It was very warm on the climb out of the Tanat valley, I took my usual route through a disused quarry site passing through a woodland before entering Cwm Glan-hafon.
Usually I drop down to a stream crossing and head towards Y Clogydd, this time I continued on the path towards the head of the valley then onto Post Gwyn. Arcing around the lower slopes of Moel Crynddyn I ascended to Bedd Crynddyn where an access track ( not shown on map ) was reached which I followed to a gate where I turned west towards Post Gwyn.
From Post Gwyn I headed west, then north- west to descend via Cwm Llwyd- mawr. Initially there were some good sheep trods to follow, but lower down it gets very rough and boggy. A better bet would be to retrace the route back to the gate then head north and descend that way. On the way down I spotted a convenient looking path heading towards Clipau Rhos-beddau so a compass bearing was taken before I descended further and lost sight of the path- it was not shown on the map. Soon I reached the Disgynia which I crossed before ascending north on a compass bearing through chest high bracken to pick up the path further on.
I continued on following the course of the Nant Y Cerig-duon below me, plan was to follow it up and collect water as high as possible. At Blaen Nant y Cerig duon the path petered out and I dropped my pack before descending a very steep rough slope to collect very good water. After a pathless climb I topped out near Ceulan Myheryn where I scoured the ground for a pitch site, finding 1 soon after.
With the Khufu pitched my usual camp routine commenced- stove on, whisky poured then soak in the views whilst waiting for the water to boil.
There was a nice colourful sunrise and after taking a few pics and video footage I returned to the Khufu to to enjoy the evening gazing out through wide open doors.
Later that evening the skies cleared and the stars came out to play. An app. on my iPhone- Sky Guide showed the Milky way was almost horizontal above the Khufu, I grabbed my camera then got out.
Once my eyes adjusted I could clearly see it towering above, unfortunately there was a little too much light pollution to show it of in all its glory.
I set my alarm in case there was a good sunrise, the forecast suggested I would more than likely wake to clag/rain, but for now I concentrated on enjoying the rest of the evening, laying in my bag, whisky in hand, gazing through open tent doors pondering how small and insignificant we really are in comparison to the universe. Time spent outdoors, camped on a mountain side puts everything into perspective, and I've said many,many times, its the only time I can fully relax- at ease with myself.
I awoke just before the alarm went off- the sound of rain signalled the forecast was right, a brief look out at a world dominated by grey clag confirmed this and I headed back into the depths of my sleeping bag for around an hour.
I needed to be home early so the next time I awoke I made a coffee before opening the valve on my thermarest... time to go.
Once the gear was packed away I headed to the summit cairn on Moel Sych. From there I descended south heading towards Trum Felen, further down I branched off to pick up a path leading down to a bridge over the Afon Disgynfa. From there I ascended towards Craig y Mwm and continued towards a fenced off air shaft shown on the map. I've always wondered what was down there, and how deep it was, so I set up my camera on a full length trekking pole to get some footage. I viewed it once I got home, to my surprise there seemed to be several discarded paint tins part way down on a shelf... I will have to investigate further on my next visit !
The path ascends to a flat area beneath Y Clogydd before descending back to Llangynog, and Craig Rhiwarth comes back into view.
Soon I was back where I started another trip over. Despite being a short trip with no firm plans it was a very enjoyable relaxed one.
Thanks for taking the time to read, I've added a trip video below..
Till next time.. happy wildcamping.
Daron.
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