As impossibly warm weather lingers over the British Isles for July, even the Cambrians are experiencing temperatures over 30°C and the shady woods are exceedingly tempting.  Our August walk, on Saturday 8 August, will be an estimated 6-mile circular on the edge of the Cambrian Mountains, below Drygarn Fawr.

We’ll start at 10.30 am from Eglwys Oen Duw, a delightful small church just outside Beulah built in the 19th century by the then-lady of Llwyn Madoc, Clara Thomas (daughter of the builder of the house itself).  Miss Thomas evidently had no shortage of funds, as it is very well endowed with stone carvings, Victorian tiles, an excellent organ and stained glass windows – and much loved by its present congregation

A short section along the road leads through a field and onto the edge of the Llwyn Madoc Estate, pictured above, with a gentle climb through sessile oak woodland.

The route passes Garn Wen Cairn (unfortunately with no public access) and continues through forestry plantations, heading north towards Blaen Cwm Waterfall before looping around to the opposite side of the valley for the return leg.

The walk eventually reaches an abandoned slate mine known as Chwarel Penygeulan (grid reference SN 904 537). The site features a 50-metre adit and is designated as a Regionally Important Geological Site (RIGS) due to its well-preserved Ordovician mudstones.

After leaving the quarry site, a gentle walk returns towards the church, crossing a couple of fords (each with footbridges) and passing through fields and along a farm track. The route then leads back via Llwynowen Farmhouse to the church and the starting point.

Please let Cass know if you are intending to join the walk, as the parking at the church itself is limited but there are other options in the vicinity.  She can be contacted by email or phone; details in the email already circulated to members.