Back at Woodlands end of day 23

Saturday: Shortly after crossing Afon Rheidol came upon disturbing information boards describing how acidic mine works were polluting the river. Pollutants include Lead, Zinc and acid. Encouraging to read various projects are underway to address the pollution.

Route onwards was up through a forest that was poorly signed with no paths evident on the ground. I struggled to climb over many fallen trees until I crossed a forest track which gave me my bearings and confirmed my suspected location. At the edge of the forest and top of the valley I hacked my way through ferns along a fence line to where I my map reading told me a style was located, which proved accurate. The 1/2 a mile up through the forest had been extremely hard going and cost more than an hour.

Now on top of the valley, I crossed the fence by the style where the walk immediately changed to easy terrain with straight forward navigation for next mile. With perfect timing, my brother Martin 'phoned me just as I started this section. We chatted about lots of things as brothers do until the last of my device's charge brought a premature end to our conversation.

Shortly after the large Bryn Bras pond I turned right / East off the Cambrian Way to re-cross the Afon Rheidol River at Parsons foot bridge. After a 400 yard climb and crossing a field with an intimidating Bull I arrived on the A4120. Thumbing a left from here back to the campsite I was picked up by a young lass called Hannah who kindly drove me the mile back to my campsite.

Weather sunny all day. Some breeze on top of the mountains.

Completed about 9 miles. This is an estimate because I forgot to switch off GPS once in Hannah's car!Læs mere