Range Walking Club

Sunday 12th July 1998, Bala area of North Wales

The last walk ot the present series takes us to the Bala area ot North Wales. The date is Sunday, 12 July, which also happens to be the World Cup final day. However, we fully intend to be back in time for that event allowing non-interested members the time for a longer soak after their day's exertions. The programme of walks for the day is varied, and not attempted by the club for at least 13 years, but afford great views all round. As usual, the coaches will leave school at 0800 hrs prompt and should be back there by 1930 hrs. The cost of travel is £6.00 for adults and £3.00 for children and students in full-time education and who were formerly Range High School pupils. Please return slips with cheque (not cash) to the school office by Thursday, 2 July in an envelope marked "Range Walking Club". Walking boots are essential for all walkers.

'A' Walk

Starting on the A4212 at GR84516 we make the ascent of Arenig Fach (2264' - 689m). We then descend southward to the road and skirt the Llyn Arenig Fawr Reservoir before making the steep ascent of Arenig Fawr (2800' - 854m). This mountain is rarely visited but, on a fine day, has spectacular views of Snowdonia and beyond so it is well worth the climb! Continuing south along the ridge, the gradual descent leads us to a bridle way which we follow south-west to eventually finish in the village of Llanuwchllyn.

 

Distance: 13 miles

Ascent: 2500'

Leaders: Ann and Ian Mitchell

 

'B'+ Walk

The walk begins near Llyn Celyn on the A4212 (817394). A track leads to the beginning of a steep climb up Arenig Fawr (2820'). The effort is well rewarded by the high level route along the top with panoramic views including Snowdonia. All the significant climbing is in this first third of the walk. The descent south and south-east is cross country with a noticeable absence of paths. On reaching the road, it is immediately ignored in order to travel west across more isolated moorland, then south-west through forest and fields until the final road mile into Llanuwchllyn. Ground conditions make this a strenuous but rewarding walk

 

Distance: 10½ miles

Ascent: 1900'

Leaders: John Hughes and John Rothwell

 

'B' Walk

The walk starts near the junction of the A4212 (Bala - Trawsfynydd road) with the B4391. Heading south we pass under Arenig Fawr (834m) on the left. Ascending, so gently we won't even notice it, we pass, again under, Moel Llyfnant (751m) to join a minor road near Blaen Lliw. Here we change direction to head south eastwards and, following the valley of the Afon Lliw and via a combination of minor roads and footpaths (mostly footpaths we reach our destination - Llanuwchllyn.

 

Distance: 9 miles

Ascent: 750'

Leaders: Phil Morgan and Dave Luty

 

'C' Walk

A mixture of lakeside, woodland, moorland and hillside field paths with some good views of the surrounding mountains. Starting at Bala, with a visit to the Old School House for coffee and perhaps a slice of Bara Brith, our walk follows the course of an old dismantled railway alongside the river to bring us to Bala Lake. Following a tarmac path we skirt the top end of the lake to each the main A494 road by the Information Centre. Walking down to a picnic site, we cross the main road near Abercelyn to head north-west through woodland before turning south-west and foliowing paths and tracks to reach Caergai and the Roman Fort. We cross the A949 again and make our way over fields to finish at the village of Llanuwchllyn (14 stiles).

 

Distance: 7½ miles

Ascent: 400'

Leaders. Ray Webb and Dave Griffiths