A new southern approach to the Arenigs range, exploring five new Dewey 500m tops and including a circuit around Waun y Griafolen, the huge shallow expanse of very rough wet moorland that lies at the heart of the region. The route also visits the two old favourites of Dduallt and Rhobell Fawr, the two Nuttall mountains of the southern quarter, and passes close to three other Dewey tops that we have climbed before but omitted on this circuit.
A route for lovers of solitude who desire to avoid the summer hordes, this was another of our 100% successes in that respect: in the entire backpack we saw absolutely nobody at all - literally, even from a far distance, despite the broad spacious views over the region. Even the valley at Cwm yr Allt-lwyd was deserted.
It was slightly surprising to find Dduallt and Rhobell Fawr completely devoid of walkers in such warm sunny weather, but not the tops that encircle Waun y Griafolen. Now this is one badass place for the foot soldier, a vast flatland of fearsome matted heather and tussocks with hidden bogs and trickling watercourses that mandates fine weather and a stoic frame of mind. By judicious choice of line for our crossing at the southern end, we encountered just a short section of this, and a serviceable path avoids most of the rough terrain on the higher ground of the periphery.
5 Comments
Rough miles had there Geoff. Nice wild landscape and nice photos.
Lovely and wild, recommended for the connoiseur!.
Some great hills there Geoff, done the Nuttalls in the area but not the 500 meter tops. Maybe one for the next bank holiday? Definately one for good weather or may end up feeling a bit sombre!
Will be down that way over summer - a few days car camping booked with son - will probably do Cadair Idris. (Expect that to be far from quiet.)
You do seem to be excellent at finding out of the way routes - will keep my eyes open for possible future ideas.
James,
I think it’s best saved for when you’ve completed the Nuttalls and you’re after something new and ultra-quiet (and fine very dry weather, as you say). Pretty gruesome in clag I think!.
Phil,
Cadair will almost certainly be heaving if it’s fine and sunny, merely ‘popular’ if the clag or rain prevails (with everybody trying to get into the stone hut at the summit!).
Just back from another 3-dayer but this time I wouldn’t really recommend the route to anyone except the peak bagger.