Off we trundled last Friday evening around 18:30 on another one of our weekend ventures. This time we were to visit one of the most barren regions of mid Wales the Cambrian Mountains. We stopped off at Builth Wells for what has become the mandatory fish and chips on the outward-bound journey. This is one of the treats we afford ourselves. The other treat is the odd shed full of barley or hop pop! Of which we did sample one and a half buckets of, in the Coach & Horses, after the Welsh defeat against the Irish on Sunday.
We arrived at Dolgoch YHA pretty late in the evening after making our way along the Abergwesyn to Dolgoch road up Devils Staircase and eventually along the rough track to the cottage. What a brilliant cottage, no electricity or hot water. This place is pretty luxurious compared to some of the rocks we have slept under or bog ridden trench and tarp. Coal fire and bunks wow. Stewart, Scott and myself were looking forward to a good weekend.
Porridge & raisins “gloop n bunny poop” was on the breakfast menu. Water was boiled for the camel backs, boots laced, gaiters bound and off we tramp. This trip was to take us up the Tywi valley, a sixteen mile round trip.
Once again the tree felling that covers the footpaths fooled us. The forest tracks that have been hidden, gateways replaced by fencing. These obstructions do make the walking in this area an additional challenge; with out a map and compass we would find ourselves in trouble. Of course we fought our way across the quagmire we have become accustomed too, finding ourselves at the source of Afon Tywi.
Our thoughts were with Mr “V” who was unable to accompany us due to his bronchitis; he had been looking forward to checking out his new sleeping bag.
Stew for supper after our sponge bath in front of the coal fire, stood in a washing up bowl - luxury (what a sight for sore eyes).
Part way through the Saturday evening a couple of families from London turned up with an army of little ones. Nice people, good company. The little ones were amazed by the fact that the moon was so big and bright, “you don’t need a torch to see the fields at night”, “why don’t you need to lock the doors?” The coal fire mesmerized them! On the Sunday morning whilst I was making the fire for the next visitors to warm themselves, one of the lads asked me “can I switch it on please?” On leaving and saying our good byes we were given a kind donation for the cause.
It was decided to drive home along the western most edge of the Brecon Beacon National Park. This would allow us to bag another Hewitt Garreg Lwyd 616m, only a five-mile trek but the 360’panoramic view from the summit has to be the most prolific of the Brecon Beacons, absolutely amazing.
We arrived at Dolgoch YHA pretty late in the evening after making our way along the Abergwesyn to Dolgoch road up Devils Staircase and eventually along the rough track to the cottage. What a brilliant cottage, no electricity or hot water. This place is pretty luxurious compared to some of the rocks we have slept under or bog ridden trench and tarp. Coal fire and bunks wow. Stewart, Scott and myself were looking forward to a good weekend.
Porridge & raisins “gloop n bunny poop” was on the breakfast menu. Water was boiled for the camel backs, boots laced, gaiters bound and off we tramp. This trip was to take us up the Tywi valley, a sixteen mile round trip.
Once again the tree felling that covers the footpaths fooled us. The forest tracks that have been hidden, gateways replaced by fencing. These obstructions do make the walking in this area an additional challenge; with out a map and compass we would find ourselves in trouble. Of course we fought our way across the quagmire we have become accustomed too, finding ourselves at the source of Afon Tywi.Our thoughts were with Mr “V” who was unable to accompany us due to his bronchitis; he had been looking forward to checking out his new sleeping bag.
Stew for supper after our sponge bath in front of the coal fire, stood in a washing up bowl - luxury (what a sight for sore eyes).
Part way through the Saturday evening a couple of families from London turned up with an army of little ones. Nice people, good company. The little ones were amazed by the fact that the moon was so big and bright, “you don’t need a torch to see the fields at night”, “why don’t you need to lock the doors?” The coal fire mesmerized them! On the Sunday morning whilst I was making the fire for the next visitors to warm themselves, one of the lads asked me “can I switch it on please?” On leaving and saying our good byes we were given a kind donation for the cause.
It was decided to drive home along the western most edge of the Brecon Beacon National Park. This would allow us to bag another Hewitt Garreg Lwyd 616m, only a five-mile trek but the 360’panoramic view from the summit has to be the most prolific of the Brecon Beacons, absolutely amazing.
1 comment:
As a big fan of Huw, I wish you both the best of luck.
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