Whether it was the forecast of good weather, the thought of a lovely walk, or the carrot of post-walk liquid refreshments in the Tanronnen Hotel, thirty walkers gathered in Beddgelert for Sunday’s Cwm Bychan walk. C&D ramblers were nearly outnumbered by folk from all over North Wales, including one walker from as far away as Mold.
That many people walking down the Fisherman’s Path in Aberglaslyn, over sometimes slippery rocks, made for a steady, easy paced walk. Too easy for the somewhat frustrated looking faster walker who eventually overtook all to pass by me at Pont Aberglaslyn. After that a short tramp through the fallen leaves and away from the river brought us to the picnic benches at the start of Cwm Bychan, an ideal spot for a coffee stop.
With a warm sun on our backs hats and coats came off as we then wound our way up Cwm Bychan, passing the skeletal remains of the old copper mine’s arial ropeway. The cwm leading over to Sygun Copper Mine was also passed as we walked up to the bwlch, to find views stretching from Yr Aran past cloud topped Snowdon and on to Moel Siabod. A nice spot for lunch, as we sat scattered across the rocks and heather, with those views one way and Cardigan Bay twinkling in the sunshine behind us.
No workers today, but the National Trusts paid and voluntary staff have been busy restoring the well used path that we followed down to the shore of Llyn Dinas. Scene of many paddles on summer days, the low winter sun had now dipped behind the hill so there was no temptation today. Then the easy stroll along the riverside path and lane back to Beddgelert, our large party split, as it had been for most of the walk, into smaller intermingling groups - much better than a crocodile file of thirty walkers!
Around a dozen of us finished the walk sitting by the cosy fire in the Tanronnen Hotel, a relaxing end to a bright winter’s day walk. Thanks to Margaret and John C for acting as back markers, and to everyone else for the company.
Dave