19.04.15 Ynys Tudwal
Fawr (SH 334 251)
Ynyd Tudwal Fawr (SH 334 251) |
Having visited Ynys
Tudwal Fach and clambered safely back on the Rib we slowly roared across the
intervening water and headed for the adjacent and higher island. Permission to visit this island had been
sought from and given by the landowner, the planning required to organise these
island trips should not be underestimated and their continued success and great
days out are due to Adrian’s diplomacy.
With concrete steps forming
a landing platform on this second island the depositing onto ‘dry land’ should
have been easier than that on Ynys Tudwal Fach, but again, these steps were
positioned on the east of the island, sheltered from the western wind that predominantly
blows in these isles, but today we had an easterly and as we were slowly maneuvered into place the boatman instructed us that when he said that we should ‘go’ we
should not hesitate. Alex went first and
landed safely, I went next and timed by lunge for when the sea swell brought
the Rib straight upto the steps, thankfully Alex grabbed my hand and pulled me
ashore, otherwise I may have been left in mid-air without the comfort of the
safety of the Rib or concrete steps to remain relatively dry on.
Adrian soon followed and
as he and Alex remained on the steps to assist John and Marian, who the boatman
had gone back to pick up from Ynys Tudwal Fach, I followed a vehicle track from
the steps up the grassed slopes of the island.
Alex and Adrian safely on dry land on Ynys Tudwal Fawr |
Looking down onto our landing spot with Ynys Tudwal Fach in the background |
Across the sea our
previous island stood elongated in profile with the outline of the standing
stones prominent on its horizon. Below
the island was our Rib which was being expertly directed toward the small
sheltered cove to pick John and Marian up and bring them over to where we now
were.
The rib below the stone circle on Ynys Tudwal Fach |
As John and Marian
joined Alex and Adrian on the safety of the concrete steps I slowly walked up
toward the lighthouse which is at the summit of the island, and savoured the
stunning blue sky and the ever present wind-blown gliding capabilities of the
overhead gulls.
With John and Marian safely on the RIB it headed toward Ynys Tudwal Fawr |
The RIB being positioned for the second landing |
Ever present companions - Gull in flight |
Heading toward the Lighthouse and compound at the summit of Ynys Tudwal Fawr |
Wind blown grass set against Ynys Tudwal Fach and the higher Eryri peaks beyond |
I walked around the
perimeter wall of the lighthouse and over a ladder stile into its compound,
where the highest ground is easily found.
As the Trimble was being positioned Adrian, Alex, John and Marian joined
me for us to quickly investigate the outdoor hot tub and take in our
surroundings.
Adrian does the honours as Marian and John pose for the customary summit photograph |
Time spent on these
islands are all too short and as the boatman headed back toward the steps John
and Marian headed down with Adrian who could assist their departure if
required. This left the Trimble to
slowly ebb down to its required 0.1m accuracy before data can be logged.
Gathering data at the summit of Ynys Tudwal Fawr |
Alex waiting patiently beside the Lighthouse as the Trimble collects its allotted five minutes of data |
Once data were collected
I sauntered down the vehicle track with Alex and met Adrian as he was heading
back up. I’d seen Adrian’s low-key
celebratory relief earlier in the day as he had succeeded in getting permission
to visit these islands and had then organised a multitude of logistics for us
to visit, I asked if he would pose for a celebratory photo, he duly obliged.
Adrian on his way back up the vehicle track |
A deserving celebration as Adrian had pulled off another logistical coup |
Whilst we were on the
island the boatman had taken John and Marian back to the mainland and picked up
Alan, George, Rob, Doug and Paul, who were now all in the Rib as it approached
the landing platform and the concrete steps.
(L-R) Alan, Doug, George, Rob and Paul getting set for their landing |
Maneuvering into position |
Rob went first and was
assisted by Alex, with Doug and Alan soon following, once all five were on the
island the three of us got back in the Rib.
By now by belly flop entrance had been honed and I really went for it
this time and dived from the steps head first into the Rib!
Rob being manhandled ashore |
Alan is next with able assistance from Alex |
We were dropped off on
the wooden slatted slipway and as soon as I landed I found myself on all fours
and soaked at the sea swell came up from under the boards. We waited for the five others as the wind and
sun dried off all my gear.
Alex went down to meet
them on the slipway as Doug also got a good drenching as he walked up the
wooden boards as the swell came up from behind and soaked him.
Doug's just had a good soaking |
As the sun shone we sat
and chatted with the sands and wooden beach huts of Abersoch just below
us. It had been another great day on two
beautiful islands.
Abersoch beach |
Alex, Doug, Adrian and Alan after another great island trip |
Back on dry land - organiser extraordinaire and our RIB Captain for the day |
Survey Result:
Ynys Tudwal Fawr
Summit Height: 43.2m (converted to OSGM15)
Summit Grid Reference: SH 33490 25173
Bwlch Height: N/S (sea)
Bwlch Grid Reference: N/A (sea)
Drop: 43.2m (converted to OSGM15)
Dominance: 100.00%
Dominance: 100.00%
For further details please
consult the Trimble survey spreadsheet click {here}
2 comments:
Thanks for posting this Myrddyn. That whole weekend was just magical. Tump bagging alongside Adrian during Saturday, with a stunning twilight experience closing the day out at The Sun Inn, Llanengan. And then the two Tudwal's. Both of which I never seriously thought I had any chance of stepping foot upon. Through it all as well the best views I've ever had looking out from the Lleyn. The majestic sweep of Cardigan Bay, bringing hill after rolling hill, comfortably seen stretching southward as far Strumble Head. It was the clarity of the light and vivid distinction of landscape features twenty miles and more away which really made those island panoramas so memorable.
Certainly ranks as one of the best trips of this year, and recent years past, without a doubt.
Alex
Thanks for your comment Alex. The island trips are proving memorable as they are not like hills, which can usually be re-visited easily, these little beasties must take a lot of behind the scenes diplomacy and planning on Adrian's part. My favourite so far has been the visit to Ynysoedd y Moelrhoniaid, such a magical place.
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