Craig-y-Llyn

G.R. ( Trig pt. )  SN 0907 0317

Wednesday  24 October 2001

Craig-y-Llyn is a forestry walk with some superb views of the Brecon Beacons. Paul , Fran and I decided to walk this part of the world after a hurried series of phone calls on Tuesday 23 Oct. We decided to meet at the view point at GR SN 9270 0310 at 11.00 am on 24 Oct.
Paul picked me up at 10.15 am and we both had serious doubts as to how the weather was going to turn out.  Our doubts were quickly dispelled when Paul's two speed wipers couldn't cope with the deluge just after we left home. Being the eternal optimists we reassured each other it would be better at the Rhigos, as Fran had said it was sunny a little earlier.

We reached the Rhigos View Point in good time and soon after, Fran, Charlie and their two young sons Thomas and Nick (Pickle) arrived. It was pouring with rain! Having got kitted up, prepared for anything, we proceeded towards Craig-y-Llyn. Our outward path had been used extensively by 4x4 vehicles and it was a case of picking our way through soggy ground avoiding the huge puddles formed in the tyre tracks.  Thomas and Pickle thought it all good fun.  The weather was most unkind, but our kit withstood the torrent admirably - at least for the time being.  I mentioned earlier the magnificent views from Craig-y-Llyn, well they'll have to be seen on another day.  The trek through the forest was interesting, and Paul gave us a running commentary on our progress compared with his GPS.  We eventually came to the Trig point - useless as such - as the area is planted with fir trees and nothing can be seen from the trig point any more. Onward ever onward we proceeded and soon had to stand aside to allow a spanking silver coloured 4x4 to pass. The driver told us he was looking for a way in for the ""Rally" in a couple of weeks time.  We continued for quite a time till we came to a junction in the tracks and Paul announced we should now turn onto the new track and head for home, we had reached SN8960 0356.  The track we now walked was a hard surfaced track as opposed to a muddy tyre rucked affair hitherto. The rain had by now become a bit to much, and although our spirits were still buoyant, we were flagging somewhat. We eventually arrived back at the view point and quickly said our goodbyes so that we could get home and out of our wet clothes.  It was great to have a micro expedition such as this. Thanks to Fran and Charlie and Paul.  we must do it again sometime - when the weather is better.

We actually did see about 5 minutes of sunshine during which I managed to take this group photo  at a wooden post about 300mm dia standing about 1.5m high and painted yellow - it's purpose who knows?  Click on the button to see the photo.