Sunday, 16 October 2011
Rhiwderin, Lower Machen and Michaelston-y-Fedw
On a fine Sunday in October, we set out on one of my favourite local walks - and one that's accessible straight from our home in Rhiwderin. (Last year I contributed a variation of this walk to the Walkingworld website.)
Heading across the slopes of Fox Hill to Lower Machen, we followed the Rhymney River downstream to Michaelston-y-Fedw. After quenching our thirst in the Cefn Mably Arms, we climbed on to the ridge at Pen-y-lan, enjoying fine views across the Bristol Channel, before a final descent back to the main road through Rhiwderin.
For those interested, I've plotted the route onto the WalkJogRun website - see below. Some photos taken along the route - not all from this week, as you'll notice from the snow! - can be found here.
Thursday, 6 October 2011
Cambrian Way
With the fine weather continuing over the weekend, we decided to head up to North Wales for what was probably my last chance this year to do some research for my forthcoming Cambrian Way book.
The Walker's Wife has given a vivid account of the atrocious weather we endured on our last trip to North Wales in August (see her Rainy Rhinogs post). This time, at the beginning of October, the weather couldn't have been more different and amazingly we were able to eat lunch at the top of Cadair Idris in shorts and t-shirts. Unfortunately, the weather on Sunday wasn't quite as good, but it remained dry for most of the day and I was able to get directions for two alternative routes in the Cadair Idris area. (See here for photos of our trip.)
With the days shortening, it's unlikely I'll be able to get much more done on the route until the spring. I've already booked a cottage in Beddgelert for April, so I hope to have the book ready for my publisher, Northern Eye, by the summer.
The Walker's Wife has given a vivid account of the atrocious weather we endured on our last trip to North Wales in August (see her Rainy Rhinogs post). This time, at the beginning of October, the weather couldn't have been more different and amazingly we were able to eat lunch at the top of Cadair Idris in shorts and t-shirts. Unfortunately, the weather on Sunday wasn't quite as good, but it remained dry for most of the day and I was able to get directions for two alternative routes in the Cadair Idris area. (See here for photos of our trip.)
With the days shortening, it's unlikely I'll be able to get much more done on the route until the spring. I've already booked a cottage in Beddgelert for April, so I hope to have the book ready for my publisher, Northern Eye, by the summer.
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