Update to the update
Last week, the “July” members’ walk was brought forward to June after a member helpfully pointed out to us the closure of the A44 in mid-July for quite some time. After walk leader Maurice queried Ceredigion County Council as to exactly when the roadworks would be in place it seems the road will be open after all on 19 July and so the walk is now taking place on 19th July as originally advertised. Our apologies for the confusion – and please do let Maurice know if you intend to join us.
Walk description
It’ll be a ‘balloon on a string’ shaped walk (a loop, starting and finishing a short way along). Heading from Maesnant (by Nant y Moch reservoir) up Cwm Hyddgen on a rough track, we’ll then ascend to the summit of Carn Hyddgen on grassy paths. After admiring one of the best views in the Cambrians, we find our way south along the wide ridge on faint quad bike tracks before descending completely ‘off piste’ to the path in Cwm Hengwm and a few boggy stretches to complete the circuit. In very poor weather conditions (which hopefully are unlikely, given the current weather forecasts), we can do a ‘there and back’ to avoid the awkward descent and boggy sections, at the cost of missing the wonderful wildness of Cwm Hengwm.
The history of the landscape is all around on this walk. We start close to the parallel lines of ancient glacial lake shores on the slopes of Drosgol. The summit of Carn Hyddgen is adorned with two giant Bronze Age cairns, and we walk through a valley reputed to be the site of the epic and legendary battle in 1401 between Owain Glyndwr’s forces and those of Henry IV. Cwm Hengwm shows the results of 20th century trends: rural depopulation… ruined farm building and a maze of derelict dry stone walls contrasting with the later Rheidol hydro-electric scheme, and at Maesnant the buildings provided for the two brothers who refused to move for the lake. If all that isn’t enough, this rugged, wild, remote area is unique, with the wonderful north side of the Pumlumon range up close, and superb 360 degree views from the summit!
Contact Maurice using the details on the members’ email (the first one!) if you intend to come along. And apologies for the lack of any CMS in the actual month of July!