Dave and Pat’s walk Dolwyddelan – 9th March

Our advertised walk from Roman Bridge station proved to be a non-starter owing to the fact that a small stream, under normal conditions quite easy to cross, had turned into a raging torrent and was quite impassable. This was disappointing as the same walk had to be cancelled last year due to extreme weather conditions, i.e. a bitter cold wind with sleet and snow, not conducive to the lakeside picnic planned!
However, not wanting to disappoint walkers, a 4 mile walk from Dolwyddelan station was hastily recce’d, just before we departed on holiday. During this time Dave Woods had consulted the map and suggested that we could extend the walk to 6 miles. So having gathered up everyone (some were at the original starting place) we set off to enjoy what proved to be a very successful day. True, our leaders had glossed over the fact that the new route involved climbing up a very long and steep track through the forest but having given the group the choice of reverting back to plan A when we arrived at decision time, everyone decided to go for it and so we began our climb, which involved clambering over several fallen trees. Eventually we emerged into sunlight to spectacular views whereupon we sat down in the sun and enjoyed our well-deserved lunch.
After this it was downhill all the way (well almost) and we enjoyed wonderful views and lovely countryside with very little mud to encounter. Eventually we came to a very welcoming spot and decided we needed a tea break (our leaders being nowhere in sight, having lagged behind) so we finished off the remains of our lunch; we felt we had to sit and make the most of such a lovely day. Eventually we came down to Dolwyddelan Castle and couldn’t resist a visit; one more bonus to the day.
Altogether we had twenty people in our party which included seven CA/DW members, two visitors and the rest from Conwy and Meirionnydd , including Mary age 85 who managed brilliantly, opting for the longer version and even climbing all the steps to the top of the castle. She assured us she’d had a lovely day in spite of expecting an easy 4-miler!