Mapping Mountains – Trimble Surveys – Carnedd Wen

02.05.21  Gaer Fawr Hill (SJ 223 129, previously Trimbled)

One of the paths leading to the summit of Gaer Fawr Hill

My cousin; Lynn had suggested a walk to the top of Gaer Fawr Hill a number of weeks ago.  She had visited this hill previously and wanted to visit when the hill is carpeted in bluebells.  It was also where she scattered her late husband’s ashes.  Since doing this she hadn’t revisited, so as well as a bit of good cousin catch up time it was also an opportunity for Lynn to reflect. 

The forecast for the day predicted showers breaking out mid-afternoon and therefore it seemed we had no rush to make an early morning start.  We were walking by 11.30am having squeezed my car in to the last remaining space in the first of two parking possibilities on the narrow lane just to the west of the hill’s summit. 

Not yet carpeting the whole hill but still beautiful to see

However, the sky already gave signs that the morning’s sunshine was quickly being replaced by cooler climes with grey shower cloud soon appearing.  I’d visited this hill twice before, the first with Alex Cameron in August 2015 and the second with Linda during the recent winter lockdown.  On the second visit Linda and I walked from our respective front doorsteps in Welshpool, and met at the top of the Windmill Lane for the continuing walk toward the hill. 

Today’s visit Lynn and I accessed the hill through one of the main entrances, but used a path I had not been on before that gained height near the south-westerly ridge of the hill.  As we set off up the hill dappled light still clung to the path with the wood that encloses the hill looking beautiful with fresh green leafed trees reaching for the sky and the bluebells giving colour to the foreground. 

The morning's sunshine quickly replaced by shower cloud

There were a number of people on the hill, some picnicking, others out with dogs, but the one common thing mentioned were the bluebells and that it was still a week or so too early before the whole hill is carpeted in their colour.  However, they were there and although not in dramatic fashion, they added colour to our walk. 

The path slowly gained height through the wood weaving its way under the overhead canopy and beside a myriad of blue and white flowers.  I was glad Lynn had suggested this walk, my plan otherwise was more blogging, but a couple of hours in good company on a hill is always welcome. 

Lynn at the summit of Gaer Fawr Hill

The summit area of Gaer Fawr Hill is relatively open compared to the various paths that approach it, and when we arrived I visited the two places that vie for its highest point.  Lynn found the spot where David’s ashes had been scattered and I left her there to gather her thoughts whilst I contentedly wandered around the upper part of the hill. 

The bluebells at the summit area of Gaer Fawr Hill

Lynn re-joined me a few minutes later and we continued down to where the terracotta wild boar is placed.  This is always a welcome site even if it is now sadly missing two of its ears! 

The terracotta wild boar

By now a few rain drops were reaching the hill and the earlier sunshine had been swept away and replaced by menacingly grey cloud.  At this point the rain did not materialise beyond a few drops, but ten minutes later it began again.  Being in the wood, we at least had a semblance of shelter; it didn’t seem to affect Lynn as she was happy stopping and looking at flowers, whilst I had my thoughts pinned on the car and getting back when still relatively dry. 

Thankfully what could have been a cloud burst never materialised and our progress back to the car became a leisurely plod.  Sitting on a bench, chatting, looking at flowers and soaking in the ambiance of the wood. 

 

Survey Result:

 

Gaer Fawr Hill

Summit Height:  217.6m (converted to OSGM15, from previous Trimble GeoXH 6000 survey) 

Summit Grid Reference:  SJ 22394 12995 (Trimble GeoXH 6000 survey) 

Bwlch Height:  138.7m (LIDAR)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SJ 21991 13145 (LIDAR)

Drop:  78.9m (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

Dominance:  36.26% (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

 

 

For details on the 1^st survey of Gaer Fawr Hill

For details on the 2^nd survey of Gaer Fawr Hill

 

 

For further details please consult the Trimble Survey Spreadsheet