Range Walking Club

Sunday 21st May 1989-North Wales-Betws-y-Coed

 

The next walk has been arranged for Sunday, 21st May in the Aberconwy district of North Wales. This is an outstanding area of natural beauty covering forest and lake, rivers and pasture, mountains and excellent views of Snowdonia. The coach will leave school as usual at 8.00 a.m. promptly and should be back in Formby by 7.30 p.m. The journey will be along the coast road (A55) to avoid excessive twists and turns on the internal roads. There will be a toilet stop at Llanrwst and then the coach will proceed direct to Dolwyddelan where three of the four walks start, it will then return to Betws-y-coed where the 'B' walk starts. All walks finish at Betws-y-Coed which has a number of cafes and places of interest to occupy the walkers who happen to finish early. The cost will remain at £3.00 for adults and £2.00 for children. Please indicate on the attached slip which walk you are likely to join and return it with your remittance to the SCHOOL OFFICE by Thursday, 11th May 1989.

'A' Walk
Starting in Dolwyddelan, we head westwards past the castle to Blaenau Dolwyddelan where we strike North-westwards through the forest to Llynau Diuvannedd (687537). From here the route takes us up the Southwest shoulder of Moel Siabad to the summit (2863 ft.) where on a clear day there are magnificent views of the entire Snowdon range and coastal areas. The descent is rocky with some exposure and leads down past the disused quarries to Pant Cyfyng. The return to Betwys-y-Coed follows the Afon Llugwy valley by minor road and riverside path, a route affording an intimate view of the famous Swallow falls

Distance: 12½ miles

Ascent: 2800 ft.

Leaders: David Poole and John Laking

'B'+ Walk
Starting in Dolwyddelan heading North through the Gwydyr forest, we descend into Pont Cyfyng, cross the A5 and continue Northwards to Llyn Crafnant and then East to Llyn Geirionydd. The route then takes us South-east through the Gwydir forest following the Southern paths of the Northern Loop and the Southern Loop. We return to Betws-y-Coed on a secondary road high above the Afon Llugwy. This is a highly recommended walk well varied with forest, pasture, lakes and rivers. Although slightly longer in distance for a 'B' walk, this is compensated by modest ascents.

Distance: 11½ miles

Ascent: 1750 ft.

Leaders: Ian Gilmour and John McEvoy

'B' Walk
Starts at Betws-y-Coed and incorporates the Southern and Northern Loop in Gwydir Forest. We start with an uphill stretch toward Llyn Parc gaining height very quickly which will be taken at a gentle pace. The route then links Llyn Sarnau, Llyn Geirionydd and Llyn Glangors. Although we walk mainly along forest trails and rough pasture on the Nant Plateau there are many spectacular viewpoints from which the Snowdonia peaks can be seen given a fine day. The walk ends at Betws-y-Coed.

Distance: 9½ miles

Ascent: 1100 ft.
Leaders: Bob and Joyce Blackwell

'C' Walk
This walk also starts from Dolwyydelan and after a brief climb behind the village follows the contours to the Northwest before dropping down to the main road at Pontypant. Taking the Roman road, Sam Helen, we reach open country and woods before turning East to visit Llyn Elsi reservoir. From the monument here, there are panoramic views of Snowdonia. We return to Betws-y-Coed by forest paths and a comfortable descent amidst mossy boulders and rushing water.

Distance: 6½ miles

Ascent: 600 ft.
Leaders: Shelagh and Peter Lucas