Before the rain - Saturday 22 February

Seventeen of us met in Garndolbenmaen for a six mile (well, eight as it turned out), walk over to Cwm Pennant. Our leader John Carson seemed to have taken heed of the 'rain in the afternoon' forecast, as we set off at pace up the steep lane from the village. However, things soon settled down as we followed the old walled paths which threaded the way up the hill, passing cottages lived in and others in ruins.

The crest of the rise brought fine views of Cwm Pennant and the mountains all around, then still cloud free. With the wind behind us and a warm sun - very nice. A seemingly empty land up here, as we paused at a once fine, two story house, now without much of its front, rooms and flapping wallpaper exposed to the westerly winds. The late morning coffee break was taken at a much more modest stone, plywood and plastic sheeted bwthyn that somebody cares for, before we headed down to the valley floor. Passing water filled quarries, inclines and drum heads, it was easy to see that the now quiet Cwm Pennant would once have echoed to the sounds of blasting, machinery and many voices.

A short walk along the road brought us to a bridge over the Afon Dwyfor and a nice spot for lunch. Then a little more road before turning up towards Craig y Garn, an easy track soon being left behind for some of John Cs more favoured terrain - bramble, rocks and heather! He does like a challenge. The now darkening sky and the bitter wind near the summit (well, we nearly got there) soon encouraged us down the other side of the hill, and a mainly different route back into the village.

Johns idea of finishing the walk in the village pub had been thwarted - it was closed. So time instead for a change of footwear, lots of goodbyes, and many thanks to John for a very interesting walk. And for getting us back before the rain!

Dave W