Southport Fell Walking Club

 The forecast was favourable and the day proved to be dry and calm for the walkers as they made their way across a variety of paths and tracks. Unfortunately for them there was a total absence of footpath signage in most areas, something that has been noted on other Welsh walks in the past! And even worse was the state of the paths that did exist - rutted and water filled, most likely as a result of trails bikes and other vehicles. However it made for a fun-filled day!! On alighting the coach at Dolwyddelan, The Oldham’s headed south to Y Ro Wen. A beautiful, lesser known peak with stunning views across the Snowdonia National Park with not another soul in sight. Pure bliss! From here the group began navigating their way cross-country to the peak of Ro Lwyd. The walk card warned of no paths in places but it didn't quite prepare the group for the calf deep bogs, thigh high heather and young pine forests they had use, to support each other through to reach the final peak of Iwerddon....

The weather forecast in the days preceding the walk warned of heavy rain and strong winds. All were prepared for the worst but were pleasantly surprised in the end. Even the updated forecast of rain arriving at 2pm proved unfounded, and the wettest everyone got was making their way from the pub to the coach at the end of the day!! Martin’s group walked up the road to below Twistleton Scar and then picked up a path on the East side of Kingsdale, not very clear in places to Braida Garth Farm and crossed Kingsdale Beck by an impressive single beam footbridge. A short distance along the road brought them to the track to Yorda’s Cave. Unfortunately Martin had forgotten exactly where the entrance to the cave could be found so he led the party uphill where they had a pleasant lunch stop next to the stream. They then went down again to the cave which was well worth the effort. After that they returned on the West side of Kingsdale and across farmland to Ingleton and the coach - not troubled ...

Well it was another day of extreme weather for those members of Southport Fell Walking Club who chose to take on the challenge! Simons solo walk took in Birkett Fell and Hart Side from Dockray and through Glencoyne Head to Glenridding. The wind was so strong and dangerously gusty that he turned off below Birkett Fell. He tried the approach to Glencoyne Head but it was like a wind-tunnel.  On his own, he turned around fully to descend to Spying How and Groove Gill and then to the lakeside via Ullswater Way. Bright sun and warmth made it feel like a different world. Total distance and height in the end was 8 miles distance, and 1,600 feet of ascent. After much discussion, the Oldham’s decided to stick to the original route with a range of options to change plans if the weather became too severe.  After leaving the coach in Grasmere, they made their way to Alcock Tarn before heading up to Nab Scar. With the wind behind them and stunning views in all directions, they continu...