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WalkThroughWalesOnCambrianWay
  • RickSails

WalkThroughWalesOnCambrianWay

A walk from Cardiff Castle through the length of Wales over the highest peaks to Conwy Castle. Read more
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  • RickSailsWalkThroughWalesOnCambrianWayTraveler
    Llyn y fan fach
    Cairn atop Fan FoelFan Foel east face

    Llyn y Fan Fach

    June 13, 2018 in Wales ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    Wednesday: From Fan Brycheiniog turned west to continue to follow the Beacons Way along a impressively dramatic ridge line. In order I passed Fan Foel point, down to Bwlch Blaen Twrch saddle, up to Picws Du point, along Bannau Sir Gaer ridge above lake Llyn y Fan Fach. Fach means 'little', Fawr means 'Big'. This is the smaller of the 2 lakes.

    Photographs show east face of Fan Foel, cairn atop Fan Foel, east face of Picws Du with Llyn y Fan Fach in the background.    Read more

  • RickSailsWalkThroughWalesOnCambrianWayTraveler
    YHA Llanddeusant, formerly the Red Lion

    YHA Llanddeusant camping end of day 17

    June 13, 2018 in Wales ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    Wednesday: My campsite for the night is in the garden of YHA Llanddeusant. All the luxury of a shower, full kichen and a sitting room a few yards from my tent for £2! (YHA member price, full price would be a still reasonable £5).

    9 miles from Dan yr Ogof to Llanddeusant completed at end of 17th day of walking. Weather bright with thin cloud often sunny with gradually increasing breeze ultimately 15 gusting 20 knots on top of the ridge.    Read more

  • RickSailsWalkThroughWalesOnCambrianWayTraveler
    Many types of bird boxes on sale in the Myddfai Visitor centre

    Day 18 Llanddeusant to Myddfai

    June 14, 2018 in Wales ⋅ 🌙 14 °C

    Thursday: Woke to light rain after a great night's sleep. Moved my kit into the hostel to keep it dry for packing. Tent fly sheet and inner are attached and rigged together. For the first time I separated them to keep the inner dry. Porridge for breakfast then I set off 10:30 with some concern that I only had 2 cereal bars for lunch.

    My walk started with half a mile of 'green lane' running north east. Green lanes are typically 10 -12' wide, bordered with 2-3' high banks of stone and earth planted with trees and shrubs. I imagine they have been in place for hundreds of years. This one was certainly 'green' with grass, nettles and thistles 2-3' high soaked with the overnight rain so my trousers soon had wet legs. It was a pleasure to turn right / east to walk up onto a vast common area. From the map the common looked as though it would be bleak. The contrast could not have been greater as I walked over pleasant short grass for the next 4 miles. I reflected later this was probably the most pleasent section of the whole Cambrian Way. Part way across, the common is disected by minor road, which the guide book marks as a 2 mile waypoint. This had taken me 2 hours, at this rate I would arrive in Llandovery quite late at 8pm so I quickened my pace.

    After descending from the common and walking a mile on a quiet road I arrived in the village of Myddfai where a visitor centre had been opened ... with a Café, so I did not have to go without lunch after all! Had an excellent ploughmans salad followed by yummy carrot cake. Fortified by lunch and knowing I had completed 6.2 miles of today's 11 miles I set off with renewed vigour.

    The photograph illustrates multiple types of bird boxes on sale at the Myddfai visitor centre.    Read more

  • RickSailsWalkThroughWalesOnCambrianWayTraveler
    Bull near Myddfai

    Myddfai to Llandovery

    June 14, 2018 in Wales ⋅ 🌙 13 °C

    Thursday: I typically find navigating through farmland incurs multiple navigational errors with consequent delays. On the 3.8 miles from Myddfai to outskirts of Llandovery I only made 2 minor navigation errors costing no more than a couple of minutes. Consequently I arrived on Llandovery ourskirts at a respectable time of 5pm.

    The photograph is of a Bull I passed on the way.    Read more

  • RickSailsWalkThroughWalesOnCambrianWayTraveler
    Llandingat CiW Church, Llandovery
    Llandovery from the south east

    Llandovery campsite end of day 18

    June 14, 2018 in Wales ⋅ 🌙 13 °C

    Thursday: I entered Llandovery over the Waterloo bridge (I love the way we British rub the French noses in it!). Then walked almost a mile through the town past Llandingat CiW church, through an industrial estate, past Llandovery RFC (Rugby football club) then finally into the Llandovery Caravan and Camping site. Warden Karen was very welcoming and showed me the facilities on site. Fee £8. I pitched in glorious sunshine with a little of the earlier breeze which soon dried the wet tent fly sheet I had packed in the rain this morning. On Karen's recommendation I walked back into town to supper at The Whitehall on excellent Fish cakes, salad and chilli dip followed by chocolate Brioche with custard washed down with local Cider. Only downside to the day was an ache just left of my right shoulder which I had not had at the end of the previous 2 days.

    Photographs shows a view of Llandovery as I approached it from a hillside to the south of the town and Llandingat CiW Church with a rather unusual fortification atop the tower.

    11 miles from Llanddeusant to Llandovery completed at end of 17th day of walking. Weather rain at first, giving way late morning to sunny intervals with strong north westery breeze. From around 3pm glorious sunshine and wind abated.

    This is the end of my walk through Wales for now. I return home tomorrow for a holiday in France. Arriving in Llandovery is the end of the 'Southern section' of the Cambrian Way. I have the Central and Northern sections to complete. To date I have completed 111.3 miles and 27,465 feet of ascent of the Cambrian Way as well as a number of additional miles and ascent for diversions for overnight accomodation and navigational errors.    Read more

  • RickSailsWalkThroughWalesOnCambrianWayTraveler
    Llandovery RFC ground from my pitch
    Magnificent trees looking south from my pitch at Llandovery RFC

    To Llandovery to restart walk

    July 9, 2018 in Wales ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Monday: On my way to restart my walk at Llandovery where I finished 3 weeks ago. Planned to use 4 Buses -
    X8 from Whitchurch to Millennium Centre
    X10 to Swansea
    X13 to Llandeilo
    281 to Llandovery
    Then a 10 minute walk to same Llandovery Caravan and camping park where I ended walk a few weeks ago.

    Although I was stood at stand in Swansea Bus station, I somehow missed X13 to Llandeilo. No problem I thought, I will catch the next one ... except it did not arrive. I was told a road traffic accident on M4 had held it up. Staff at Swansea Bus station were concerned, looked up an alternative and worked out if I walked to Swansea Railway station I could get a train. Serendipity of this was after alighting at Llandovery station, I walked past The Lord Rhys Pub which had a Chinese restaurant next door. They had an arrangement to allow food to be eaten in the pub. After pitching camp I walked to The Whitehall, were I had eaten a few weeks ago, discovered it closed, so walked on to The Lord Rhys for Chinese and Cider.

    Weather is hot as it has been for many weeks (I am told June 2018 has been the hottest on record) 24 - 26C, with gentle breeze.

    If my feet and back can take it, I plan to walk for 10 days which should get me somewhere near Dolgellau. Just inside Snowdonia national park.    Read more

  • RickSailsWalkThroughWalesOnCambrianWayTraveler
    My pitch at Rhandirmwyn campsite
    Failing timber on footbridge over Towy tributaryFailing timber on footbridge over Towy tributaryTowy tributary dry after 8 - 10 weeks of no rainInteresting funghiLooking south back towards Llandovery

    Rhandirmwyn campsite end of day 19

    July 10, 2018 in Wales

    Tuesday: Shortly after I left Llandovery campsite I passed Llandingat church at 09:20. Notice outside advertised once a week service on Tuesday at 09:30 - what are the chances! The Lord moves in mysterious ways! ...and there was a power socket beside my pew which congregation were happy for me to use to charge my device - total glee. After the Church service and breakfast in Tudor restaurant set off on anticipated 7 miles on straightforward route. Some quiet road walking, then tracks. Navigation was straightforward. Just the job to ease me in to the long walks ahead. Some pictures below from the day.

    Camped at Rhandirmwyn campsite £6.50. Nice site although ground very hard. Neighbouring camper Ken lent me a hammer to knock in pegs as I could not push them in. Reasonable showers (warm but low pressure), used laundry and one of the two rotary drying lines on which there were plenty of pegs. Accepted offer of Strawberries from another neighbour, Jane, picked from her Shropshire garden.

    Walked steep climb 3/4 mile up road to supper at the Red Lion. 2 sheep ahead of me all the way up the hill. Bar maid said they usually find their way back on their own. Excellent convivial welcome from bar maid Julie in smart polka dot dress, and great Gammon steak supper with exceptionally good chips cooked by Chef and Red Lion owner Chris. Bought supplies for tomorrow's lunch from shop attached to pub. Once all dining tourists had left a gang of local friends began to arrive. One was a parishioner from morning Church service. He insisted in buying me a pint - it would have been rude to refuse! So another pint of Brains Happy Daze Cider finished off the evening.

    Pitch dark on way back to campsite. Was glad I had remembered my head torch.

    9 miles from Llandovery to Rhandirmwyn completed over 3:43 of walking (excluding stops) at average 2.3 mph at end of 19 day of walking. Weather - hot sunshine until 3pm then began to cloud over and cooled a little.    Read more

  • RickSailsWalkThroughWalesOnCambrianWayTraveler
    Monument bench to memory of Tony Drake - creator of the Cambrian Way
    My pitch in garden of Ty' y Cornel hostelTy'n y Cornel hostelLunch stop on Doethie River in blazing sunshineView up Doethai valleyTowy Bridge from Towy Bridge Inn veranda in heavy downpour

    Ty'n y Cornel hostel end of day 20

    July 11, 2018 in Wales

    Wednesday: Late start today at 11 o'clock, it seem like every camper on the site wanted to talk to me. Route took me up the courses of the Towy and Doethie rivers. Shortly after starting it rained lightly, the first for weeks. I was sheltered by canopy of trees along the riverside. A little later a heavy rain shower caught me just as I passed the Towy bridge Inn, which was fortunate as they had canopy that I sheltered under. They close Tuesdays and Wednesdays (I was passing on a Wednesday). Menu looked good and friendly signs outside saying happy for non patrons to use toilets, fill water bottles and to water dogs.

    Very few cars passed me on roads up the valleys. Once on tracks I passed just one walker in 4 hours.

    Arrived Ty'n y Cornel hostel around 7pm. Friendly welcome from wardens Mark and Bronwen from South Yorkshire. They are part of a team of many who volunteer to be wardens. They get to stay in the warden room for the week in exchange for doing jobs and cleaning which seemed like a good deal. We listened to the England v Croatia world cup semi final which sadly England lost 2:1. I camped in the garden. Amazing value for £8 as this included use of Hostel shower, kitchen and sitting room.

    7.59 miles at 2.1 mph over 3:41 movement time + stops.    Read more

  • RickSailsWalkThroughWalesOnCambrianWayTraveler
    Strata Florida Abbey ruin
    Red Kites overhead

    Pontrhydfendgaid end of day 21

    July 12, 2018 in Wales

    Thursday: Far earlier start today at 09:30. Great improvement on yesterday's 11:00. A long day ahead of 11 miles with an outline plan to get to Strata Florida Abbey before it closed at 5pm. Rainy morning and difficult terrain made the whole day quite long.

    Esgair Wynt (SN744552 / 449m) felt like the loneliest place a had visited. I could see for miles from the top of this nondescript hill with no sign of civilisation in any direction.

    Downside of today as I was walking through some long grass heavy with rain, water ran into my boots which were soaked within two minutes. Lesson learned, wear gaiters or over trousers if long grass is wet.

    Arrived Strata Florida Abbey 6 o'clock so too late to enter. Camped at Nant-y-Rhelyg campsite on a smallholding on the edge of Pontrhydfendgaid village £6.50. Basic with just toilet and basin with cold water, although it was in a stylish Swedish sauna style wooden building smartly decorated with plesant flooring. Much better than the portaloo I had feared. As I pitched had treat of 3 Red Kites flying as low as 30 feet overhead whistling to each other.

    300 yards walk through the village suppered at Black Lion. Particularly tasty ham and leek pie of considerable quantity clearly made from quality ingredients. Washed down with Stowford Press cider - a definite favourite. Long pleasant chat with Landlord and Landlady at the end of the evening during which they explained The Black Lion has red painted facade to reproduce how it used to be years ago. It had the serendipitous effect of attracting lots of customers because of its bright colour.

    Weather - hot at first, then rain showers on and off through the day, evening sunny.

    Distance 11.4 miles over 5:45 at average 2.0 mph.    Read more

  • RickSailsWalkThroughWalesOnCambrianWayTraveler
    Teifi Pool
    Memorial stone beside principal Teifi PoolStrata Florida Abbey

    Strata Florida Abbey and Teifi Pools

    July 13, 2018 in Wales

    Friday: Socks and inside of Boots still very wet from yesterday. I had one pair of dry inner socks, put poly bags over them then wet outer socks into wet Boots. Decided to test this set up to Strata Florida Abbey with backup plan if not successful to return to Pontrhydfendgaid to a site 3/4 miles south that had laundry facilities. From campsite walked to village shop to stock up with lunch, Highlighter pen for mapping and superglue to repair map case. A mile East of Pontrhydfendigaid visited Strata Florida Abbey that was closed when I passed it last night. Interesting relic in custody of Cadw. It seems to have been a 'happening' place that hosted meetings of Princes amongst its history.

    Boots lined with poly bags seemed to be working so I resolved to continue. From Abbey walked quiet no through road towards a farm, which gave way to a stoney track up to Teifi Pools. A collection of lakes, some natural, some dammed, immediately west of The Elan Valley watershed. They appeared to be to provide water to Aberystwyth and areas west of Elan Valley.    Read more

  • RickSailsWalkThroughWalesOnCambrianWayTraveler
    Claerddu Bothy facade
    Claerddu Bothy wood store and privvyClaerddu Bothy first floor sleeping platformClaerddu Bothy ground floor back kitchenClaerddu Bothy ground floor sleeping platformClaerddu Bothy approaching from the south

    Claerddu Bothy

    July 13, 2018 in Wales

    Friday: 15 minutes north of Teifi pools I came across Claerddu Bothy. This was the first time I had encountered a Bothy. It was some distance off the road. Although my photographs show a stone track, this did not extend to the road. So vituling must be by hand or off road vehicles e.g. quad bikes. It seems a Bothy is a building set up to provide basic shelter to walkers. It had platforms for beds, basic cooking using bottled gas, an outside toilet, a wood store and no electricity. More details in the pictures.Read more

  • RickSailsWalkThroughWalesOnCambrianWayTraveler
    Domen Milwyn

    Domen Milwyn - Check point 17

    July 13, 2018 in Wales

    Friday: From Claerddu Bothy route was a gentle ascent to Llyn Fyrddon lakes. After the lakes very rough ground of tussock grass, Molina grass and what would no doubt normally be bogs, but because 2018 May-June summer had been so dry the ground was quite dry. Tough going over this rough ground before final ascent to the modest hill of Domen Milwyn atopped by a Cairn 1817' / 554m.Read more

  • RickSailsWalkThroughWalesOnCambrianWayTraveler
    The Arch marking edge of the Hafod estate

    The Arch

    July 13, 2018 in Wales

    Friday: A forest track I had been following joined the B4574 at 'The Arch' in the photograph. A roadside information board explained that the Arch had been built to mark the boundary of the Hafod estate. The main road passed a few yards south of the Arch which, judging by the tarmac beneath it, had once carried the main road.

    At this point it was a late 7pm. I left the Cambrian Way to walk directly to Woodlands Campsite, where I would be camping for the night.    Read more

  • RickSailsWalkThroughWalesOnCambrianWayTraveler
    Woodlands smart sanitary block
    Woodlands Café and shopWoodlands receptionMy woodlands pitch with nearby bench ideally placed as my desk

    Woodlands Devils Bridge end of day 22

    July 13, 2018 in Wales

    Friday: After a long day of 15 miles over much rough ground and difficult navigation arrived at Woodlands Campsite Devil's Bridge a few minutes after 8 o'clock. Quickly pitched tent then ran to nearby Hafod pub for supper before they closed food orders at 9 p.m. Fish and chips were great here.

    Woodlands has smartest toilet block I have seen in the UK. I have seen something similar in Freiburg, Germany where the toilet block is intended for winter use by skiers. Met staff Roy and Deborah who were both very helpful and let me pitch in my preferred spot, although I suspect they would have preferred me somewhere different.    Read more

  • RickSailsWalkThroughWalesOnCambrianWayTraveler

    Rest morning

    July 14, 2018 in Wales

    Saturday: Boots and socks still wet this morning so decided to have a day off to dry them out and rest. Kept busy adjusting Boot orientation toward the Sun every 20 minutes. Laundered socks in campsite washing machine; repaired Ortlieb Map wallet with super glue bought in Pontrhydfendigaid village shop yesterday; highlighted next sections of route on map and mailed OS map 187 back home as I had finished with it. These sound like small jobs but together with breakfasting in campsite Café took until 2pm. All made convenient by picnic bench right beside my pitch that I had exclusive use of.

    Campsite staff were very helpful in various ways particularly printing a contract I have been sent to sign and providing an envelope. Shop had stamps so I could post it.

    By late afternoon laundry was dry and boots were still a little damp but a lot drier so decided to try a little more Cambrian Way. At this point the route is a loop of roughly a mile radius around Woodlands so decided to walk a short section of the route and stay for another night.

    Started by walking to nearby Vale of Rheidol railway station for a copy of next OS map. Unfortunately they did not have a copy. Continued South East up B4574 to 'The Arch' where I finished walk yesterday.    Read more

  • RickSailsWalkThroughWalesOnCambrianWayTraveler
    Cambrian Way mark on Banc y bont

    Banc y bont

    July 14, 2018 in Wales

    Saturday: From Arch easy walk along Banc y bont rough vehicle farm track. Chatted to a farmer out to inspect his sheep. Came across Cambrian Way way marks for the first time. Passed a sheep with lame leg. Shortly after, walked through a farm and mentioned the lame sheep to the farmer. He said he was aware and disappointingly seemed unconcerned. Perhaps a farmer had to be 'ard!Read more

  • RickSailsWalkThroughWalesOnCambrianWayTraveler
    Bridge over Vale of Rheidol
    Lunchtime view up the Vale of Rheidol from a bench

    Afon Rheidol crossing check point 18

    July 14, 2018 in Wales

    Saturday: Dramatic mile walk down to Afon Rheidol to cross on this footbridge. Much of my walk was through forest scattered with trees that had fallen because they had rotted. This was evident because the stumps were broken roughly and the trees soft and fibrous. I imagine they have been damaged by disease or fungus.Read more

  • RickSailsWalkThroughWalesOnCambrianWayTraveler
    Parsons bridge
    Parsons bridgeView from Parsons bridgeView from Parsons bridgeParsons bridge

    Back at Woodlands end of day 23

    July 14, 2018 in Wales

    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!    Read more

  • RickSailsWalkThroughWalesOnCambrianWayTraveler
    St.John the Baptist Church in Wales, Ysbyty Cynfyn

    Dyffryn Castell end of day 24

    July 15, 2018 in Wales

    Sunday: I had passed two Chapels on Saturday that appeared to be not operating - the notices of service times were faded. So it was looking unlikely that I would be able to find a service to go to today. Surfing last night I was pleased to find St. John the Baptist Church in Wales at Ysbyty Cynfyn near Parsons bridge, where I finished my walk yesterday. Lots of history detail but no service times on the web site but there were telephone numbers for wardens. A call established there was a 10:30 service today. This fitted perfectly with my planned 5 miles to Dyffryn Castell.

    I walked half mile along A4120 then got a lift the last half mile to Ysbyty Cynfyn. I was made very welcome by the congregation. The sermon was on the rather gruesome story from Marks Gospel of King Herod regretfully beheading John the Baptist at request of his wife Herodious.

    After the service, a few minutes walk got me back down to Parson's bridge. Then up the valley side, familiar from yesterday, skirting around a field of gorse bushes in shorts (yesterday I had zipped on my trousers legs to wade through these - ouch!), then carefilly through the field with the Bull. Turning right / north I was now back on the Cambrian Way.

    A well worn path through high grasses spilt after half a mile. The left less worn path ascended a small rise to a way mark post, I took the right well worn level path - mistake. After 150 yards the obvious path petered out and grasses and small bushes were tall enough to be scratching my bare legs. I carried on regardless. Once around the rise I came across the well worn path that had come over the small rise, that I realised I should have taken.

    I passed through, what looked like, abandoned farm Bryn-brâs. At the end of the drive, my suspicions that it was abandoned appeared to be confirmed by a National Trust sign on the new gate. I wondered why National Trust would be interested in a farm?

    A hundred yards further stopped for a half Cider in George Borrow hotel. Then a short walk along A44 got me to a filling station that sold maps, sadly not the OL23 that I wanted. Another mile further along a B road, then track, across a field, along the A4120, then A44 brought me to Dyffryn Castell where the Cambrian Way begins its ascent of Plynlimon. After walking a short way up the hill to reconnoitre I returned to the A44. Got a lift a short while later back to my pitch at Woodlands Campsite in Devils Bridge. Tomorrow will be a big push over Plynlimon to Dyliffe.    Read more

  • RickSailsWalkThroughWalesOnCambrianWayTraveler
    Pumlumon / Plynlimon trig point
    A470 vehicles looking like the proverbial ants

    Pumlumon / Plynlimon check point 19

    July 16, 2018 in Wales

    Monday: Warm start to the day, struck camp by 08:15, made my way to reception to write up yesterday's Penguins log and use their WiFi, then breakfasted at the cafe, collected packed lunch and set off for the day's walk 09:45. Duffryn Castell is about 2 and a half miles from the campsite. A few hundred yards after starting off I managed to get a lift with a farming couple to the abandoned Dyffryn Castell Inn. They were on their way to an abattoir to collect mutton they had dropped off as sheep.

    As I started walking it was overcast and warm. First section is a steady climb on a well defined footpath. I was overflown by 3 delta winged military jets on this section. I presume they were RAF but their insignia looked unfamilar, I wondered whether our allies sometimes fly in UK airspace? On this section I took the photograph below of the cars on the A44 where they looked like the proverbial ants. As I got to the top of the steep section, the ascent became more gentle and a pleasantly cooling gossamer rain started. The footpath eventually became a grassed over track all the way to Pumlumon/Plynlimon. 5 minutes before I got to the trig point it began to lightly rain, thus the wet weather gear I am wearing in the photograph.    Read more

  • RickSailsWalkThroughWalesOnCambrianWayTraveler
    Star Inn from my camp pitch
    Star Inn, Dylife

    Y Star Inn check point 20 end of day 25

    July 16, 2018 in Wales

    Monday: After Plynlimon the footpath is less well defined and falls and rises as it follows the ridge line. I passed the sources of the rivers Wye and Severn to my right / East. About 3 o'clock I experienced that strange phenomenon of sunshine to the East and cloud slowly rolling up the hill from the west. Heavy rain started around 4pm for an hour and, disconcertingly as I was on the ridge line, I heard 5 claps of thunder although saw no lightening.

    The fence I had been following eventually turned off right / East, I followed the guide book's direction and struck out almost due north cross-country. There was no path it all and the going was tough over tussocky grass very wet in the rain. With my overtrousers on I avoided a repeat of the wet inside of boots of Thursday last week. The route eventually crossed a stream then joined a track to an idilyic pair of lakes joined by a stillwater lilly channel. The flock of ducks paddling here seemed incongruous at such a high altitude. The larger lake had a boat house and, a hundred yards away, a moored boat. Crossing the channel by a bridge and after a short ascent, the route joined Glyndwr's Way. This waymarked, well defined section continuing the straightforward navigation of the day. I followed this until I could see this Star Inn half a mile away to my left. I was met by barman Alain who showed me the camping field. After pitching camp I suppered sat beside a table of ramblers and chatted about routes. They were walking the whole of Glyndwr's Way.

    13 miles from Duffryn Casteĺl to Dyliffe completed at end of 25th day of walking. Weather overcast and warm in the morning, 40 minutes of light shower from 11:00, overcast until 16:00 then heavy rain for all hour. Camped in field behind pub £5 .    Read more

  • RickSailsWalkThroughWalesOnCambrianWayTraveler
    Desent from Mynydd Lluestcethingrych
    Cader Idris from Waun TyisafBanc y Cwm from Banc Rhoswydol

    Banc y Cwm from Banc Rhoswydol

    July 17, 2018 in Wales

    Tuesday: I have been using 1:25,000 Ordnance survey maps until Plynlimon but had been only been able to buy the 1:50000 for further north. Well that's my excuse for getting navigation wrong twice today! The first time came no more than 150 yards after my start from the Star Inn where I missed a left turn. This only put me 150 yards East of my route but it confused me enough that half a mile further on I was walking further and further west of the route. I eventually succumbed to using the 1:25,000 Ordnance Survey maps on my mobile device, overlain with the Cambrian way route and a position indicator. This got me back on course at a cost of a mile and a half of extra walking.

    There has been lots of slate in the area I've been walking for the last few days. Many of the paths have been over slate, and I have passed numerous small quarries. The attached Banc y Cwm photograph 3 miles into the day illustrates this well. The two streams are shiny, reflecting the fact that they are flowing over exposed slate.    Read more

  • RickSailsWalkThroughWalesOnCambrianWayTraveler
    Gwalia Farm lake
    Gwalia Farm compost toiletGwalia Farm pitchCommins Coch A470 bridge

    Gwalia Farm end of day 26

    July 17, 2018 in Wales

    Tuesday: From top of Banc Rhoswydol, route steadily descended on a lightly worn footpath along Waun Tyisaf for a mile to Bwlch Glynmynydd to cross a well tarmaced, unclassified east - west road. I only saw two cars use this road which I had sight of for an hour as I walked towards and away from it.

    After skirting a forest I made my second navigational error crossing the top of a valley towards Mynydd Lluestcethingrych. I enthusiastically desended a grassy slope. When I referred to the route on Smartphone, discovered I had overdone it, and had to climb back up again. This time the error only cost me 1/4 mile and a couple of hundred feet.

    Straightforward navigation and walking after that until, in forest Coed Bryneinion, I had to leave easy walking on a forest track to descend on a footpath. Vegetation was high, overgrown and scratchy so I stopped to put on my overtrousers for leg protection.

    Final 2.5 miles were on roads into Cummins Coch, then up a hill to Gwalia Farm for camping £6. A minimalist site that felt like wild camping with a compost loo and a cold tap. Hosts let me use shower in their house for £1, which was welcome.

    11 miles from Y Star Inn to Gwalia Farm completed at end of 26th day of walking. Weather cold start gave way to sunshine, fluffy clouds with strong breeze all day. The strong breeze made temperature feel cooler than recent days. Number of people met today - none.    Read more

  • RickSailsWalkThroughWalesOnCambrianWayTraveler
    Red Lion / Llew Coch, Dinas Mawddwy

    Red Lion -Check point 21 - end of day 27

    July 18, 2018 in Wales

    Wednesday: Had a good look around Gwalia farm and used my camping stove to cook breakfast for the first time this trip. Before I left went to fill water bottles from spring fed tap to discover Powys environmental heath officer was testing water. After she was satisfied it was safe I left site my latest time yet of 10:45. Got to the end of my 1:50,000 map a mile and a half after Gwalia Farm, then started to use ordnance survey app on my smart phone. I referred to it frequently for first couple of miles as route was not obvious. Part of the route was on a public footpath through a forest. I could not find the footpath so walked around the forest instead. As a result of all this first couple of miles took a couple of hours.

    Next I was on top of Mynydd y Cemmaes, location of Britain's first wind farm. I made swift progress along the ridge using the wind farm service track.

    I was unable to find the next part of the route through Waun Llinau forest plantation so followed a compass bearing, and wore sun glasses for protection against low branches.

    After exiting the forest walked down a valley, up the other side and over Waun Fign then ate late lunch in glorious sunshine, in the lee of the wind, on a slope above abandoned Craig-For farm.

    Penultimate section was a long 2.5 miles on a track that was first grassy, then stoney (hard walking), then a tarmaced road. A cow and her calf on this section were intimidated by my approach and kept running ahead, which was welcome as I know cows can be troublesome if approached when they are with their calves. Also came across a couple of dozen Pheasants, first I have seen on this walk, and in fact for a long time. They are common where I come from in Worcestershire.

    At Mallwyd arrived at a filling station and shop where I was finally able to buy 1:25,000 OS map OL23 - Cader Idris, as well as AAA batteries for GPS, milk for tomorrow's porridge and some food. After this 1.5 miles of quiet road walking got me to The Red Lion, Dinas Mawddwy - Check point 21. From here was a short walk to Celyn Brithion campsite.

    After pitching walked the 12 minutes back to The Red Lion, arriving 20:59 (kitchens generally close 21:00). I was warmly welcomed, squeezed in for food, shown to a table near a socket to charge my device, drank a couple of pints of Orchard Gold cider and studied the map purchased a couple of hours earlier planning the next day.

    10 miles from Gwalia Farm, Commins Coch to Dinas Mawddy completed at end of 27th day of walking. This marks my completion of the central section of The Cambrian Way. Weather initally rain for 30 minutes then sunshine all day.    Read more

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