Range Walking Club

Sunday 18th May 1997-North Wales-Blaenau Ffestiniog

 

The walks on Sunday, 18 May centre on Blaenau Ffestiniog - returning to Meirion's roots in a picturesque Welsh village! As usual the coaches leave school at 0800 hrs prompt and there will be a short toilet stop en route at Betws-Y-Coed. The return journey will start half an hour later than normal, at 1800 hrs, and we should be back in Formby about 2045 hrs. The cost of travel is £5.00 for adults and £3.00 for children and students in full-time education. Please return slips with cheque (not cash) to the school office by Thursday, 8 May, in an envelope marked "Range Walking Club".Walking boots are essential for all walks.

'A' Walk
Starting at the entrance to Tanygrisiau Power Station we climb Craigysgain and on the Moelwyn Mawr (770 m - 658448) then descend westward to the tiny hamlet of Croesor. A long ascent of Cnicht (689 m) is followed by an easy descent to Llyn yr Adar (Lake of the Birds) before turning east to pass through a series of disused quarrys back to the starting point. Although only a moderate pace will be necessary, the climbing makes this a strenuous walk requiring a full 7 hours so there will, unfortunately, be no cafe stop to look forward to.

Distance: 11 miles

Ascent: 4000'

Leaders: Meirion Williams and Gordon Spence

'B'+ Walk
The main attractions of this walk are excellent views of Snowdonia, lakes, slate mines and quarries. Starting at the highest point of the Crimea Pass (1200') we will take a direct route (no paths) to Moel Druman (2718') and Ysgafell Wen (2205'). We return to the starting point along the Afon Ledre valley before descending into Blaenau Ffestiniog via Moen Offren quarry.

Distance: 9½ miles

Ascent: 2000'

Leaders: Rick Tynan and Dave Miles

'B' Wa1k
A circular walk starting from the village of Ffestiniog, south of Blaenau Ffestiniog. Walking eastwards, we climb to the old disused 'Drum' quarry and up into the lonely hills where the Afon Cynfal rises before returning along the river as it makes its spectacular plunge towards the coast. We have a good view of the Rhaeardr-y-Cwm waterfall and negotiate the Afon Cynfal gorge before climbing to finish back at Ffestiniog where the coach waits to return us to Blaenau Ffestiniog. (NB) This walk involves a degree of exposure near the falls and in the gorge where the path skirts the edge with sheer drops of 30' or more. Care is needed especially if wet and the walk is not advised for small children.

Distance: 8½ miles

Ascent: 1100'

Leaders: David Poole and Dave Wake

'C' Walk
This is a very pleasant 'C' walk with a variety of scenery and undulation, usually within sight of the Blaenau - Portmadoc railway line, which should provide several photo opportunities for steam train enthusiasts. Starting at Blaenau (toilet facilities) we initially pass through the old mining village of Tanygrisiau before following tracks overlooking Tanygrisiau Reservoir to the train halt at Dduallt. We then head across the valley of the Afon Dwyryd to climb through woods to reach the outskirts of Ffestiniog. Here we collect the coach for the short drive back to cafe, bar and other facilities at Blaenau.

 

Distance: 7½ miles

Ascent: 600'

Leaders: Vicky Fahey and David Willis