Llyn Idwal

Sunday : Up 07:00, away 09:30. Good night's sleep in Bothy, despite having to share with 4 strangers. I was first up but David, who arrived last previous night, was first away. Retraced route from Bothy back to Bwlch y Gwryd where I left Cambrian Way yesterday. Only 1.25 miles but took 2:40 over the tussocky surface. It was worth paying this price of going off road for the knowledge that Bothy stood the wind where the tent might not have. Although, the 3 tents pitched a few hundred yards down the valley were all still up in the morning so maybe I underestimated my tent?

The walk across the bwlch (saddle) was fast over large laid stones. It looked as though this area would be very wet in the early part of the year. Then a climb up to Foel-fras over a pleasant grass surface. For 50 yards around Foel-fras trig point were rocks of 1 - 3 feet diameter making the approach tricky, like walking on a beach. I had thought there was a shelter here but had misremembered from walking this way in 2022. It was in fact 2 peaks further south at Foel Grach.

Descent from Foel-fras was speedy on grass of gentle descent. At the bottom the bwlch was again laid stones before the next ascent, again on grass to Carnedd Gwenllian. This peak was also rocky, although fewer and smaller in size so easy to walk across.

Next peak was Foel Grach where I stopped in the shelter to lunch. Signs inside advised it as not to be used as a destination only in emergencies. The respite from the wind was most welcome. I was joined presently by 2 chaps who were walking the Wales 3000 (all the peaks in Wales above 3000 feet). They were surprised to find the shelter and puzzuled at its provision. The only other I have come across is on Cadair Idris.

Back out in the wind, which seemed stronger than ever, after a short descent to the bwlch was a long walk up to Carnedd Llewelyn, the highest mountain in the Carnedd range at 3491ft/1064m.

The forecast for next few days was wind even stronger, gusting up to 40 knots and thunder storms so I resolved to shelve Cambrian Way and travel home Tuesday. I suppose I was unreasonably optimistic that I would have 2 months of good weather. So with the decision to go home made and the incessant wind wearing me down, I resolved to leave the ridge at the first opportunity, which was after Bwlch Cyfryw-drum. The route down to the bwlch was over rock and gravel with a rocky peak at the bottom that the path passed to the east / leeward side. The shelter from the strong westerly wind was extremely welcome.

A few hundred yards further, at 5pm, on escarpment Cefn Ysgolion Duon, I took a bearing left to aim to descend to Llyn Lloer (Lake Lloer). In the past I had seen people walk up this way from Llyn Lloer but there was no path marked on the map nor obvious on the ground. I was anxious there might be impassable rocks / cliff but it turned out to be a mostly grassy route with just an occasional rock to walk around. This veering to the left took me off the Cambrian Way avoiding an ascent up Carnedd Dafydd then Pen Yr Ole Wen and, what I was most eager to avoid, a very steep descent from Pen Yr Ole Wen.

From Llyn Lloer I rejoined the Cambrian Way footpath alongside Afon Lloer stream down to the main A5 road. From here it was a mile walk alongside Llyn Ogwen lake to YHA Idwal cottage. I tried thumbing a lift but without success.

Arriving just after 7pm I was greeted by Mark who showed me where to pitch after I had loaded the washing machine (no charge, just £1 in the charity collection). It began to rain heavily as I was pitching so I just put up the tent then retreated to the hostel. I finished 'furnishing' it later when the rain stopped.

9 miles from Dylan Bothy to YHA Idwal completed at end of 34th day of walking and 3rd on the Cambrian Way.
Total miles so far : 353
Average speed : 1.3 mph
Weather : strong wind of yesterday continued and made temperature cold as a result. Intermittent sunshine for most of the day. Light rain at very end of the day.
Number of people passed : 8
Objective tomorrow : Day offRead more