we optedto take a known route that avoided the "main" road back to Pontricket.

Birds seen or heard today were few and far between, but included, uriopean ronin, Wood nutatch, Carrion crow Rook, Jackdaw, Raven, Meadow pipit, Pied wagtail, Common kkestrel and Common buzzard.

Overall a good walk that made us feel ood as the afternoon was totally dry and the rain started on our way back when we were in th car.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at The Swan inn at Pontadog, the first pint Cymbria Gold wasn't at its best but the Wye Valley, Buttty Bach was!

In time to clean my boots outside, sit down to watch the matchs on TV,  the Everton match first. Liverpool next.

A Pontricket Ceiriog Trail Adventure Including Pen-y-gwely Reservoir2nd April 2022

Walking in the Ceiriog Valley.

Too early for elevenses, but you can't miss out whenever there a seat is encountered.

Looking back down the Nant  Llechwedd-gwyn valley.

A small flock of Jacob sheep near Bwlchdonge farm.

The Berwyns from the Ceiriog Trai west of  Bwlchdonge farm.

The view south east from our lunch spot near Pen-y-gwely Reservoir.

Here comes the cavalry!

Pen-y-gwely Reservoir from its northern end.

Our cars still look a long way off!

Heading for Siambr-gerrig.

Walk stats:

Distance: 11.0 miles. Climb: 1765'.

Time: 5 hours 56 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Temperature: Minimum - 7.2 Celsius. Lunch - 14.2 Celsius. Max - mid aternoon in the sun - 15.0 Celsius.

Beaufort Wind Force; Mainly 1 - 2 (Light air to light breeze)  occasionaly gusting to 3 (Gentle breeze).

It turned out to be a much better day weatherwise than we expected. We were blessed with sunshine for most of the walk. 

This was a walk that was popular with horse riders, all passing us carefully and with most of the young riders looking very happy as and made pleasant conversation as they passed us.

It was also a route used by off road motor bikes - pleasant riders , but alas the fumes they left behind weren't.

Lunch was taken at a spot that overlooked Pen-y-gwely reservoir, in sunshine and sheltered from any breeze.

It was nearly six miles into the walk, well over half way we thought, but with a little change of route we ended up doing another five miles.

Overall a very enjoyable walk which we managed to celebrate at the Swan Inn at Pontafadog. Brews from Big Hand Brewery went down well.

The Swan Inn at Pontfadog is a delightful friendly hostelry and today it had a real fire burning in the grate in the bar where we sat.

Birds see or heard today included: Green woodpecker (heard several times), Chiffchaff, Common chaffinch, European robin, Winter wren, Meadow pipit, Carrion crow, Common buzzard, Raven, Goldfinch, Eurasian Jay, Skylark (the first one that I have seen and heard this year), House sparrow, Common blackbird, Stonechat (heard by Ed) and Canada goose.

Vivod Mountain from Glyn Ceiriog 7th September 2019

On the path through the Chwarai Wood.

First views of the Berwyns with Nantyr Forest on the right.

Looking south east towards Y Foel and Bidduph Tower.

Panorama looking North from Vivod Mountain.

Moel Famau from Vivod Mountain.

The Berwyns above Nantyr Forest.

At the boundary post on Vivod Mountain.

Looking South from Vivod Mountain.

Part of the North Berwyn Way South from Vivod Mountain.

One of several different fungi seen on the North Berwyn Way.

Different fungi seen on the North Berwyn Way.

The quiet lane running along the south side of Nantyr Forest.

Yelow cones on trees on the southern side of Nantyr Forest.

The sunken hedge lined path leading to Glyn Ceiriog.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.1 miles. Climb: 1250'.

Time: 5 hours 48 minutes. On the move walking average: 1.6 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Mike.

This was a good day or walking weather wise, largely sunny with a cool breeze as we walked along the higher sections of the North Berwyn Way. The only rain experienced was about ten spots as we descended towards Nantyr Frest.

 The views today were superb, including to the North - the Clwydian Hils across Llandegla moors as far as Moel Famau and Moel y Parc and to the South - the Berwyns, the nearest one being Moel Ferna,

 The North Berwyn way South of Vivod Mountain was new to me, but was pleasant track through heather covered moorland before it wound through the edge of Nantyr Wood.

 Lots of different fungi were seen along this path.

 Lunch was taken on the side of the forest track that went along the south side the Ceiriog Forest, still with good views across the valley. Thankfully we weren't disturbed by the 4 by 4 vehicles that also use this track, only one farm vehicle and a few cyclists went past.

 After a slightly longer than usual lunch and fortified with fruit cake, we set off with about four miles of the walk to go.

 The road on the south side of Nantyr Forest was very pleasant, especially as we had it to our selves. The final off road section was down an old sunken track, which would have been much pleasanter in the past, but was now quite badly eroded and required attention as to where  your next foot should be placed.

Birds seen or heard today included: Meadow pipit, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Winter wren,  Common buzzard, Barn swallow, Eurasian jay and Common blackbird.

 Overall a good walk an enjoyable walk.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Pant-yr-Ochain, where Purple Moose's Snowdonia Ale and Hawkshead's Dry Stone Stout went down well.

Cefn-Hir-fynydd and Bwlch-Adwy-Wynt from Pontricket 4th September 2019

Setting off along the Ceiriog Valley Way towards Tregeiriog.

The Afon Ceiriog ahead on the way to Dyffryn Ceiriog.Llanarmon.

The Afon Ceiriog West of St Garmon's Church.

St Garmon's Church viewed from the East.

St Garmon's Church viewed from the South.

Conflicting info if you are a dog lover!

Looking North west towards Nant y Glog.

"Believe me, there is a car behind you."

Looking South west from the track across Cefn-Hir-fynydd.

The track across Cefn-Hir-fynydd sems to go on for ever.

A tricky section, but someone was didn't want to be in the picture!

Still on the Upper Ceiriog Trail.

Rain spot over Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.6 miles. climb: 1365'.

Time: 4 hours 34 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Nigel. Sue and Michel.

The forecast for day was pretty good, bright and breezy in the morning with the possibility of rain showers after 13-00. We can't complain, that is exactly what we got, but without a possibility of rain, it did rain!

 The start of the walk was in bright sunshine, but alas the windy gusts sent me running back after my sunhat, no-one else seemed to be affected.

 The views westward along the Ceiriog valley were superb, with Common buzzards heard several times, but somewhat reluctant to show themselves.

 We entered the grounds of St Garmon's Church at its eastern side, but then went long the road on its southern side.

 We resisted the temptation of calling in at The Hand at Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog and for the first time headed up the road signposted to Llanrhaedr. 

 This was a long gentle road climb, but the views opened up, particularly North east along the Nant y Glog valley.

. Throughout the climb on the road he views ahead of us were superb and we could only eagerly anticipate the views as we crossed Cefn-Hir-fynnydd.

 This did not disappoint us, the traverse of Cefn-Hir-fynnydd gave us superb views in all directions until the the light rain followed from the North west.

 It was getting quite breezy now and we were hoping to get some shelter, but little was found, but having already walked six miles we decided to make the most of where were were. Alas it wasn't long before the rain encouraged us to put on our waterproofs. Even well fortified fruit cake didn't make us linger and we set off once more after a shorter than usual lunch break.

 the upper Ceiriog Trail seems to go on for ever, but it is a lovely traverse that I am sure we will do again in the future. Birds today seemed reluctand to show themselves, although a flock of over one hundred Goldfiches feeding on thistle seed was delightful. Just a little further on the highlight of the day was spotted by Sue, a Red kite, always a sighting to perk up the spirits.

 on this occasion, we opted to take the stony track despite on occasions disliking it greatly, and headed North in the most direct route possible back to the car.

 Overall a very enjoyable walk, despite finishing the walk, still in waterproofs, when we should have bit the bullet and taken them off an hour or so earlier.

Birds seen or heard today included: Common buzzard, Mallard, Goldfinch, Meadow pipit, Carrion crow and Jackdaw.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Pant yr Ochain at Gresford, where Purple Moose's Snowdonia Ale went down well as did the Brunning and Price Original. All was left was 

to head home to watch the Ashes cricket or if so inclined watch what was happening in Parliament. Alas he cricket was cut short by rain!

Another Ceiriog Valley Walk from Pontricket - E, A 10th August 2017

The Afon Ceiriog, East of Pontricket.

"You don't think you are coming this way, do you?"

The tramway at Pandy - looking westward.

Which one of Harris Hikers would be best suited to this role?

The delightful woodland path on the Ceiriog Trail heading for Gelli.

As ever - which way now?

The Teirw valley from the North.

Heather moorland at its best.

Another cairn conquered, well nearly! 

Does this cairn have a name - it isn't marked on the OS map.

Down hill all the way now, unless we extend the walk a little.

Looking South over Tregeiriog to the hills beyond.

The Afon Ceiriog from the bridge near the mill at Tregeiriog.

Walk stats: Distance: 7.9 miles (6 miles), Climb: 1076'.

Time: 5 hours 7 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.5 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, David S and Phil.

 A very select group, just three of us set from Pontricket along the valley towards Pandy. A good forecast was on the cards, so we were anticipating good walking conditions. It was, although at times the lack of any wind made it feel pretty warm and humid. We shouldn't complain, this was certainly the best weather we have experienced on the open moorland East of Rhyd Caledwynt.

 This was the first time that we have walked on the North side of the Teirw Valley and the route West of Gelli wasn't easy to find or in places negotiate. In future I think we will stick to the Ceiriog Trail until it meets the Upper Ceiriog Way.

 We decided to have lunch at the highest point as the Upper Ceiriog Way entered open moorland. At this point the Ling was in full bloom, quite stunning and the best display we have seen this year.

 Route finding across the open more was easy, now that we have done it a few times, bet it in the opposite direction.

 After a slight detour to visit the larg cairn seen from the path to it South east.

 After reaching the road and the Tregeiriog path above Ty-Uchaf, Phil decided to head home as it was his wife's birthday. The rest of us headed for Tregeiriog and back to Pontricket on the Southern side of the river, giving us another opportunity to "enjoy" the climb fro Pen y Bont to the Pontricket layby.

 Birds seen or heard today were few, but included: Carrion crow, Rook, Raven, Common buzzard, Meadow pipit and Barn swallow.

 Overall a very enjoyable walk,

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Pant-yr-Ochain at Gresford, where we sat outside, in the shade of course slaking our thirst on Snowdonia Ale and Brunning and Price's bitter.