Nantlle and Nantgwynant
Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2019 1:05 pm
Two glorious days in North Wales a couple of years ago - I came across the SD card...
Setting off from the pass for an alternative start to the Nantlle ridge. Our plan was to do the four eastern peaks of the ridge as a circuit. Craig y Bera in the background.
IMG_0020 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
The children liked this boat in Llyn y Dywarchen
IMG_0029 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Different choices of route and technique
IMG_0038 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Split boulder below the crags of Y Garn
IMG_0041 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Views opened out as we gained height. This is Llyn y Gadair and Yr Aran
IMG_0048 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Y Garn's summit is an airy promontory high above deep valleys. it's crowned with Bronze Age cairns and is a wonderful viewpoint - this is Mynydd Mawr from one of the deep-cut gullies which slice into the summit.
IMG_0054 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
There's an enticing view of the ridge ahead.
IMG_0058 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Off we go
IMG_0071 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
One of the notches in the ridge, with a view of the vertical strata on the crags of Trum y Ddysgl behind. The pointed peaks of Yr Eifl are just visible above the crags.
IMG_0076 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Another notch, with a view of the sea
IMG_0077 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Anglesey in the distance
IMG_0078 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
The steeper section of the ridge ahead
IMG_0081 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
A little sit down before the start of the scrambling
IMG_0085 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
On the crest of the ridge
IMG_0091 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
A pinnacle at the narrowest bit of the ridge
IMG_0100 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Scrambling direttissima
IMG_0105 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
The distant Arans from the summit of Mynydd Drws-y-Coed
IMG_0111 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Trum y Ddysgl from Mynydd Drws-y-Coed
IMG_0118 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
The view back from the col between Drws-y-Coed and Ddysgl
IMG_0129 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Snowdon from the ridge to Ddysgl
IMG_0131 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
The top of Trum y Ddysgl, very pleased with ourselves
IMG_0132 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
I lagged behind a bit to get this shot of our group setting off on the ridge to Mynydd Tal-y-mignedd
IMG_0152 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Then i caught up with them as we got the narrower bit
IMG_0162 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Tal-y-mignedd summit, a good place for: taking photos
IMG_0192 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
having lunch
IMG_0195 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
climbing the pillar
IMG_0215 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
a quick way down
IMG_0216 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
safe landing
IMG_0223 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Heading back to Trum y Ddysgl. The light and colours were especially beautiful for this stage of the walk
IMG_0229 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
The two boys were faster than the rest of us
IMG_0263 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Back to the narrowest bit of the ridge - what Poucher called "the hiatus". Years ago I found a quad bike parked here.
IMG_0268 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Descending the south ridge of Trum y Ddysgl towards Bwlch-y-Ddwy-Elor. Cnicht and the Moelwyns in the backgroudn, with the hazy outline of Arenig Fawr between them.
IMG_0283 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
On the lower part of the ridge, with Moel Hebog and Moel Lefn in the background.
IMG_0284 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Snowdon group and Yr Aran from Bwlch-y-Ddwy-Elor. This quote explains the origin of the name of this pass between Rhyd-ddu and Cwm Pennant -
"I remember my grandfather telling me tales that he had been told of the struggles that took place to carry the dead from one village to another over the hillside, swapping the 'biers' on the summit ridge and then carrying the deceased down to the chapel for burial whilst taking the empty bier back" (http://footlesscrow.blogspot.com/2012/12/hills-of-home.html)
IMG_0286 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Crossing a stream on the way back
IMG_0296 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
That afternoon at Llyn Cwellyn, Y Garn in the background.
IMG_0311 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Sheepdog outside the Snowdon Ranger hostel
IMG_0333 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
The next day we did the wonderful low-level circular walk from Beddgelert to Llyn Dinas and Aberglaslyn.
The river Glaslyn near Llyn Dinas
IMG_0343 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Llyn Dinas with Moel Meirch in the background
IMG_0351 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Looking back from the start of the path up to Bwlch-y-Sygyn
IMG_0365 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
A little further, and Snowdon and Lliwedd came into view
IMG_0372 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Cnicht see side-on from near Bwlch-y-Sygyn
IMG_0381 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Snowdon
IMG_0377 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
From here, the mini-mountains Mynydd Sygyn and Moel y Dyniewyd could be added to the walk (we didn't)
The hills here have holes in them! - dropping down to the Sygyn mine in the valley hundreds of feet below. The colours are from the various ores (copper is the most common)
IMG_0386 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Quartz veins
IMG_0395 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
From here, a miniature hanging valley, Cwm Bychan (little hollow) leads down to Aberglaslyn.
IMG_0397 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Old mine workings and a disused cableway, rather than spoiling the beauty, add to the interest of the walk. Especially for the kids.
IMG_0427 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
One of the tunnels can be explored if you have wellies (we did)
IMG_0417 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
The lower valley gives views of the Rhinogs and Moelwyns
IMG_0448 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
IMG_0456 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Finally the valley descends to sea level amid native oakwoods and a jumble of huge boulders.
IMG_0477 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
IMG_0487 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
The path then leads into the Glaslyn gorge, with Myydd Sygyn towering above.
IMG_0491 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
The path follows the Glaslyn back to Beddgelert.
IMG_0523 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
IMG_0524 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
IMG_0538 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
IMG_0542 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
More explorations
IMG_0543 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
And more river
IMG_0561 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
IMG_0546 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
IMG_0545 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
IMG_0548 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
IMG_0547 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Looking back to the path above the river
IMG_0587 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Nearly there - pizza and ice cream in Beddgelert backoning
IMG_0593 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Sheer terror
IMG_0596 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Setting off from the pass for an alternative start to the Nantlle ridge. Our plan was to do the four eastern peaks of the ridge as a circuit. Craig y Bera in the background.
IMG_0020 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
The children liked this boat in Llyn y Dywarchen
IMG_0029 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Different choices of route and technique
IMG_0038 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Split boulder below the crags of Y Garn
IMG_0041 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Views opened out as we gained height. This is Llyn y Gadair and Yr Aran
IMG_0048 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Y Garn's summit is an airy promontory high above deep valleys. it's crowned with Bronze Age cairns and is a wonderful viewpoint - this is Mynydd Mawr from one of the deep-cut gullies which slice into the summit.
IMG_0054 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
There's an enticing view of the ridge ahead.
IMG_0058 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Off we go
IMG_0071 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
One of the notches in the ridge, with a view of the vertical strata on the crags of Trum y Ddysgl behind. The pointed peaks of Yr Eifl are just visible above the crags.
IMG_0076 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Another notch, with a view of the sea
IMG_0077 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Anglesey in the distance
IMG_0078 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
The steeper section of the ridge ahead
IMG_0081 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
A little sit down before the start of the scrambling
IMG_0085 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
On the crest of the ridge
IMG_0091 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
A pinnacle at the narrowest bit of the ridge
IMG_0100 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Scrambling direttissima
IMG_0105 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
The distant Arans from the summit of Mynydd Drws-y-Coed
IMG_0111 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Trum y Ddysgl from Mynydd Drws-y-Coed
IMG_0118 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
The view back from the col between Drws-y-Coed and Ddysgl
IMG_0129 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Snowdon from the ridge to Ddysgl
IMG_0131 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
The top of Trum y Ddysgl, very pleased with ourselves
IMG_0132 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
I lagged behind a bit to get this shot of our group setting off on the ridge to Mynydd Tal-y-mignedd
IMG_0152 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Then i caught up with them as we got the narrower bit
IMG_0162 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Tal-y-mignedd summit, a good place for: taking photos
IMG_0192 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
having lunch
IMG_0195 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
climbing the pillar
IMG_0215 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
a quick way down
IMG_0216 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
safe landing
IMG_0223 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Heading back to Trum y Ddysgl. The light and colours were especially beautiful for this stage of the walk
IMG_0229 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
The two boys were faster than the rest of us
IMG_0263 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Back to the narrowest bit of the ridge - what Poucher called "the hiatus". Years ago I found a quad bike parked here.
IMG_0268 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Descending the south ridge of Trum y Ddysgl towards Bwlch-y-Ddwy-Elor. Cnicht and the Moelwyns in the backgroudn, with the hazy outline of Arenig Fawr between them.
IMG_0283 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
On the lower part of the ridge, with Moel Hebog and Moel Lefn in the background.
IMG_0284 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Snowdon group and Yr Aran from Bwlch-y-Ddwy-Elor. This quote explains the origin of the name of this pass between Rhyd-ddu and Cwm Pennant -
"I remember my grandfather telling me tales that he had been told of the struggles that took place to carry the dead from one village to another over the hillside, swapping the 'biers' on the summit ridge and then carrying the deceased down to the chapel for burial whilst taking the empty bier back" (http://footlesscrow.blogspot.com/2012/12/hills-of-home.html)
IMG_0286 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Crossing a stream on the way back
IMG_0296 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
That afternoon at Llyn Cwellyn, Y Garn in the background.
IMG_0311 by Half Man Half Titanium, on Flickr
Sheepdog outside the Snowdon Ranger hostel
IMG_0333 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
The next day we did the wonderful low-level circular walk from Beddgelert to Llyn Dinas and Aberglaslyn.
The river Glaslyn near Llyn Dinas
IMG_0343 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Llyn Dinas with Moel Meirch in the background
IMG_0351 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Looking back from the start of the path up to Bwlch-y-Sygyn
IMG_0365 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
A little further, and Snowdon and Lliwedd came into view
IMG_0372 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Cnicht see side-on from near Bwlch-y-Sygyn
IMG_0381 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Snowdon
IMG_0377 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
From here, the mini-mountains Mynydd Sygyn and Moel y Dyniewyd could be added to the walk (we didn't)
The hills here have holes in them! - dropping down to the Sygyn mine in the valley hundreds of feet below. The colours are from the various ores (copper is the most common)
IMG_0386 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Quartz veins
IMG_0395 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
From here, a miniature hanging valley, Cwm Bychan (little hollow) leads down to Aberglaslyn.
IMG_0397 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Old mine workings and a disused cableway, rather than spoiling the beauty, add to the interest of the walk. Especially for the kids.
IMG_0427 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
One of the tunnels can be explored if you have wellies (we did)
IMG_0417 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
The lower valley gives views of the Rhinogs and Moelwyns
IMG_0448 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
IMG_0456 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Finally the valley descends to sea level amid native oakwoods and a jumble of huge boulders.
IMG_0477 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
IMG_0487 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
The path then leads into the Glaslyn gorge, with Myydd Sygyn towering above.
IMG_0491 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
The path follows the Glaslyn back to Beddgelert.
IMG_0523 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
IMG_0524 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
IMG_0538 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
IMG_0542 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
More explorations
IMG_0543 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
And more river
IMG_0561 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
IMG_0546 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
IMG_0545 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
IMG_0548 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
IMG_0547 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Looking back to the path above the river
IMG_0587 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Nearly there - pizza and ice cream in Beddgelert backoning
IMG_0593 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr
Sheer terror
IMG_0596 by HalfManHalfTitanium, on Flickr