A Walk with Paul in Shake-hole country i.e. the area in the vicinity of Carreg Goch, Glyntawe.

Tuesday 26 March 2002.

The day started with a phone-call from Paul at 09.00hrs checking on my availability for a walk to Carreg Goch, and Sinc y Giedd. I couldn't refuse such a delightful walk. By 10.00 we were on our way to just north of Craig-y-Nos to Pont Haffes.

Our first obstacle would be the Afon Haffes, a small river with a very stony rock strewn bed. As the water level was very low the crossing was no problem. So on it was up the gently ascending track to Twyn Spratt and then via an area of knife sharp limestone outcrops to Twyn Walter. By now we had encountered the first of many sink holes, including three potholes two of which were marked by wood posts.

From twyn Walter - a limestone summit we left for Disgwylfa, passing en route a huge swallow hole which "swallowed" a stream fed by Waun Fignen Felen - a large peat bog. The swallow hole was about 20 m deep and on the far (northen) side the remains of  part of the undercarriage of what might have been a Wellington bomber could be seen.

Next we skirted Waun Fignen Felen then headed for Disgwylfa ascending the last stretch to the summit. Disgwylfa is described in the dictionary as "watch tower" and it can readily be seen why this name is appropriate from the views which presented themselves.

The last item on our agenda was Sinc y  Giedd. This is the spot where the Afon Giedd disappears underground. We passed an area of very big shake holes on the way down from Disgwylfa and when we reached the Giedd it was a mere trickle which disappeared into the pebbles, not reaching even the small cave which is know as the Sinc. The limestone slabs above the cave looked a bit unstable and the cave entrance was surrounded by collapsed limestone blocks.

Having photographed the Sinc, we proceeded to the wreck site of Wellington Bomber MF 509 and the memorial cairn. The upward journey was a case of finding a contouring path through the outcropping rock.
Finally the wreckage came into view as the light was beginning to fade. We had a look at the remains then continued to the summit of Carreg Goch. This was an interesting place with vast slabs of rock on the surface. Paul recorded the data for the summit, and as the light was fading a bit we went on to our last objective - Castell y Geifr. An interesting name which means Castle of the Goats. This was a long ridge of outcropping rock which Paul scrambled to ascend, then record for posterity. We hastened homeward now crossing a small valley caused by the collapse of an limestone cave system, the valley was perforated by sinc holes. Finally, back on our outward track we retraced out steps to the car.