Thursday 6 May 2021 - Lledr and Llugwy

After a half hour drive to Dolwyddelan, we donned waterproofs almost as soon as we had set off up a path through the forest on a track that headed towards Capel Curig. 

We stopped for a lengthy chat with a chap who was wild camping in the forest. Happy days!

By the time we reached a 301 metre spot height, we'd left the forest, said hello to a couple of other walkers and a polite motorcyclist, and were able to admire the view ahead to snow plastered Glyderau and Carneddau (above) and to the nearby summit of Moel Siabod (below).

A little further on we paused for elevenses. Very pleasant as long as you were well wrapped up.

At the bottom of the hill, in woodland on the outskirts of Capel Curig, we came across a house we recognised. We have stayed there. It belongs to a climbing club, and we visited as guests a few years ago. I remember walking up Moel Siabod from it. Was it the weekend of Richard and Melinda's wedding? I know they were members of the club.

From there, a 2 km walk along a quiet lane, empty of traffic apart from the obligatory Post van, took us to the bridge next to the Ugly House café, which was open for business.

We crossed the bridge and took the excellent path to Swallow Falls, towards which there are several viewpoints along the way.

We enjoyed lunch beside the torrent, where dippers and grey wagtails were in their element.

The woodland was delightful, as we wandered on towards the Miners Bridge, which Alex describes as 'a stepped footbridge'. 

Here's the 'footbridge' today.

Yes, 'gone, an ex footbridge'. 

A 3km diversion via Betws-y-Coed got us across the river, and back on course on a direct route back to Dolwyddelan. More lovely woodland, with verges filled with dog violets, wood anemones, wood sorrel, lady's mantle, bistort, lesser celandine, cuckoo flower and many more. Woodpeckers clacked in the trees, and a bit later a Swallow fooled us by perching in a tree, leaving us puzzled as to its identity until it flew off.

The track we followed back to Dolwyddelan was pretty straight for a good reason - it forms part of the Sarn Helen, a Roman road linking north and south Wales. The track is nearly 2000 years old.

Here's today's route - 23 km, with 600 metres ascent, taking us a little over six hours. Another excellent day out. We saw at least a dozen folk out walking today, plus tourists in Betws-y-Coed.