Penycloddiau & Moel Arthur
(Pathfinder Guide N.Wales,Snowdon & Offas Dyke Walk#22)
(7.72 Miles, 3hrs, 40 mins)
On a sunny Thursday morning we checked out of Ruthin Castle (very nice it had been too), and headed a few miles further North to Lllangyfan car park). This was aout 7 miles from Ruthin, but very much off the beaten track and up some quite narrow single tracks. (Free parking though, and quite a large car park)
From the car park we headed off up woodland tracks, and after about half a mile came out onto more open grassy wide paths (Offas Dyke path) which gradually ascended giving clear open views of the surrounding countryside.
The day was clear and we had open views all the way out to the Snowdonia range in one direction and out of Wales to Ellsemere Port in the other direciton.
On reaching the sumitt cairn of Penycloddiau (1456ft), a group of felllow walkers kindly offere to take our picture.
After admiring the view for a while we ambled on continuing to follow the grassy Offas Dyke path for about another mile or so.
We then turned left along a gravel rack and then back in the direction we came, this itme following the Clwydian Way for a full 2 and a half miles, though woodland as well as more open areas and some more good views.
This eventually reached a lane, leading us to the car park at Moel Arthur
Crossing the car park we followed the stepped path and ascended again on a path curling around the Eastenr flank of Moel Athur.
Nearing the top we encountered a field full of rather inquisitive cows that watched us then followed us along the edge of the path adjacent the field.
The views from here were again very clear and open, and we followed the path down the other side, gradually widening to a grassier gentle slope on the way back to the car park.
We arrived back to the car park around 14:30 having taken just over 3 and a half hours for the 7.7 Miles.
A very pleasant walk with good open views to the bigger peaks of the Snowdonia National Park range, and out towards the Dee estuary. Two short ascents (and descents) and a couple of woodland sections (the second of which was quite long).
Our Walk Score: 7.5/10
From here we drove back into the Snowdonia National Park and our hotel on the Western side near to Harlech/Portmerion.
The road up to Hotel Maes-y-Neuadd was single track, steep and winding. The driveway was worse, with huge pot holes (filled with water from recent rainfall). Extreme car needed.
We checked in to our room (Idris) in this quite grand looking building.
Web-Link: Hotel Maes-y-Neuadd
First appearances can be deceptive though. The building may be grand, but the general upkeep was not in the rooms and stairways. Worn carpets, towels, mouldy smells did not do the place justice. Whilst the rooms were "characteristic" with low beams and original features, a slipper bath and twin sinks, it could be so much better if a few of these things were attended to (and the driveway!).
Friday 13th July
We woke to a VERY rainy Friday morning, and elected for a late breakfast. The Welsh cooked breakfast was delicious, particualrly the lamb and leek sausage!
A leisurely drive followed breakfast, up to Ryd-du to check out the start point and general area for our hopeful Snowdon walk later in the week.
A stop off in Bets-w-coed and a few outdoor shops followed this and then a drive up to Llandudno (as we had tickets for Ranulph Fiennes Friday evening).
After killing a few hours in shops in Llandudno, a KFC tea, we arrived early at the Venue Cymru to a rather wet and flooded car park.
The Sir Ranulph Fiennes talk was excellent, as he has a really good sense of humour, and recounted not only numerous stories of his unbelievable expeditions, but also his times in the SAS and earlier University times. Linked in with fantastic photographs and video, it made for a very interesting evening.
The 2nd half of the hour sessions was just as entertainnig, and we left as soon as the lights came up to the still wet car park, and a dark, dreary hour and a bit drive back to Maes-y-Neuadd.
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