Wednesday 25 February 2026 - A Circuit from Llanarmon

A five minute drive from Pen y Bont saw us back in Llanarmon, from where we headed up the minor road to Pentre.

Sue captured the fresh blossom of a roadside shrub.

On reaching the end of the road at Swch-cae-rhiw, and attempt by locals to exclude trial bikes and 4x4 vehicles from the hill tracks. This  is mainly a weekend problem. We saw nobody today.

Up at the farm, a collection of US forces vehicles - not in particularly good condition. 

We enjoyed good views back along the Ceiriog valley in the fine weather, before a persistent drizzle assumed command. 

Elevenses in the sunshine with striking views.

Sue and Paul went off with Rufus to explore some waterfalls.

Meanwhile, Jeanette and I viewed the waterfalls from afar.

Eventually we met up again.

Lunch in the rain, with music provided by a Mistle Thrush.

One for AlanR.

After a while we reached a familiar track near Bryn Du, from where we descended easily to Llanarmon.

Sue spotted some Fool's Liquorice on the way down.

Today's stats - 14km with 380 metres ascent, taking 5 hours, including a half hour wait for the waterfall contingent. Here's the route.

Tuesday 24 February 2026 - The Llangollen Canal

The kayaks came into use for Jeanette, Sue and Paul, the latter of whom took turns in the red kayak whilst Jeanette skillfully manoeuvred the yellow kayak without contriving to fall out.

Rick and I looked on.

We passed several sculptures and information boards on our way to the Trevor basin, about three km from where we started.

This was after crossing Telford's aqueduct at Pontcysyllte, where Sue lingered above the parapet.

Here's a sculpture for AlanR.

There's another excellent café by the Trevor basin.

Then we all walked or kayaked 7km more to Llangollen. 

Lunch was taken beside the canal, before we returned the same way.

Cows drank and Song Thrushes sang as we passed through lovely countryside. 

There were splendid views in the late afternoon to the nearby railway viaduct. 

Here's the route, there and back amounting to 20km on the lovely sunny day.

I'll expand this posting later. Meanwhile we enjoyed a superb meal at The Hand.

Monday 23 February 2026 - A South Circular from Pen y Bint

Rick joined us yesterday afternoon, before Sue cooked some excellent roasted chicken breast wrapped with parma ham and stuffed with red onion marmalade and goats cheese. 

So it was a group of five that set off today on this southern circuit from our holiday home. 

After the steep ascent from the house with improving views (above), we joined a high level bridleway that certainly showed signs of recent rainfall.

We carried on along the Cefn Hir-fynydd track as far as Llidiart-cae-hir, with good views down to the Ceiriog valley.

We then continued west, up a pleasantly grassy path, to a far point beyond a cairn at 496 metres.

This was our turnaround point, from where we strolled down to Llanarmon on more grassy paths.

Lunch was taken on a bench next to the turn out of Llanarmon that I had taken yesterday.

We passed The Hand. Venue for tomorrow's evening meal.

There were snowdrops in profusion in the church yard, as well as some magnificent ancient yew trees.

From there, an easy woodland path took us to Tregeiriog on the route taken by the other three yesterday. An enclave of friendly lambs chewing on swedes and Sue's fingersy were passed shortly after I'd taken a break at the bus shelter where we acquired a couple of interesting books last Friday. 

Here's our route - 16km with 400 metres ascent,  taking about 5 hours.

And here's a reminder of days past on a plaque outside Pen y Bont. (Click on the image.)