- Update 15 June 2008
Page edited following site visit
Venue
This year, after an interval of 15 years, we will be revisiting the Berwyns
These are more rolling and heather covered than craggy and exhausting. Although the highest peaks get close to 3000ft the climbs are gentle and mostly on paths. There are spectacular views over towards the mountains of central snowdonia and also back to the green fields and "blue remembered hills" of Shropshire. It was on the Berwyns that I saw my first Merlin, I have also seen Goshawks and Harriers. I also spotted what I discoverd later is one of only three colonies of 'cloudberry' south of the Scottish Border - but as they taste great I am not going to tell you exactly where!
Here are some links:
Google Earth, Streetmap, Wikipedia
The Google Earth link works in Firefox - for some strange reason Internet Explorer won't play ball - why am I not surprised!
Friday Night
There wil be no official campsite this year - the Berwyns have lots of campsites - but these only cater for static and touring caravans. I have discovered that the campsite at Pistyll Rhaeadr has specific "no groups" and "no alcohol" policies - arising from bad behaviour of previous visitors.
Yes it is possible to beat these times but only if you want to die trying.
The Bewyns are very 'do-able' from Birmingham all-in-one-day - but that might mean missing out on the evening meal and associated entertainment
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...and some websites to check before you travel:
Also for static "safety camera" locations, mobile "safety camera" locations and "Community Concern" (check all three!) visit
If this is full you can park at the falls for £1.50 all day - either on hardstanding or if the warden has turned up at opened the gate - in the field.
Frankly I would pay the £1.50 to be close to the cafe and every one else at the end of the walk.
There are nice toilets and a cafe (see below)
For those wishing to top up cholesterol before hitting the hills - contact Bill Holmes for details.
Options include the Little Chef at Oswestry - but I expect Bill will use local knowledge to ferret out somewhere nicer.
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The 5 day forecast for Wrexham is here
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This is a little bit longer than previous years but not so physical (mostly on paths and no nasty-near-vertical climbs through heather - shame!)
You will need OS Explorer Map 255: Llangollen & Berwyn
We will finish and start at Pistyll Rhaeadr - there is a cafe/restaurant (http://www.pistyllrhaeadr.co.uk/index.html) and public toilets. The cafe opens at 9:30 and closes at 17:00 - I suspect they might open earlier "for breakfast (£6.50)" if there were enough takers - but we would have to phone through an order.
If you have children who will be walking - or you are not sure about your fitness - please have a chat with the organiser (David Williams). I would describe the walk as a BBFC 12A. With the right equipment (in general and specifically for the weather) it should challenging but not an ordeal.
There is one 'opt out' point about half way round - but it will be a long wait by the telephone box until you are picked up!
Start: 10:00
Finish: 16:00 (first) to 17:00 (last)
The short walk will start at 10 o'clock sharp (yes really really!) and should take about 6 to 7 hours - finishing by 5pm for tea and cakes - if we start on time!
Please note that the restaurant does not have an on- or off-licence and that alcohol is not permitted in the campsite - so please be discrete.
Click here to see an overview of the route. Further details can be had from David Williams closer to the date
I have recently started having problems with achilles tendonosis and I will not be able to get round any long walk a) at the necessary speed b) in any sort of comfort.
There will be opportunities for 'more challenging' detours on the way round for faster walkers.
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You remain responsible for your own safety. Rule 1: Get yourself a "buddy" and stick together - one of you should have a map, details of the route, the "leader's" mobile phone number and know how to use all of these. If you need to nip behind a boulder, stop for a rest, or a photo or whatever - make sure your buddy knows and waits for you. Rule 2: If are travelling on your own and don't otherwise have a 'buddy' then notify the walk leader before the walk starts Everyone: If you wish to abandon the walk, to follow a different route or rush on ahead** then please let the walk leader know. Do not rely on anyone else telling the leader - if we end up thinking that you are still out on the hills or miss you in the car park we will be calling out the Mountain Rescue (after having stopped and waited for you, gone back, searched the hillside...
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If you are not an experienced hill walker then please consult someone who is - it is quite possible to kill yourself in the Welsh Hills - even in the summer - or at least have a very miserable time if you don't bring the right gear and follow a few sensible guidelines.
These are serious mountains - with big cliffs and few paths - you can make the day unpleasant for your co-walkers, who may end up end up waiting, worrying, searching and carrying (hopefully not burying).
That said do not worry if you are a slow walker - we will wait for you!
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Dogs are welcome on the walks. Please note that we will be walking on public footpaths and on "access land". At times we will be passing through farmyards. The recent change in the law permits walking on designated access land - I am unclear whether the right to bring your dog is included or not. I do not expect it to be a problem as I have seen plenty of dogs on these hills. I did see some signs stating "dogs must be on leads" when walking on access land to the South West of where we will beLandowners can apply for a temporary closure permit - you will have to search council and unitary authority websites to find details. |
- This is sheep country - please keep your dog on a lead - farmers are entitled to shoot and have shot dogs running free - whether or not they are bothering sheep at the time.
- The walk route is do-able on 4 legs but you may have to detour at fence crossings (or lift your friend over)
- There are sheer drops, bogs, tarns, crags and abandoned mine shafts. Use of a lead at all times is recommended.
This will be in "The Raj Mahal" in Oswestry. This is Chris Evan's favourite indian restaurant - at one time the Evans' even had their own table. It is a large restaurant - but it will be busy on Saturday night. I will be making a premliminary booking on 1st July - let me know if you will be eating with us by then and I will reserve you a place.
This gets you 50 points:
This gets you 0.01 points:
Oh and those seven wonders - nothing to do with with Charlotte Church or Tom Jones, not even Charlotte Church and Tom Jones (now there's an image look you) but...
| Wonder | Date of Construction | Builder | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pistyll Rhaeadr | Naturally formed | Natural wonder | Tallest waterfall in Wales (and in England & Wales) |
| St Giles' Church | 16th century | - | The 16th century tower of St Giles' Church in Wrexham can be seen for miles |
| Overton yew trees | 12th century | Planted over many centuries | 21 yew trees at St Mary's Church, Overton-on-Dee |
| St Winefride's Well | 660 AD | Natural wonder | Historically claimed to have healing waters |
| Llangollen Bridge | 1347 | John Trevor I | The first stone bridge to span the River Dee |
| Gresford bells | 13th century | ? | The church bells are listed for their purity and tone |
| Snowdon | Naturally formed | Natural wonder | Highest mountain in Wales at 3,560ft (1085m) tall |
I have been doing this for a very long time - and I still have the same jumper
