Pont Rhyd Sarn Woodland and Nature Walk.
April 15th 2012 Maentwrog,Pont Rhyd Sarn Woodland and Nature Walk.
Well another great find for us just on the Maentwrog road out of Blaenau Ffestiniog,towards Porthmadog this walk is only about 5/6 miles long but takes so much in,Nature reserves,hills,mountains,old railway tracks,the Ffestiniog Railway,lambs a little bit of everything.
Well another great find for us just on the Maentwrog road out of Blaenau Ffestiniog,towards Porthmadog this walk is only about 5/6 miles long but takes so much in,Nature reserves,hills,mountains,old railway tracks,the Ffestiniog Railway,lambs a little bit of everything.
Woodland Walks,Warren Woods,Bodfari.
April 12th 2012 Warren Woods,Bodfari.
Our last trip of the day and another local wood open to walk through,and on walking and exploring this one you can see where it probably got its name from ....A Rabbit Warren!!,there are paths every where running through the woods.All the paths have arrows so you cant get lost,the paths seem to be well trodden but can imagine that they could be very slippy in the winter months.The views from this one although it was low,were pretty good of The Clwydians they loomed in the distance,an easy wood to find just opposite the garden centre on the way through Bodfari on the Bodfari - Mold Road ....great walk. OS Map SJ100 711.
Our last trip of the day and another local wood open to walk through,and on walking and exploring this one you can see where it probably got its name from ....A Rabbit Warren!!,there are paths every where running through the woods.All the paths have arrows so you cant get lost,the paths seem to be well trodden but can imagine that they could be very slippy in the winter months.The views from this one although it was low,were pretty good of The Clwydians they loomed in the distance,an easy wood to find just opposite the garden centre on the way through Bodfari on the Bodfari - Mold Road ....great walk. OS Map SJ100 711.
Woodland Walks,Bach y Graig,nr Tremeirchion.Abandoned Mission.
April 12th 2012 Bach Y Graig Woods,Tremeirchion.
Went looking for this wood but could find no easy access to it from either side,unless I think if we went down to the farm that sits at the bottom of the woods,but we really did not want to do that.So we set off from the bridge near to the Hendre Boarding Kennels I think that would be the best starting point.Any way we set off in the direction of the woods walking along River Clwyd,which was running very brown due to a lot of rainfall days before.We managed to have a nice little walk all the same lots of colours to be seen and lots going on around with wild life,flowers,trees and farm animals.Again it was a nice little walk derived from an abandoned mission to find the best access point for Bach y Graig Woods next time maybe.
Woodland Walks,Coed Shed,Groes nr Denbigh.
Dandelion ready to pop.
April 12th 2012 Coed Shed A Woodland Walk
Well,this was and is just down the road from us,in the small place of Groes on the road out of Denbigh towards the Denbigh moors.The woods are even sign posted off the main road.We got there and there was a little lay-by to park in so we did,boots on and off we went.What a pretty little place this is and it is pencilled in for evening walks when the weather comes warmer and the nights even lighter.Every thing was just on the turn when we went and buds were popping and leaves were turning a brighter shade of green,there was also a little stream running through and added to the ambience of the woods ,birds singing,stream babbling its way down and the distant sounds of pheasants calling out and buzzards squealing high above the tree tops.We enjoyed this walk and although it is only about a mile and a half you could loose your self down by the stream sitting on the bench......a nice little retreat. OS Map SJ 011 640.
Well,this was and is just down the road from us,in the small place of Groes on the road out of Denbigh towards the Denbigh moors.The woods are even sign posted off the main road.We got there and there was a little lay-by to park in so we did,boots on and off we went.What a pretty little place this is and it is pencilled in for evening walks when the weather comes warmer and the nights even lighter.Every thing was just on the turn when we went and buds were popping and leaves were turning a brighter shade of green,there was also a little stream running through and added to the ambience of the woods ,birds singing,stream babbling its way down and the distant sounds of pheasants calling out and buzzards squealing high above the tree tops.We enjoyed this walk and although it is only about a mile and a half you could loose your self down by the stream sitting on the bench......a nice little retreat. OS Map SJ 011 640.
Llyn Trawsfynydd Circular Walk.
Llyn Trawsfynydd.
April 7th 2012,Llyn Trawsfynydd Walk.
Weather forecast was little unsettled for this walk,after all it was a Bank Holiday Weekend,so you couldn't expect anything else.The day was really good and a really nice walk with some pretty good views to be fair even tho we weren't at any great height.The walk went right round the lake and passed through the little village of Trawsfynydd,There is quite a bit of history to take in there as well.The walk finishes off by the cafe on the car park which is handy for a brew and a bite to eat but a bit of a bonus was the last little bit of the walk through the trees,and un be-known to us we were being watched making our way along the path by a mighty Osprey that took flight as we approached,I have never seen a bird as big manoeuvre its way through the trees it was like hot knife going through butter and graceful at the same time.....brilliant !
Weather forecast was little unsettled for this walk,after all it was a Bank Holiday Weekend,so you couldn't expect anything else.The day was really good and a really nice walk with some pretty good views to be fair even tho we weren't at any great height.The walk went right round the lake and passed through the little village of Trawsfynydd,There is quite a bit of history to take in there as well.The walk finishes off by the cafe on the car park which is handy for a brew and a bite to eat but a bit of a bonus was the last little bit of the walk through the trees,and un be-known to us we were being watched making our way along the path by a mighty Osprey that took flight as we approached,I have never seen a bird as big manoeuvre its way through the trees it was like hot knife going through butter and graceful at the same time.....brilliant !
Yr Aran,walking via The Watkin Path.
Yr Aran in the distance
March25th Yr Aran via The Classic Watkin Path.
Well,this is one of our pencilled in walks for 2012 and at 2451 feet it had to be done.Dont under estimate this little one its still a tuff little monkey to do.The day was extremely sunny and very warm,a bit of a shock to the system after all the winter walks we had done.My fluid intake was a lot I forgotten just how much fluid you use when you are walking in the warm sunshine,it really does take it out of you.The early part of the walk was on The Watkin Path and we pretty much had Mount Snowdon in our view most of the time,we explored the hills on the way up as we came across old mine workings and some spoils that were a dead give away for the mines,although they were not big mines.We had a nice quiet walk up,but looking across at Snowdon it looked like it had 100`s and 1000`s on the top of it,but looking through the zoom on my camera it was people and a lot of them as well,and on our way home towards Betws y Coed there was not a spare parking space any where.A good reference to this walk is this link
http://walks.walkingworld.com/Walk/Yr-Aran-via-the-Watkin-Path.aspx
Well,this is one of our pencilled in walks for 2012 and at 2451 feet it had to be done.Dont under estimate this little one its still a tuff little monkey to do.The day was extremely sunny and very warm,a bit of a shock to the system after all the winter walks we had done.My fluid intake was a lot I forgotten just how much fluid you use when you are walking in the warm sunshine,it really does take it out of you.The early part of the walk was on The Watkin Path and we pretty much had Mount Snowdon in our view most of the time,we explored the hills on the way up as we came across old mine workings and some spoils that were a dead give away for the mines,although they were not big mines.We had a nice quiet walk up,but looking across at Snowdon it looked like it had 100`s and 1000`s on the top of it,but looking through the zoom on my camera it was people and a lot of them as well,and on our way home towards Betws y Coed there was not a spare parking space any where.A good reference to this walk is this link
http://walks.walkingworld.com/Walk/Yr-Aran-via-the-Watkin-Path.aspx
24th Wedding Anniversary,Betws y Coed,Tyn y Fron and Llyn Elsi Walk.
We enter the rear of
Tyn y Fron
from the car park
March 16th to 18th 2012,Tyn y Fron B&B,Betws y Coed and Llyn Elsi Walk.
this was a surprise weekend for my wife Donna and you can not go wrong with a trip to Betws Y Coed,North Wales,and to better the trip I had dropped very lucky in choosing Tyn-Y Fron Bed and Breakfast.The Hosts Lesley and Mike Gwilym were the most friendly couple you could wish to meet,nothing was to much trouble and their assistance for the weekends surprises was much appreciated.The House was pristine and it felt just like a home from home,all in all fantastic.We incorporated a walk into the weekend as I had given Donna a choice of walks and she opted for the Llyn Elsi walk,starting from Betws Y Coed centre.An easy walk to follow although the very first part of the walk where you enter the forest was misleading as one of the sign posts had been moved and sent us up the wrong track.A bit of climb through the dense vegetation,soon got us back on track.I t was a nice walk with lots of view and plenty to see.
this was a surprise weekend for my wife Donna and you can not go wrong with a trip to Betws Y Coed,North Wales,and to better the trip I had dropped very lucky in choosing Tyn-Y Fron Bed and Breakfast.The Hosts Lesley and Mike Gwilym were the most friendly couple you could wish to meet,nothing was to much trouble and their assistance for the weekends surprises was much appreciated.The House was pristine and it felt just like a home from home,all in all fantastic.We incorporated a walk into the weekend as I had given Donna a choice of walks and she opted for the Llyn Elsi walk,starting from Betws Y Coed centre.An easy walk to follow although the very first part of the walk where you enter the forest was misleading as one of the sign posts had been moved and sent us up the wrong track.A bit of climb through the dense vegetation,soon got us back on track.I t was a nice walk with lots of view and plenty to see.
...on arrival at Tyn Y Fron this is what greeted us.
...in the mornings we woke up to this,just outside our window.
Then breakfast...
...and then our walk into Betws y Coed to start the Llyn Elsi Walk.
The Llyn Elsi Walk,up through the trees...
..and we arrive at Llyn Elsi.
Back into Betws y Coed for a coffee,then back to Tyn y Fron B&B.
Arenig Fawr Circular Walk
March 11th 2012 Arenig Fawr Circular Walk.
Phew this was a hard one one not so much the going up but the coming down,it was grass slope all the way,the way we took any way and it was a proper knee cruncher.But hey we did and it was a glorious day to walk it as well,the sun was belting down with just a little bit of cloud tickling the tops of Arenig Fawr.Arenig Fawr is one of the 13 summits in the Snowdonia National Park that looms over 2000 feet and Arenig is an impressive 2500 feet,it sits just North of the small North Wales town of Bala.There is a number of paths to walk to get to the top of Arenig,all have there fantastic views.Once at the summit there is Trig Point and right next to that is a memorial plaque naming 8 American Pilots who lost there lives when the B17 Bomber(Flying Fortress) clipped the top and crashed,they were on a cross country night training flight,that was on August 4th 1943.
Phew this was a hard one one not so much the going up but the coming down,it was grass slope all the way,the way we took any way and it was a proper knee cruncher.But hey we did and it was a glorious day to walk it as well,the sun was belting down with just a little bit of cloud tickling the tops of Arenig Fawr.Arenig Fawr is one of the 13 summits in the Snowdonia National Park that looms over 2000 feet and Arenig is an impressive 2500 feet,it sits just North of the small North Wales town of Bala.There is a number of paths to walk to get to the top of Arenig,all have there fantastic views.Once at the summit there is Trig Point and right next to that is a memorial plaque naming 8 American Pilots who lost there lives when the B17 Bomber(Flying Fortress) clipped the top and crashed,they were on a cross country night training flight,that was on August 4th 1943.
Fairbourne and The Blue Lake Walk.
Picture by Donna Holmes
February 25th 2012 Fairbourne and The Blue Lake Walk
Well like a bit of an old tale we were told about this infamous Blue Lake that sits above Fairbourne and looking over the Mawddach Estuary ....so we had to go and have a look as we always do when we are told about something interesting.We found it alright and what a sight it was,fantastic seems that these little gems keep popping up all over the place for us to enjoy.The walk to it was just as good as well with some commanding views over the Mawddach Estuary,Barmouth and Fairbourne,a lovely walk at any time of the year .
Well like a bit of an old tale we were told about this infamous Blue Lake that sits above Fairbourne and looking over the Mawddach Estuary ....so we had to go and have a look as we always do when we are told about something interesting.We found it alright and what a sight it was,fantastic seems that these little gems keep popping up all over the place for us to enjoy.The walk to it was just as good as well with some commanding views over the Mawddach Estuary,Barmouth and Fairbourne,a lovely walk at any time of the year .
Glasdir Copper Trail Walk Nr Dolgellau.
February 15th 2012 The Glasdir Copper Trail.
We did this walk on our way home from our break in the log cabin,you could do loads of walks just setting off in your car they are every where.This was interesting as it was an old copper mine,tho not a large one the site of the old copper ore extraction buildings is pretty extensive sitting on a steep slope within the forests although some has been cleared making it more visible.The walk is on two levels,the higher level is very good and very flat ideal for disabled people,the lower level is a little more rough and perhaps not as accessible for disabled,but saying that the views from the top level are awesome it gives a good view of the whole system.Again I do not want to say to much as a visit is recommended to read all the history on the information boards,a really peaceful walk this one.
Just click on the pictures to enlarge.
We did this walk on our way home from our break in the log cabin,you could do loads of walks just setting off in your car they are every where.This was interesting as it was an old copper mine,tho not a large one the site of the old copper ore extraction buildings is pretty extensive sitting on a steep slope within the forests although some has been cleared making it more visible.The walk is on two levels,the higher level is very good and very flat ideal for disabled people,the lower level is a little more rough and perhaps not as accessible for disabled,but saying that the views from the top level are awesome it gives a good view of the whole system.Again I do not want to say to much as a visit is recommended to read all the history on the information boards,a really peaceful walk this one.
Just click on the pictures to enlarge.
Orielton Woodland Walk,Barmouth.
A view from the top of the walk.
February 12th 2012 Orielton Woodland Walk
While we were on our way to our little log cabin break we noticed this little walk just on the way out of Barmouth,it looked interesting.We stopped the car and quickly adorned our walking boots,although in the summer months you could do it in normal foot wear.The paths weave their way up through the trees and before you know it you have got to a fair old height above the level at what you stared at,but with noise of the birds singing and the water flowing down the little streams you do not even notice.The paths look like old miners tracks and had me fooled until I read the information board on site.The paths were actually purpose made for the residents of Orielton Hall to enjoy woodland walks.All in all a really nice little walk that justify`s a flask,some sandwiches a camera and a couple of hours...Brilliant
Just click on the pictures to enlarge.
While we were on our way to our little log cabin break we noticed this little walk just on the way out of Barmouth,it looked interesting.We stopped the car and quickly adorned our walking boots,although in the summer months you could do it in normal foot wear.The paths weave their way up through the trees and before you know it you have got to a fair old height above the level at what you stared at,but with noise of the birds singing and the water flowing down the little streams you do not even notice.The paths look like old miners tracks and had me fooled until I read the information board on site.The paths were actually purpose made for the residents of Orielton Hall to enjoy woodland walks.All in all a really nice little walk that justify`s a flask,some sandwiches a camera and a couple of hours...Brilliant
Just click on the pictures to enlarge.
Cadair View Lodges Break.
Our cabin,Sunset View.Cadair View Lodges.
February 12th 2012 Cadair View Lodges,Trawsfynydd Holiday Village.
Well usually this time of year we treat our selves to a little break and also do a bit of a recky for the year ahead,and what a place we found,well we knew it was there just did not consider it as a place with loads to offer....WRONG!.This place has SO much history and walks leading off into the hills you would be hard pushed to do a fraction of it in a normal holiday break,we may even be going back again for another stay and more walks. Initially we had printed off some walks to do while we were there that meant using the car to get to the starting points of the walk,we decided to ditch that idea and left the car locked up for the stay and used the old Os Map for some very interesting walks
Heres the link you may need. http://www.cadairviewlodge.co.uk/
Just click on the pictures to enlarge.
Well usually this time of year we treat our selves to a little break and also do a bit of a recky for the year ahead,and what a place we found,well we knew it was there just did not consider it as a place with loads to offer....WRONG!.This place has SO much history and walks leading off into the hills you would be hard pushed to do a fraction of it in a normal holiday break,we may even be going back again for another stay and more walks. Initially we had printed off some walks to do while we were there that meant using the car to get to the starting points of the walk,we decided to ditch that idea and left the car locked up for the stay and used the old Os Map for some very interesting walks
Heres the link you may need. http://www.cadairviewlodge.co.uk/
Just click on the pictures to enlarge.
Llewenny Hall Circular Walk.
Just click on the pictures to enlarge.
February 5th 2012 Llewenny Hall circular walk starting at Brookhouse Mill Denbigh.
WOOO !! it was a bit fresh this morning but we had decided we were going out for a walk,but we did not want to drive somewhere so we decided to stay local,after all Denbigh is steeped with history.So we though we would go and have a look at the old site of Llewenny Hall,what was once a a magnificent building is no more it was dismantled and used for extending The Kinmel Hall about 25/30 miles away.I do not know why this was but Llewenny Hall has loads of history far to much for me to go into,I could start another web site.The Hall boasted a whopping 200 bedrooms and a massive hall for entertaining.The Salisbury family owned it pretty much most of the time,and there has been some sort of major building on the site since as far back as 750AD ....see what I mean I could go on for ages about it perhaps another day.But today we thought we would do the walk sat right in the base of The Vale Of Clwyd with all the terrific views around us.
WOOO !! it was a bit fresh this morning but we had decided we were going out for a walk,but we did not want to drive somewhere so we decided to stay local,after all Denbigh is steeped with history.So we though we would go and have a look at the old site of Llewenny Hall,what was once a a magnificent building is no more it was dismantled and used for extending The Kinmel Hall about 25/30 miles away.I do not know why this was but Llewenny Hall has loads of history far to much for me to go into,I could start another web site.The Hall boasted a whopping 200 bedrooms and a massive hall for entertaining.The Salisbury family owned it pretty much most of the time,and there has been some sort of major building on the site since as far back as 750AD ....see what I mean I could go on for ages about it perhaps another day.But today we thought we would do the walk sat right in the base of The Vale Of Clwyd with all the terrific views around us.
Llangollen Canal and Castle Walk.
January 29th 2012,Llangollen Canal and Castle walk
A fresh and very cold morning with a cold biting breeze,and an early start,there is snow forecast....not a lot though,and off to Llangollen we go for a nice easy 5/6 mile walk along the canal and up to Dinas Bran Castle.Llangollen is a little quieter this time of year but in the summer sometimes you can not move for visitors coming in to view this fantastic little town with its full size steam railway sitting on the banks of The River Dee,and not forgetting the canals running through the town.The walk we did took in a small part of the canal tow-paths leading us up to the Castle.Llangollen is also home to The National Eisteddfod in July which is held at the Pavilion.There are plenty of places to eat and drink in town so if you fancy a break from what ever you are doing you will be spoilt for choice.
Just click on the pictures to enlarge.
A fresh and very cold morning with a cold biting breeze,and an early start,there is snow forecast....not a lot though,and off to Llangollen we go for a nice easy 5/6 mile walk along the canal and up to Dinas Bran Castle.Llangollen is a little quieter this time of year but in the summer sometimes you can not move for visitors coming in to view this fantastic little town with its full size steam railway sitting on the banks of The River Dee,and not forgetting the canals running through the town.The walk we did took in a small part of the canal tow-paths leading us up to the Castle.Llangollen is also home to The National Eisteddfod in July which is held at the Pavilion.There are plenty of places to eat and drink in town so if you fancy a break from what ever you are doing you will be spoilt for choice.
Just click on the pictures to enlarge.
Gwaenysgor and Gop Hill Circular Walk.
A well signposted walk.
January 2nd 2012 Gwaenysgor Circular Walk,taking in Trelawnyd and Gop Hill.
A fresh day it was and again the forecast was good for the day so off we went a bit of a last minute decision walk,but it turned out very well as there was an added bonus of a small cave.Well I say small take a look at the pictures and see what you think.The walk its self was easy,crossing some farm land with well signposted styles and paths,although it was a little boggy this time of year.The Offa`s Dyke Path is skimmed by this little walk and gives you fantastic panoramic views of the coastline form Prestatyn over to Rhyl.If you do this walk Gop Hill looks like a hill but actually it is a Prehistoric Burial Mound,must have took a long time to get all those rocks up there.
As you look over the coast line of Meliden over to Prestatyn you see how flat it is,these were Anglo Saxon settlements,where the Saxons would have landed there boats and made camp,as they were trying to edge there way into North Wales
A fresh day it was and again the forecast was good for the day so off we went a bit of a last minute decision walk,but it turned out very well as there was an added bonus of a small cave.Well I say small take a look at the pictures and see what you think.The walk its self was easy,crossing some farm land with well signposted styles and paths,although it was a little boggy this time of year.The Offa`s Dyke Path is skimmed by this little walk and gives you fantastic panoramic views of the coastline form Prestatyn over to Rhyl.If you do this walk Gop Hill looks like a hill but actually it is a Prehistoric Burial Mound,must have took a long time to get all those rocks up there.
As you look over the coast line of Meliden over to Prestatyn you see how flat it is,these were Anglo Saxon settlements,where the Saxons would have landed there boats and made camp,as they were trying to edge there way into North Wales
Cwmorthin Slate Mine.
Looking up as the water cascades down.
January 1st 2012 A trip Out To Cwmorthin Slate Mine
A New Year,a new page on my web site so here we go and where better to start than with a massive slate mine that is Cwmorthin,just west of Blaenau Ffestiniog in North Wales.Paired up with its neighbouring mine Oakley,it is said to be the biggest slate mine in the world,and you can see this once in.You could very easily get lost in this mine due to its vast honey comb of passages,chambers and inclines to other levels,so you should only visit this mine with someone who is very experienced in mines or who knows Cwmorthin well.The mine was worked well in the Victorian era and employed 1000`s of people some in living in the village of Blaenau or some workers who came from a far would stay in the barracks purposely built for the workers,the barracks can still be seen,So ant way that was our first trip of 2012,Cwmorthin Slate Mine is a well visited mine and there is lots of information about via the internet and a good site to look at is http://www.cwmorthin.co.uk
A New Year,a new page on my web site so here we go and where better to start than with a massive slate mine that is Cwmorthin,just west of Blaenau Ffestiniog in North Wales.Paired up with its neighbouring mine Oakley,it is said to be the biggest slate mine in the world,and you can see this once in.You could very easily get lost in this mine due to its vast honey comb of passages,chambers and inclines to other levels,so you should only visit this mine with someone who is very experienced in mines or who knows Cwmorthin well.The mine was worked well in the Victorian era and employed 1000`s of people some in living in the village of Blaenau or some workers who came from a far would stay in the barracks purposely built for the workers,the barracks can still be seen,So ant way that was our first trip of 2012,Cwmorthin Slate Mine is a well visited mine and there is lots of information about via the internet and a good site to look at is http://www.cwmorthin.co.uk