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May 23, 2013, 7:04pm

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Topic: A wet wild week in Wales (Read 163 times)

woollywendi
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A wet wild week in Wales
« Thread Started on Jun 10, 2012, 10:28am »

Spent the last week in wonderful Wales where we managed to get some walking done in between very wet and windy days that culminated in the floods you may have seen on the news in Aberystwyth yesterday.

Luckily, we were further north than that and avoided the really extreme weather and were in a cottage!

Have wanted to explore the Rhinogs area for some time now but on our yearly visits to Wales there has always seemed something else just as good and more accessible to catch our attention. Wales really is beautiful and varied with something for everyone and I'm often surprised by how rarely they're praised but in some ways that adds to their appeal as the tops are very quiet as long as you avoid Snowdon obviously!

Anyway, the weather prevented an extensive explore of the area but we did manage Rhinog Fawr and a couple of other walks. The Rhinogs are quite a long way away from major roads, so they have that feeling of remoteness you get in Scotland, and although they're not particularly high they feel a lot higher and require good navigation and lots of energy to scramble round the many rocky outcrops that adorn the tops.

We expended a bit more energy than I would have liked

as we took a 'detour' scrambling an outcrop on the southern side ::)

and it got a bit hairy for me at one point but I managed it eventually.

Here's a link to the pics for anyone interested - they're a bit grey but there are some nice expansive shots.

https://picasaweb.google.com/11265853356....feat=directlink

Cheers
Wendi

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Lindsay
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Re: A wet wild week in Wales
« Reply #1 on Jun 11, 2012, 9:43am »

Hi Wendi,

I've never ventured onto the Rhinogs, although I have driven up to Cwm Nantcol several times when we used to stay at Shell Island near Llanbedr on holidays. There is loads to explore in that corner of Wales,

Glad you both had a great time,

Lindsay

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JB
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Re: A wet wild week in Wales
« Reply #2 on Jun 11, 2012, 2:32pm »

Wendy

We did the KMM (Karrimor Mountain Marathon) in the Rhinogs area back in 1979. It was a brilliant 2 days in some (at the time) unknown scenery. Been back since (early '80's) as part of my Mountain Leadership Training and really enjoyed it.

Must go back again!

John

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woollywendi
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Re: A wet wild week in Wales
« Reply #3 on Jun 15, 2012, 8:34pm »

Thanks for the comments guys

Lindsay - we were staying not far from Llanbedr in a cottage in Tal-y-Bont. We enjoyed that whole coastal area while we were there as it was all new to us and we'll definitely go back as we felt there was lots to explore. (Only stayed in North Wales, Pembrokeshire and Llyen Peninsula before that)

John - wow KMM in the Rhinogs,

that must have been great and you must be very fit! Good to hear from other fans of the Welsh mountains

Cheers
Wendi

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boots
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Re: A wet wild week in Wales
« Reply #4 on Jun 16, 2012, 7:45am »

Thankyou wendi, i look forward to the welsh mountains...

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crib goch
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Re: A wet wild week in Wales
« Reply #5 on Jun 16, 2012, 3:24pm »

Interesting pictures Wendi. Not an area I know, although that looks like Harlech castle at the end? If so we sat in the car park a couple of years back and watched the rain..................

I'll have to spend some time down there if I achieve my ambition of climbing all the Welsh Nuttalls.

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Martin

woollywendi
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Re: A wet wild week in Wales
« Reply #6 on Jun 17, 2012, 5:58pm »

Cheers Boots.

Martin - spot on with the castle, it was Harlech. The castle was impressive and the view from the tea room those pics were taken from was amazing. I'm not normally someone who likes the coast but in Wales I adore it and where we stayed was really useful for accessing the Rhinogs and surrounding areas. Thanks for your comments.

Wendi

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Ray Bradshaw
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Re: A wet wild week in Wales
« Reply #7 on Jun 19, 2012, 5:26am »

Hi Wendy, I had a few wet walking days in Snowdonia a few years back but that is all. Wales must be on the agenda when I complete the AW's.
Ray

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I like to paint people enjoying the outdoors in and around the English Countryside. Mainly the Lakes and the Dales. More recently the urban scene is included. I would like to think that if AW was alive today, if he didn't appreciate my talent, he would at least get my humour.

Jenny
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Re: A wet wild week in Wales
« Reply #8 on Jun 21, 2012, 8:00pm »

Some great views there, especially enjoyed the views over to Snowdon. Often the best views are got from lower hills and they still provided plenty of interesting walking. Glad you were in a cottage and not a tent in that weather.

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fell-boy
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Re: A wet wild week in Wales
« Reply #9 on Jun 21, 2012, 11:44pm »

I only really know Snowdonia and Anglesey, never been to any other parts. So very interesting.

Surprised we don't see more of Snowdonia on the Out and About though, I think the Snowdon Horseshoe (despite the crowds) is probably the best single day outing in UK hills. (Although I think the Cuillin Ridge is the best mountain expedition and experience, the continuous traverse will take more than one day for most folk). The Welsh 3000's is also an amazing walk, done twice but over 2 days each time.

There's so many things to do and places to go, no chance of fitting everything in!

David

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woollywendi
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Re: A wet wild week in Wales
« Reply #10 on Jun 25, 2012, 8:08pm »

Thanks for all the comments folks

Jenny - yes the cottage was very appreciated (underfloor heating... mmmm luxury for us compared to a tent!) and I agree about the views from lower fells/hills sometimes being just as or more rewarding.

David - yes I'm surprised about that too as Snowdonia has many hidden gems. I know some other 'forumites' have said they feel Wales is not so accessible if you have a dog(s) so that might be one reason but it is also a long drive for some folks depending on where they're based obviously.

Ray - I'm sure Wales won't disappoint and might give you a new challenge to consider for when you've completed the 214

Cheers
Wendi

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