Range Walking Club

Sunday 22nd May 1994-North Wales-Bala Area

 

This month's walks take place on Sunday 22 May and are based on the Bala area of North Wales. Mountains, lakes and beautiful views abound. We leave school at 8.00 a.m. prompt and intend to be back there by 8.00 p.m. A toilet stop will be made at Bala from where the 'B' and 'C' walks commence. 'A' and 'B+' parties will re-board the coach for the short trip to Wenallt where both start their walks. The cost of travel is £4.00 for adults and £2.00 for children and students in full-time education. Please return slip with cheque (not cash) in an envelope marked "RANGE WALKING CLUB" by Thursday, 12 May 1994.

'A' Walk
This is another demanding walk involving a considerable amount of climbing and which will need to be taken at a steady pace. However, it is well worth the effort because of the grandeur and isolation of the area visited. We start near Wenallt, south-west of Bala and climb gently up to the col between Glasgwm and Waen Camddwr. We then descend through the dramatic Cwm Cywarch. After a lunch stop we ascend the carefully graded path up Cwm Hengwm and then to the summit of Dyrysgol (2397'). From there we follow the steadily narrowing ridge to Drws Bach and its memorial cairn. Then a short sharpish climb brings us to the summit of Aran Fawddwy (2971') with its views of the source of the river Dyfi (Dovey) and across to Cadair Idris, the Rhinogs, Rhobell Fawr and the Arennigs. An exhilarating high level ridge brings us to Aran Bernllyn (2901') before we descend steadily to our finish in Llanuwchllyn.

 

Distance: 14 miles

Ascent: 4300'

Leaders: John Hughes and Arthur Jones

 

'B'+ Walk

This walk is not easy and includes some marshy ground but, taken at the right pace, the views from the Aran Ridge are extensive (see 'A' walk description) and justify the effort. We start near Wenallt (on A494) south-west of Bala and climb steadily to the summit of Aran Fawddwy (2971'). Turning north-east we then follow the undulating ridge taking in Man Benllyn (2901') to descend ultimately to Llanuwchllyn

Distance: 9½ miles

Ascent: 2900'

Leaders: Phil Morgan and Dave Luty

 

'B' Walk

A delightful circular walk giving splendid views of the Arennigs and the Arans. The terrain varies front tarmac track and field paths to rough boggy moorland. Starting at Bala, the walk takes us across the northern end of Bala lake and then generally in a southerly direction over some rough moorland to reach the Llangower forest. Here we descend to the Gower valley and then head towards Llangower. Just before the village we turn off the tarmac road to head in a north easterly direction back towards Bala, eventually rejoining our outward path and then retracing our steps back into Bala.

 

Distance: 8 miles

Ascent: 1200'

Leaders: Dave Griffiths and Roger MacDonald

 

'C' Walk
A hillside walk which takes us above Bala Lake's south east shore from Bala to Llanuwchllyn. The way is undulating with magnificent views of the lake and the mountains beyond. The going is marshy in places and walkers should be prepared to straddle wire sheep fences which cross the footpaths in several places. The sheep are friendly in this part of the world and run towards, not away, from you - you have been warned!

 

Distance: 7½ miles

Ascent: 500'

Leaders: John Rothwell and Bob Hutt