A Wet but Excellent Day

Walk Information

The map below shows my route in yellow

Date of Walk - 9th June 2012

Time - 7 Hours (but I plod)

Visibility - poor above 1500ft

Weather - Strong rain and wind

Distance - approx 9 miles

Difficulty - Hard

Elements and skills -

Steep climbs, Moorland, Waterfalls, River, Rocks, Basic Climbing skills, Compass and Navigation skills

Dangers - Bogs,Slippy rocks, Steep climbs and drops

Wildlife - Many wild Welsh Mountain ponies

Note - This is my route, and I do not give detailed ways to get from one place to another, to try and encourage a sense of adventure, please feel free to modify the route to what you want to achieve. Most of all be safe and enjoy the hills safely.

Basic Walk Information as a Guide

I managed to get up at 4am as planned and started my drive to Wales at 4:30am, arriving at Abergwynagregn at 5:45am - at the car park for Aber Falls- after a very wet and windy journey. The forecast from the Met Office was for it to dry up with good visibility, I got neither today, it was a full waterproof day, but with the driving wind and rain, they gave up their protection after an hour.

The visibility was poor, and I have a philosphy of refusing to do mountains if I can't see a view, it's a lot of work for nothing in my opinion, so the plans changed, and I must say I am pleased, as there were some spectacular sites after the heavy rains. I was not able to take many photographs today due to the conditions

Starting out at Aber Falls car park, take the root next to the river and follow it up to Aber Falls.

The Swolen River on the way up to Aber Falls

Aber Falls

After admiring Aber Falls follow the path over the bridge, through the gate. At the second Waterfall - Rhaedr Bach, there is a Style, looking up the climb may seem daunting, but as you cross the syle you follow the faint path up to the first drop on the waterfalls, from there you are looking to make your way left over heather and rocks to the top at the left of the falls. Numerous sheep trails make the going easy at times at other times it is a case of pulling yourself up over heather and a steep climb - choose your route carefully. Note - This is the end of any paths, and how you make your way up needs carefull consideration.

Once you are at the top A) congratulate yourself B) turn left and follow the top round until you can see the river that feeds Aber Falls. Make your way down to the river, and follow it upstream. At the main head of the river, there is a mountain Bera Mawr to you right.

 It is this climb next although I did not go to the summit of Bera Mawr, as I have done this before. Start the climb, how you get up is up to yourself, it gives some nice simple climbing practice if that is the way you go up. Once again choose your route carefully.

Your next objective once you get to the top is Afon Gam, making your way back Aber falls and the carpark.