A report on Margaret's walk Wednesday April 16th.

We were treated to a wonderful, sunny spring day for our walk in the Brithdir area, near Dolgellau.  There were nine of us in total, from several different Ramblers groups, including one walker from as far away as Scarborough!  We met in the picturesque grounds of Dolserau Hall, a Victorian country house hotel, and set off enthusiastically on a riverside path through woods and meadows.  Our spirits were somewhat dampened on coming to a stretch of forest which had been devastated by the winter’s storms.  Our way was blocked by innumerable fallen trees and at one stage it looked as though we would have to turn back.  But the group was game to give it a try and in the end we did manage to climb over, under and around the obstacles and regain the path.  The rest of the route was, thankfully, clear, if a little boggy at times!
After a pleasant stroll through green pastures to the village of Brithdir, we took a recently opened permissive path to the top of Y Foel, which provided an excellent spot for lunch.  Although only about 1100 feet high, this gave us wonderful views to the nearby Cadair Idris and Dyfi Hills, over Dolgellau to the Mawddach Estuary and to the more distant mountains.  Our return route took in the popular Torrent Walk,  following a well-made  path steeply down through woodland beside the rapids and falls of the Afon Clywedog.  In the summer, the river is barely visible through the trees but today, with just a hint of green shoots on the branches, the views were lovely.
We arrived back at Dolserau Hall in time to enjoy a cuppa and cakes together before going our separate ways.
Thank you Jacky Cross for leading this walk for Margaret