Around Llangollen, Sunday August 18^th

Eight people met up at the Ponderosa (1)

on a bright and breezy morning and we were soon climbing up to Cyrn y Brain. The moors were covered in glorious purple heather and the views looking down the valley were fantastic.(2)

After reaching the summit we descended along Offa’s Dyke and after a short road stretch we continued to the dramatic cliffs of World’s End but today we didn’t see any climbers.

The next section of the walk has some spectacular scenery, walking again on Offa’s Dyke but under (3)

the limestone Creigiau Eglwyseg escarpment(4),

 eventually making our way steeply upwards to  the magical Castell Dinas Bran where we took lunch. Some of us left with heavier rucksacks than before because Gareth found 3 bottles of Coors Lager that had been left lying around on the summit. Very nice they were when we got home!

The last 7 miles began with an easy stroll along the Llangollen canal to the Horseshoe Falls (5)

before beginning the ascent of Moel Y Gamelin (6)

which at 577m was the highest point of the day.Although this is a sharp climb especially in the early stages we were rewarded with tremendous views all around. In total we did 17 miles with 3750 ft of ascent and finished at 4.45pm after which we went in the café for a welcome brew.

Thanks to Doreen for an interesting walk.