Mapping Mountains – Trimble Surveys – Y Berwyn

 

16.03.21  Cae Bonc (SJ 129 121), Bryn y Fedwen (SJ 115 125), Pen y Garth (SJ 121 135), Cefn Dreiniog (SJ 145 147) and Gallt yr Ancr (SJ 145 130)

Foel Fawr (SJ 130 146) and Cefn Dreiniog (SJ 145 147)

Before leaving home I accessed the Meteoradar website and watched a rain band progressing from the north-west of Wales south-eastward toward Welshpool and the hills I planned on visiting.  As the rain band crept south-eastward it steadily decreased in intensity.  I looked outside and although rain had recently fallen and the sky was heavy with grey, it was not then raining.  I loaded my car with walking boots and rucksack, quickly checked my lap top and saw the rain band dissipate and headed toward Meifod driving approximately five miles that the recently altered restriction to Stay Local permits. 

Outside of a small Christmas day walk with my brother this was the first time since 12^th December last year that I had driven to a start of a hill walk.  It was oddly refreshing to do this, even if restricted to just five miles.  I felt as if the world had suddenly opened up with the possibilities almost endless beyond those of Yr Allt, Y Golfa and the canal tow path. 

Prior to this walk I’d looked over maps and analysed LIDAR and had come prepared with five summit grid references that would take me on a good circular walk from Meifod over two small hills to Pontrobert, before continuing across two higher hills and ending on the summit of Gallt yr Ancr; an impressive looking hill positioned directly above the small community of Meifod. 

LIDAR image of Bryn y Fedwen (SJ 115 125)

Having found a convenient place to leave my car I was walking by 8.35am on the continuation of a narrow country lane heading west toward the first hill of the day; which the Tithe names its upper bounded field as Cae Bonc.  The lane was wet with patches of mud as were the near fields, the overnight rain had made field walking decidedly sloshy but I was soon above Coed-cowrhyd farm with the Trimble placed on a fence post above the summit of the hill. 

Gathering data at the summit of Cae Bonc

As the Trimble gathered its customary summit data a small flock of sheep gazed my way between their mornings munching.  Back to my east Gallt yr Ancr looked impressively dominant rising above pastured green fields. 

Gallt yr Ancr (SJ 145 130)

Before leaving the summit of Cae Bonc I took a compass reading toward the next hill and then headed down toward a wooden fence and gate.  All was quiet as I made my way back down the hill, the sky was still grey, although patches of whiteness were emerging toward the north-west, this was the first sign of the beautiful conditions later in the day that would quickly emerge across the land, but for now I was content with muddied tracks and the intricate weaving of public footpaths across a myriad of grazing fields. 

Cae Bonc (SJ 129 121)

Over the last few weeks I’d become accustomed to Linda’s company during walks and enjoyed it immensely, today I was on my own and appreciated the solitude and quiet surrounds.  I’d occasionally stop and listen, there was little to intrigue one’s imagination, just distant bird song brought on the breeze, the slight hum of a farm vehicle somewhere off in the distance, the trickle of water as I forded a brook and the ever present sound of my breathing as I slowly gained height toward the top of my second hill of the day; Bryn y Fedwen. 

Gathering data at the summit of Bryn y Fedwen

The name of Bryn y Fedwen was again derived from the Tithe map and its highest point was beside a hedge in a nondescript field, one like many others, where silence predominated.  After data collection I retraced my steps back to a muddied track leading to an old farm house and stopped and chatted with the couple who lived there.  They were out walking their dog, which flew in excited circles roaring around the adjacent field.  They mentioned how unusual it was to talk to another person; the times of Covid have indeed been most unusual. 

Following a lane down in to the confines of Pontrobert I then steadily gained height on a minor road before turning right on a track leading to Garth Fawr.  This track would give me access to a steep field on my left which would take me to the summit of my third hill of the day; Pen y Garth. 

Pontrobert

I slowly gained height up the field, occasionally zig-zagging to lessen the immediate gradient.  As height was gained the view opened up and by the time I arrived at the summit blue sky dominated with spring freshness and warmth only dreamt of during the winter months. 

The high point of Pen y Garth was easy to pinpoint and within a couple of minutes the Trimble was set up gathering its allotted data.  During data collection I stood and looked out across what to me was a stunning landscape of coloured fields, rising hills, distant mountains and succulent blue sky.  These hills will never disappoint and this part of Wales, like so many others, will always give a sense of openness and a feeling of welcome. 

Gathering data at the summit of Pen y Garth

I celebrated my enthusiastic state of mind by eating a sandwich and once the Trimble had done its stuff and was packed away I headed down toward a narrow lane and the track leading to Pen-y-bryn.  From here public footpaths led across forgotten and quiet fields, through gates next to dappled brooks where the sunshine, bird song and that all welcoming warmth made me linger, sit and again just listen, it was a beautiful time with little happening, which made it all the more special. 

The distant Breiddin from the summit of Pen y Garth

The public footpath led me to an option of two gates with a wooded area in front.  I didn’t want to get immersed in pathless woodland and so headed toward a small house that was still on a trailer to ask directions.  The first person I met was a young boy who enthusiastically told me about his white t-shirt, I asked if his Mum or Dad were in, he said his Mum was.  When his Mum emerged we happily chatted away for five minutes or so, she told me the house would eventually be moved to the top of the adjacent field, along with her partner they had moved there from Llanfair and when pregnant with her proudly white t-shirted son they had travelled around continental Europe with their two other children in a camper home.  By now the sun seemed as if it was ablaze, I was kitted out more for a winter walk and was over-heating.  To stop and talk and make contact with a fellow human was an unexpected treat.  When I explained my onward route she kindly directed me toward a stile and the continuing path through the wood that would emerge on to a filed.  I thanked her and waved my goodbyes. 

Beyond the wood and the field another stile led on to another quiet country lane, my next hill rose above to the east, it looked rather stunning in the spring sunshine but with wooded areas and no discernible path I wondered if I may be bracken bashing up its steepening slopes. 

Whilst on the lane I headed toward a gate to get a better view of any onward route, there circling the slope below the lane was a green track disappearing around a corner which would at least take me down to the green pastored valley bottom and lead me toward the ascent of the hill. 

I found the start of the green track a little further up the lane and wandered down its initial muddied way before it turned into drier conditions which proved a delight.  I only remained on the track for a short distance as it continued away from the hill; therefore I wandered down steeply to join the flat bedded land between it and the rising slopes ahead.  Sheep cascaded across the flat pastured field in front, bleating as they did so, no doubt surprised to be confronted by an overdressed hill walker. 

The old green track leading toward Cefn Dreiniog

Once off the green track I sat on the steepened slope and watched nothing, just sheep and their whitened lambs moving toward and then past me.  It was warm for the time of year and I felt uncomfortably overdressed, therefore I happily spelt ten minutes taking my boots off and converting my walking trousers to shorts and felt instantly better for doing so. 

A vehicle track on the pastured field led the way toward a gate, where it continued toward another gate, this gave access in to the wood.  Once in the wood I followed rising ground close to its boundary fence and soon came across what looked like a disused track, this gave easy and pleasant walking and swung around gaining height and proved an ideal way up the hill without any off path bracken bashing.  Toward the end of the wooded section I again sat on a fallen bow in the sunshine and looked up at the trees heading skyward to an almost iridescent blue sky above.  This was proving a very enjoyable walk and except for an occasional unexpected meeting with a fellow human being it was just so quiet with only nature’s ever present tune playing in the background.  Whilst sitting on the fallen bow I listened to the staccato drilling of a near woodpecker, breeze-blown birdsong that when I stopped was ever present and an occasional bleat of a mother sheep and accompanying lamb.  I sometimes find it hard to write about such moments, but when I close my eyes the memories take me back to those translucent sounds as they meander across my mindscape. 

The view above from my rest spot

Eventually I moved from the fallen bow and continued ever up hill, only stopping once I reached the summit of Cefn Dreiniog, which is free of trees and positioned on one of a number of grassed bumps that make up the broad summit ridge of this hill.  I again found another bow to sit on as the Trimble gathered its allotted summit data. 

Gathering data at the summit of Cefn Dreiniog

My onward route was down toward the old house of Ywen, before leaving the summit I took a compass bearing to direct me and then followed a fence steeply down to a gate which gave access back in to a wood.  Sunlight dappled across dead and crisped fallen leafs as I made good progress downhill.  Woods can bring a pleasure all their own, and this one was no exception; the dappled light, solitude and surrounds were to be savoured. 

I emerged out of the wood and followed a narrow paved access lane down to the paved country lane which headed confidently southward toward Meifod.  I was nearing the end of my walk, but one hill still remained; Gallt yr Ancr.  Although not the highest on the day’s outing, it was one of the most impressive.  This hill rises steeply and directly above the small community of Meifod.  I’d only been to its summit once before ascending via a public footpath from the lane to the north, today I wanted to traverse the hill using the eastern ridge as my ascent route.  I’d read online logs mentioning a series of steep steps and a ridge path through the wooded part of the hill.  This sounded very different to anything I’d encountered during the day and I was looking forward to it. 

Beautiful place to live

Rounding the corner of the lane Gallt yr Ancr shot skyward, it looked dauntingly steep to a tired body and mind.  But I knew that with many rests and steps to sit on I could take my time and follow the old mantra of just putting one foot in front of the other and bit by bit progress can be made. 

As I entered the confines of Meifod I checked on directions to the steps and was soon hunched double panting trying forlornly to re-gain my breath.  The steps were steep, I had to stop and sit and try and discover some semblance of normalcy.  Thankfully two people were trimming back bracken on the steep land adjacent to the steps and once I stopped, sat and re-claimed my composure we chatted away for about ten minutes.  They were brother and sister; he lived in Pontrobert, she just below where we were.  They were hoping to create a path through the undergrowth.  I was more than happy just to sit and talk, the steps were in shade and this gave solace.  However, eventually I stood up, and continued up hill. 

The steep steps leading up Gallt yr Ancr

The path leading up the eastern ridge of Gallt yr Ancr is a delight.  Initially it follows steep steps with a handrail and a single small bench for those like me who appreciate such things on steepening ground.  The path continues traversing the ridge through conifers, I’d seldom come across such a path in Wales.  It reminded me of traversing Pico Turquino in Cuba where only an occasional glimpse of a view was had.  Gallt yr Ancr is about 5,500ft lower, but nonetheless this path gives a stunning little route to its summit. 

Today the summit of Gallt yr Ancr was bathed in the most delightful and welcome afternoon sunshine, where blue skies sped across the horizon.  In the distance pastured fields merged with hill tops, these joined valley bottoms before more ridges and hills disappeared in to the distance.  It was uplifting being on this summit.  It floated above the valley with the houses of Meifod nestled in the depths. 

Gathering data at the summit of Gallt yr Ancr

As the Trimble gathered summit data, I again sat.  Soon it was time to leave, but not before taking one last look from the edge of the summit area to the forestry below and the beginning of the steep path leading down its eastern ridge.  I lingered for a few moments savouring the scene before turning and heading down the hill’s westerly slopes. 

Looking down on Meifod from the summit of Gallt yr Ancr

The descent west is in contrast to the eastern ascent route.  It is open and follows a good path down steep green slopes before joining what looks like a relatively new gravelled access track, this brought me down to a gate and the narrow lane where my car was parked.  The walk had taken over 7 hours with five summits surveyed.  Once back at my car I luxuriated in getting my walking boots off.  I changed and enjoyed the feeling of warmth on my body.  It was only a short drive back home where a bowl of soup and a hot bath awaited. 

LIDAR image of Pen y Garth (S 121 135)

LIDAR – Postscript 

Since visiting these hills full LIDAR coverage is now available.  The LIDAR (Light Detection & Ranging) technique produced highly accurate height and positional data that is now freely available for England and Wales.  Consequently the numerical details for these hills have been analysed using this technique, resulting in the LIDAR height and position being used for some of these hills.

 

Survey Result: 

 

Cae Bonc (significant name change)

Summit Height:  144.8m (converted to OSGM15, Trimble GeoXH 6000) 

Summit Grid Reference:  SJ 12918 12172 (Trimble GeoXH 6000) 

Bwlch Height:  124.9m (LIDAR)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SJ 12993 12315 (LIDAR)

Drop:  19.8m (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch) (100m Sub-Twmpau deletion)

Dominance: 13.71% (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

 

 

Bryn y Fedwen (significant name change)

Summit Height:  156.8m (converted to OSGM15, Trimble GeoXH 6000) 

Summit Grid Reference:  SJ 11582 12548 (Trimble GeoXH 6000) 

Bwlch Height:  134.9m (LIDAR)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SJ 11523 12758 (LIDAR)

Drop:  21.8m (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch) (100m Sub-Twmpau addition)

Dominance:  13.92% (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

 

 

Pen y Garth

Summit Height:  264.5m (converted to OSGM15, Trimble GeoXH 6000) 

Summit Grid Reference:  SJ 12197 13552 (Trimble GeoXH 6000)

Bwlch Height:  221.0m (LIDAR)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SJ 12444 13810 (LIDAR)

Drop:  43.5m (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

Dominance:  16.46% (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

 

 

Cefn Dreiniog

Summit Height:  317.1m (converted to OSGM15, Trimble GeoXH 6000) 

Summit Grid Reference:  SJ 14506 14701 (Trimble GeoXH 6000)

Bwlch Height:  228m (spot height)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SJ 14072 14859 (spot height)

Drop:  89m (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and spot height bwlch) (proposed Subhump deletion)

Dominance:  28.09% (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and spot height bwlch)

 

 

Gallt yr Ancr

Summit Height:  224.6m (converted to OSGM15, Trimble GeoXH 6000) 

Summit Grid Reference:  SJ 14573 13057 (Trimble GeoXH 6000) 

Bwlch Height:  122.1m (LIDAR)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SJ 13559 12775 (LIDAR)

Drop:  102.5m (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

Dominance:  45.63% (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

 

 

For further details please consult the Trimble Survey Spreadsheet