Wednesday 25 February 2026 - A Circuit from Llanarmon

We chose a clockwise circuit from The Hand, from one of the books in Pen y Bont's library.

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, a sign represents an attempt by locals to exclude trial bikes and 4x4 vehicles from the hill tracks. This  is mainly a weekend problem. We saw nobody today. It's a shame that an alternative walking route through fields has been blocked off by the local farmers.

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.

Our gently rising track levelled out on a plateau and became a pleasant grassy path.

We arrived at the meeting point with the waterfall route a good half hour before Paul, Sue and Rufus came stumbling towards us across a couple of small streams.

Eventually we had met up again!

A good track led into the forest.

A beast of a caterpillar tractor was passed at the edge of the forest.

We left the good track and soon had lunch in the rain, with music provided by a Mistle Thrush.

After that a good path led past boundary stones, with intermittent views through the mirk.

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.