Mapping Mountains – Trimble Surveys – Garn Fawr

17.06.25  Carn Llidi (SM 737 280) 

Carn Llidi (SM 737 280)

Carn Llidi is rock strewn in its higher reaches and protected from any off-path ascent by copious amounts of tough undergrowth.  The hill is positioned north-west of Tyddewi (St David’s) which purports to be the smallest city in the British Isles.  It looks out over a jagged coastline which the Pembrokeshire Coast Path follows.  Although the hills hereabouts are good, it is the coastal path that is the highlight. 

Pentre Ifan

We were based at Caerfai for a few days, which is just to the south and easy walking distance from Tyddewi.  On our way to Caerfai we visited Pentre Ifan, which is one of Wales’ most impressive ancient burial sites with its upper monolith delicately balanced. 

Inside the chapel at St Non's

The coastal path was next to where we stayed; we walked to Solfach (Solva) and bussed it back to the city and on another day headed to the delights of St Non’s; a Catholic retreat beside the coast path. 

The cathedral at Tyddewi

Whilst at Tyddewi the first Welsh Bible was transferred to the cathedral.  It was translated by Bishop William Morgan and published in 1588.  It had never been on public display and along with the first Bible published in Irish was now at the cathedral.  Whilst visiting to see this Bible I stood and listened to four elderly ladies talking amongst themselves in Welsh, whilst pointing at the book housed in its display cabinet.  I found this scene rather emotional as this book played a crucial role in preserving the Welsh language and over 430 years later this small group of neatly dressed women were a testament to the importance of this book and the strength of the language. 

The first Welsh Bible

As well as hills, coastal walks and the cathedral, the land surrounding Twddewi also looks west to a series of islands dominated by Ynys Dewi (Ramsey), which I had visited and surveyed its three P30 hills in May 2016.  However, there are many more islands scattered beyond Ynys Dewi with the main grouping being Emsger, Carreg Rhoson and North Bishop.  And when at Caerfai we took two boat trips; the first around Ynys Dewi and the second a magical evening trip to North Bishop. 

On the coastal path

However stunningly beautiful the coastal path and islands are, and however interesting and historically significant the cathedral is, we also needed a hill to visit.  The one that looked the most impressive was Carn Llidi.  I contemplated bringing the Trimble to survey its summit, but the prospect of carrying the equipment for six days with only one hill to visit was not appealing and therefore the Trimble remained at home and LIDAR would have to suffice for the numerical details of this hill. 

The highest of the chain of islands known as North Bishop

We parked on a grass verge on the B4583 road at it descends to its end at Whitesands beach.  This gave opportunity for a circular walk with only the uphill section back on the narrow paved road at the end of the walk as a repeat. 

Beside the narrow road leading down to Whitesands

Setting off the weather was again lovely; with crisp blue sky heralding what we hoped would be another glorious day.  However, weather hereabouts was proving fickle.  Each evening I watched from the elevation of Caerfai as thin cloud banks quickly rolled landward and then quickly dissipated as the sun cast out again, only for another cloud bank to follow.

Our route took us down to the beach, where we were confronted by a multitude of school children, all donned out in wet suits with their paddle boards aimed at the sea.  It was good to walk on the beach, somewhere we would revisit for an afternoon during a particularly warm spell of weather later in the week.  Our walk this time on its sands was only short as we headed north and soon joined the coastal path. 

Suzanne on the coastal path leading north from Whitesands

This section was like others we had visited with dramatic plummeting views downward to rocky coves, sandy beaches and towering sea stacks, and all experienced with the sea a constant blue and today the sky casting radiant.  It was indeed a good day to be out, but that weather hereabouts is a fickle beast. 

The view back toward Whitesands

We were looking for a path on our right leaving the main coastal path and which, hopefully, would take us toward our hill.  Thankfully we found it as the prospect of walking through the tough undergrowth away from any path is not recommended.

The path swung up gaining ground and always heading toward the western end of the Carn Llidi summit ridge.  As with many similar hills leaving the path can course calamitous results of floundering in copious amounts of evil undergrowth.  Therefore, I thought it prudent to ask one or two fellow walkers who were heading down in the opposite direction, whether and where the path continued.  We were met with conflicting advice, some encouraged going back down to another path and others seemed to discourage anything to do with venturing high on the hill.  I found this advice rather unusual, thanked them and off we went forever upward. 

Murky conditions starting to set in over Ynys Dewi

The path eventually swung up on to a concreted section leading to the summit of Carn Llidi Bychan; an outlier of the main peak and the farthest extension of the rocky western end of the summit ridge.  As height was gained we looked out toward Ynys Dewi, which was now being overtaken by one of those fickle weather conditions with grey murk approaching.

Ancient burial chamber beside the path on the way to Carn Llidi

The initial continuation toward the main peak was easy enough, with a variety of narrow paths leading toward the upthrust of the summit cone.  As we reached where path butted against rock, Suzanne decided that was far enough for her and found a sheltered spot away from the increasing strength of the wind, to wait until I visited the summit and hopefully descended safely back to where she was now happily sitting and admiring the view northward. 

Approaching the summit cone of Carn Llidi

When approaching Carn Llidi from the west its highest point requires hands on rock to reach its summit.  I used to hunt out any scramble and have many fond memories of weekends spent in Nant Peris, evenings in the Vaynol Arms, breakfasts in Pete’s Eats and late mornings and afternoons venturing on to Eryri peaks via scrambling on rocky ridges.  This at that point of my life was the norm.  I found it highly enjoyable and considered myself competent enough to know when to back off from something that looked beyond my limit.  However, age and scrambling not being the norm can quickly lead to lack of confidence on rock, and this was only confounded when in October 2023 I slipped and fell from a rocky ridge close to Moel Hebog.  Falling on the opposite side of the ridge would probably have resulted in death.  I was fortunate to walk away with just a large bruise on my upper thigh and a few scratches.  This experience dampened any confidence I had left when confronted with hands on rock and those scrambles that in my younger days were the norm.  Today was the first time I had encountered rock since the day I had fallen.  This all sounds rather melodramatic, but it is as it is and it feels good to write about such things and be as honest as I can.

Before venturing up the rock I took my rucksack off and left it at the base of the summit cone and safely zipped my camera in its case.  The way up was obvious as the rock was discoloured through many peoples visits over the years, it involved two sections of scrambling before reaching the high point, the first up a diagonal wide groove and the second a metre or two traverse to the left and then up a few steps to where the summit opened up.  By the time I reached the top it was definitely windy, not so much to be dangerous but enough that I was thankful I had decided not to bring the Trimble.

The view north-eastward up the coast from the summit of Carn Llidi

Reversing my upward route was relatively easy, as with most things of a similar nature, taking ones time is essential.  Soon I was back at my rucksack and shortly afterward sitting beside Suzanne tucking in to some yummy morsel of food.  As we gathered our stuff to head down we felt the first drop of rain that was being pushed landward beyond the grey sky murk that we had seen over Ynys Dewi on the latter part of our ascent.

Our route down was easy, reversing the summit ridge to Carn Llidi Bychan and the narrow concrete path leading down to the main path, here we continued down toward the road, instead of swinging rightward and rejoining the coastal path.  This soon brought us out on to the road and that nasty little bit of uphill at the end of the walk, never the best at the end of any walk. 

Relaxing in the car with our picnic with the cloud base now enveloping Carn Llidi

During our descent the weather continued to close in, with those succulent blue skies of earlier now replaced by greying murk with intermittent spells of light coastal drizzle being brought in on the wind.  The rain was never heavy enough for me to put waterproofs on and we arrived back at the car still dry from our endeavours.  All that remained was a quick change whilst the kettle was boiling and to have a feast of a picnic sitting in comfort looking out of the car window as the whole upper ridge of Carn Llidi disappeared under grey murk. 

 

Survey Result: 

 

Carn Llidi 

Summit Height:  182.1m (LIDAR)  

Summit Grid Reference:  SM 73797 28001 (LIDAR)

Bwlch Height:  57.8m (LIDAR)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SM 76096 28625 & SM 76132 28642 (LIDAR) 

Drop:  124.3m (LIDAR)

Dominance:  68.27% (LIDAR)

 

 

For further details please consult the Trimble Survey Spreadsheet 

Mapping Mountains – Trimble Surveys – Pumlumon

 

12.08.21  Tan y Llwyn (SN 914 802), Hen Borfa (SN 921 805), Borfa Ganol (SN 930 808), Tyn Bryn (SN 929 813), Blaen Pathiog (SN 927 820) and Sheep Pasture (SN 935 821) 

Tyn Bryn (SN 929 813) on the right with Marsh's Pool below

Today I had the pleasure of a two car linear walk with Suzanne, centred on Marsh’s Pool and taking in six hills, with three being P30s.  I was at Suzanne’s for 7.30am and we soon dropped her car off about a mile south-west of Llanidloes close to the Felindre Bridge.  I then drove to Llangurig and parked on the minor road heading north-east out of the village.  This is the old road to Llanidloes, presumably used when the railway line was in operation.  The rail line used to cross what is now the A470 road; and formed one of a number of surveys when I determined the height and position for the bylchau of Pegwn Mawr and Great Rhos. 

I had contemplated combining these hills for a number of years, but until today had not visited any of them, and with Suzanne living in Llanidloes it was ideal for a two car walk, enabling us to descend the north-westerly ridge of Sheep Pasture; an almost forgotten P15 that unobtrusively lingers after the higher summit of Blaen Pathiog to its west.  Following the course of this ridge is a public footpath and even on the map it looked a good descent route.  It lived up to its expectation. 

Suzanne near the summit of Tan y Llwyn

Having found a parking place for my car above Llangurig, we headed toward a gate which gave access to a vehicle track on the opposing grazing field, this led up toward the summit of our first hill of the day; Tan y Llwyn.  As I set the Trimble up on the summit, Suzanne walked down to a fence and kept a close look out for any cows, of which she is easily spooked. 

Gathering data at the summit of Tan y Llwyn

The early morning gave wonderful conditions with deep shadowed areas accentuating the rich coloured hillsides.  A breeze whisked across the hill, and this progressively increased in strength as we continued on our walk.  With the first data set safely stored we headed across the upper north-easterly part of Tan y Llwyn aiming for a public footpath on a track that leads down to the farm of Pen-hyle-mawr. 

Before walking in to the farmyard we visited the adjoining bungalow, where we were met by a smiling Mrs Howells, having explained my interest in surveying and hill names, she said that her husband; David, would be back in a minute or so and soon he was, accompanied by their son Christopher. 

David and Christopher Howells of Pen-hyle-mawr 

Their farmyard incorporates the bwlch for the highest hill of the six that we planned on visiting during the day, the summit of this hill is given a map spot height of 393m and therefore is classified as a Trichant and a 390m Sub-Pedwar, it is currently listed by the point (Pt. 392.2m) notation, with the height from LIDAR analysis.  This hill remains unnamed on contemporary Ordnance Survey maps.  David and Christopher had no problem with me surveying their farmyard and Christopher told me that the hill is known as Tyn Bryn, after the old farm of the same name, with the land having been owned by Coedcochion Mawr and recently sold.  The old farm is named as Ty’n-y-Bryn on the Six-Inch series of maps and is positioned at SN 93177 81299. 

Having thanked them for their time we headed down to the farmyard, it was relatively easy to pinpoint where the valley to valley traverse met that of the hill to hill traverse and soon the Trimble was set up gathering data at the bwlch of Tyn Bryn. 

Gathering data at the bwlch of Tyn Bryn

Leaving the farm we walked up a green track heading north and then eastward  across a field to visit the high point of our second hill of the day, which the Tithe names the uppermost field as Hen Borfa, this when translated can mean old pasture, a rather eloquent name for a field of this height.

Blaen Pathiog on the right with Bryn y Fan dominating the background

The high point was immersed in a sea of brightly morninged green with the whole field comprising closely cropped grass given over for grazing.  As the Trimble collected data I stood a distance away and soaked in the view to our remaining hills toward the north-east, with the profiles of Borfa Ganol and Tyn Bryn looking particularly good.

Gathering data at the summit of Hen Borfa

Prior to visiting these hills I had examined them with available LIDAR,  building up contours for each summit and bwlch, with all summit areas and with three of the bylchau covered, hence the survey of the bwlch adjoined to Tyn Bryn which is not currently covered by LIDAR. 

LIDAR summit image of Tyn Bryn (SN 929 813) 

Leaving the summit of Hen Borfa we took a direct line toward the southern edge of Marsh’s Pool which was now just visible.  This soon led us to a footpath that in time passed the house of Penllyn.  We stopped for a few minutes here, wondering whether to knock on the door and ask permission to visit the lake, which although still used by locals, is private.  We decided to press on and headed away from the house on a track until a gate gave access to the steepening southerly slopes of our third hill of the day; Borfa Ganol, which is another name given on the Tithe, with many of these hills unnamed on contemporary Ordnance Survey maps. 

Reclaimed land

As I surveyed the summit of Borfa Ganol, Suzanne hunkered down for a bite to eat with a view taking in the expanse of Marsh’s Pool.  Once data were gathered and stored I joined her and sat and ate and enjoyed the good conversation, company and view.  By now the early morning breeze had strengthened, thankfully not so much as to prove problematic for surveying.  At points the breeze almost made it chilly, which was at contrast to our last walk south of Machynlleth when temperatures soared and any shade was a welcome relief. 

Gathering data at the summit of Borfa Ganol

From the position of our early lunch stop we spotted a few people walking the track leading to Marsh’s Pool and other than calling at two farms, these were the only people we saw on the walk all day. 

Tyn Bryn (SN 929 813)

Leaving our lunch time spot with a view, we headed down to the track connecting with Marsh’s Pool and walked a short distance up it in the opposing direction, before accessing the upper southerly slopes of Tyn Bryn through an open gate.  The ten figure grid reference produced from LIDAR analysis led me to the high point of the hill and soon the Trimble was set up gathering its fifth data set of the day. 

Gathering data at the summit of Tyn Bryn

During data collection Suzanne wandered down to the near copse of fir trees which gave a heightened foreground against the background of the lake and the hills we had visited.  I left the Trimble quietly beeping away gathering its individual datum points and sauntered down to the field’s boundary fence and took a number of photographs as the play of light highlighted colour and shade.  The upper field of this hill comprises closely cropped grass, like many such summits of similar height; this seemed at odds with its westerly slope comprising fir trees and bracken leading down to the lake.  This hill gives a welcoming profile and it was good to now be on it, as it was also good to now have a locally known name for the land incorporating its summit. 

Marsh's Pool

Once the Trimble was packed away I joined Suzanne and we followed the periphery of the near conifer plantation, which is just to the north from the summit of Tyn Bryn, and to the east as we walked beside it.  Beech and Rowan blended toward the conifers, with the Rowan’s now with reddened berries.  This for me gives the first sign of the impending end of summer and the autumnal months near at hand. 

The path beside the conifer plantation led through a gap in thick gorse and down to a track through the forestry.  We continued outside of the conifer plantation and soon connected with the continuation of a path leading up the slopes of Blaen Pathiog. 

Aran Fawddwy from Blaen Pathiog

As the Trimble gathered data from the summit of Blaen Pathiog, Suzanne cwtched down out of the breeze in a small copse of fir trees just to the east of the summit.  The walk was nearing its end, but we still had one last hill to visit, this is now classified as a Welsh P15 and I can’t imagine many hill baggers have purposely visited its summit for an all-important tick in their list! 

Gathering data at the summit of Blaen Pathiog

Between us and the summit of our last hill of the day, which the Tithe names its upper field by the apt name of Sheep Pasture, was a myriad of fields, fences and hedges.  Approaching Sheep Pasture from the higher summit of Blaen Pathiog gave a view of what fields and gates to use to get us toward its summit.  We were soon there and the Trimble was set up on a fence post over the hill’s high point gathering its seventh and last data set of the day. 

Sheep Pasture (SN 935 821)

Gathering data at the summit of Sheep Pasture

From here we had a wonderful route down, following the course of an old green lane, which in its time may have been a drover’s route across the hills.  It aimed confidently north-eastward in a straight line, with an avenue of stunted trees forming a canopy to walk under.  It breathed an old life, one now gone that incorporated a passage on foot and horse, a slower life, one now easily romanticised, but one I wonder if we can learn from, as sometimes a slower pace in life is more rewarding. 

The old way

We stopped en route to sit under a line of small trees for a bite to eat and another welcome rest.  During our time there the tree behind me groaned, it seemed to be talking to us, on occasion as I looked around at it, the groaning stopped, only to start again when I turned to face forward.  I wondered if my hearing was playing tricks and asked Suzanne if she could also hear it, she could.  We laughed at the thought that we had a talking tree as a newly acquired friend. 

Leaving the talking tree we now arrived at Cefn-y-bwlch, this is the last farm house at the end of the paved road leading up Cwmbelan.  We were met by a barking dog, who notified John Davies that he had walkers passing his farm, he came out to investigate.  We spent about 30 minutes with John, Suzanne knew his wife.  We chatted about all manner of things and soon befriended Poppy, his dog.  We told him the route we had taken and I asked about the name of the highest hill; ‘that would be Tyn Bryn’ came the reply.  It is always good to have a name substantiated and especially so from opposing sides of the hill.  I then asked about field names and he proceeded to give names for all the fields adjoined to his farm. 

John Davies and Poppy the dog of Cefn-y-bwlch

Eventually we dragged ourselves away, with John directing us down the continuation of the footpath, with a part of it having been recently re-directed.  The continuation of the route proved wonderful, down through a wood and out on to a large open field which John told us is known as the Elephant Field, as the person who owned it used to run the Elephant pub in Llanidloes. 

We lazed on a bank of grass for a few minutes, soaking up afternoon sunshine before heading back to where Suzanne’s car was parked.  On our way she asked if she had left her keys in my car, I said yes as she had asked if it was all right to leave them in the glove compartment.  I didn’t think anything of this as she would obviously not leave her car keys in my car above Llangurig, she needed these for when we walked back to her car on the outskirts of Llanidloes.  She had.  I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.  I couldn’t believe it.  All was not lost though as she phoned Gary; her partner, who kindly went to Suzanne’s house, and brought her spare car keys to us on the edge of town. 

As Gary left us with the spare car keys handed to Suzanne, I started to change and soon two people appeared coming through the gate leading to where Suzanne’s car was parked.  It was Hannah and her brother, Hannah is one of Suzanne’s lifelong friends and she had recently lost her husband who had died about a month ago.  I offered a sympathetic hug and joked it would be from a semi-naked fat person who at that specific point was wearing one walking boot with the other foot bootless.  Not to be sexist with my offering of hugs and so as not to offend, I also offered a hug to her brother, he advisedly declined. 

 

Survey Result: 

 

Tan y Llwyn

Summit Height:  360.4m (converted to OSGM15, Trimble GeoXH 6000)

Summit Grid Reference:  SN 91408 80236 (Trimble GeoXH 6000) 

Bwlch Height:  c 337m (interpolation)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SN 91507 80739 (interpolation)

Drop:  c 23m (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and interpolated bwlch)

Dominance:  6.49% (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and interpolated bwlch)

 

 

Hen Borfa (significant name change)

Summit Height:  372.2m (converted to OSGM15, Trimble GeoXH 6000)

Summit Grid Reference:  SN 92191 80590 (Trimble GeoXH 6000)   

Bwlch Height:  c 338m (interpolation)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SN 92817 80777 (interpolation)

Drop:  c 34m (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and interpolated bwlch)

Dominance:  9.18% (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and interpolated bwlch)

 

 

Borfa Ganol (significant name change)

Summit Height:  378.2m (converted to OSGM15, Trimble GeoXH 6000)

Summit Grid Reference:  SN 93014 80867 (Trimble GeoXH 6000)   

Bwlch Height:  355.2m (LIDAR)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SN 93109 80999 (LIDAR)

Drop:  23.1m (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

Dominance:  6.10% (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

 

 

Tyn Bryn (significant name change)

Summit Height:  392.1m (converted to OSGM15)

Summit Grid Reference:  SN 92957 81324   

Bwlch Height:  326.2m (converted to OSGM15)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SN 91955 80581

Drop:  65.9m

Dominance:  16.81%

 

 

Blaen Pathiog

Summit Height:  376.3m (converted to OSGM15, Trimble GeoXH 6000) (significant height revision)

Summit Grid Reference:  SN 92775 82001 (Trimble GeoXH 6000) (summit relocation confirmed)   

Bwlch Height:  343.3m (LIDAR)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SN 92760 81765 (LIDAR)

Drop:  33.1m (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch) (Sub-Trichant reclassified to Trichant)

Dominance:  8.79% (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

 

 

Sheep Pasture (significant name change)

Summit Height:  355.3m (converted to OSGM15, Trimble GeoXH 6000)

Summit Grid Reference:  SN 93587 82145 (Trimble GeoXH 6000)  

Bwlch Height:  336.4m (LIDAR)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SN 93150 82163 (LIDAR)

Drop:  18.9m (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch) (Sub-Trichant deletion)

Dominance:  5.31% (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

 

 

For further details please consult the Trimble Survey Spreadsheet

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mapping Mountains – Trimble Surveys – Pumlumon

 

16.07.21  Parc (SN 752 994), Ffridd Bryn Mawr (SN 750 987), Ffridd Cae Crydd (SN 749 976) and Ffridd Eithaf (SN 745 977) 

Ffridd Eithaf (SN 745 977)

There are times when individual walks stand out.  The reasons why are personal to each of us, for me they centre on the unexpected.  This is probably due to having an organised nature to my hill walking and surveying, because of this I usually know the route ahead and what to expect.  Therefore, when the unexpected happens it adds spontaneity to the walk.  Today was such a day.  It proved a magical experience. 

The day was shared in the company of Suzanne, a good friend who lives in Llanidloes.  The forecast gave warm conditions with the temperature nearing 30°, therefore I scrutinised maps for a suitable walk with 3 – 5 hills to visit, and relatively short in length with no more than 6 – 7 miles.  I found a good circuit of five hills just south of Machynlleth that was ideal, with the added bonus that the summit of the last P30 had recently been relocated to an adjacent hill, and both could be Trimbled to confirm or again relocate. 

We left Llanidloes at 7.00am and headed over the mountain road to Machynlleth.  When clear the views from this road extend as far north as Yr Wyddfa, with the immediate surroundings being the ridges of the northern Pumlumon hills.  This view never disappoints.  On the way the road passes Llyn Clywedog, today slithers of mist ebbed against the distinctive profile of Yr Allt, I stopped the car for us to look and savour.  

Llyn Clywedog and the distinctive profile of Yr Allt

As the journey continued I stopped the car on a number of occasions to do likewise, but now we were confronted by the whole of the Dyfi valley enshrouded in mist.  This stretched for miles and lapped against those wonderful northern Pumlumon hills.  At one point it was as if the road abruptly ended and disappeared directly in to the mist.  This unexpected view gave a wonderful start to the day. 

The mountain road leading to Machynlleth

Eventually we pulled ourselves away from the view and drove down in to the mist and through Machynlleth, before continuing to the minor road that wound its way to the start of the walk. 

As we left the car walking back up the narrow road that I had just driven down we were in mist.  The higher we walked the first vestiges of blue sky were occasionally glimpsed out of the ethereal surrounds.  It was as if summer had become alive as the undergrowth beside the lane consisted of a myriad of flowers and greened growth, all delicately dew laden.  Gorse bushes were intertwined with delicate spider webs, whilst singular ones sparkled with their strands holding tear drops of dew.  It was wonderful to just stop and look. 

Gorse bushes laden with dew soaked webs

Leaving the lane we continued on a good track which gained height as it wound its way eastward in to the hills.  By now the sun’s heat was breaking through the mist with the patches of blue sky becoming larger.  Facing east in to the misted sun the undergrowth beside the track took on a silvered sheen as light sparkled against early morning dew, whilst turning to face west with the sun at one’s back this scene altered and the silvered sheen disappeared, it was a trick of light that we marvelled at. 

Suzanne on the start of the track leading to the hills

Just before breaking out of the canopy of mist we spotted a fog bow, which for me is a rarity when on the hill, it floated close to us, a semi-circular arch of mist backed by blue sky.  Beyond was increasing heat. 

We were now above the mist, which still clung to the valley below with the great bulk of the Tarennydd ridge dominating the north-western horizon.  It had been a magical first hour, but now the heat built up and continued to do so during the remainder of the walk. 

Above the mist with the Tarennydd in the background

The summit of our first hill of the day; Parc, was only a short distance away and we left the track to head toward its high point, which is crowned by an attractive rock outcrop.  The Trimble soon had its internal antenna aligned with the highest part of rock and once it was logging data I sat beside Suzanne, below the equipment, in the sunshine and waited for the allotted data to be gathered and stored. 

Gathering data at the summit of Parc

When planning this walk I included the forested top of Ffridd Rhiwlwyfen (SN 757 986) but was unsure of the best way to approach it from Ffridd Bryn Mawr; our second hill of the day.  The view from the summit of Parc gave opportunity to work out a route as we looked directly in to the western bulk of the hill.  Its summit consists of an attractive cone with relatively new conifers planted on it.  One online log did not give encouragement to visit, saying that a chainsaw was now needed to reach its high point.  Guarding this hill were copious amounts of bracken, now matured and no doubt waist and probably shoulder high in places.  We did spot a green track that veered northward and doubled back toward the hill’s upper ridge.  The onward route to this hill looked a hot grind and therefore it was put to one side for a singular expedition in the future.  This left three more hills for us to visit, which in the increasingly warm conditions would be sufficient for the day. 

Ffridd Rhiwlwyfen from the ascent of Ffridd Cae Crydd 

Leaving the summit of Parc we connected with a fence which led down to a good green track which went straight over the connecting bwlch between Parc and Ffridd Bryn Mawr.  Prior to visiting these hills I had examined each with available LIDAR and this was the only bwlch not covered, so it was duly Trimbled. 

LIDAR image of Ffridd Eithaf and Ffridd Cae Crydd

Having assessed the lay of land at the bwlch I decided its critical point was at one of two positions, each about three metres apart on the valley to valley traverse.  Choosing my preferred position I set the Trimble up, waited for it to achieve the 0.1m accuracy level before data should be logged and once activated to gather data, I joined Suzanne who was sitting on a rock beside another green track that veered down toward the watered realm of Llyn Glanmerin. 

Gathering data at the bwlch of Parc

It was a good place to rest, it also felt good that we had dispensed with the ascent of Ffridd Rhiwlwyfen, it was just too warm for this hill.  Hot days on the hill are to be enjoyed, but also respected as heat can be debilitating. 

Ffridd Bryn Mawr (SN 750 987)

Once the Trimble gathered allotted data, I closed it down, packed it away and we continued up a green track toward a gate, which gave access to the upper part of Ffridd Bryn Mawr, today these hills sparkled green in the morning sunshine, luxuriant in their summer growth.  These hills are given over for sheep grazing, and these creatures were still on the hill enjoying munching the grass, but as the day progressed and the intensity of heat increased all but the hardly few were lying in shade. 

Parc from the ascent of Ffridd Bryn Mawr

The summit of Ffridd Bryn Mawr was easy to identify and consists of a small grassed knoll.  As the Trimble gathered data I joined Suzanne who was happy scouting an onward route.  At this stage we did not know whether to use a track that was not marked on my map or a path on the opposing side of the Nant Llyn Gwr Drwg; the steam close to Llyn Glanmerin.  This lake was on view from the first two hills we had visited and we wondered about the best way down to it.  Suzanne spotted a green track leading down to the gravelled track not marked on my map and an easy route to it avoiding rock and bracken that headed toward a gate.  Once the Trimble was packed away we headed down and reached the gravelled track. 

Gathering data at the summit of Ffridd Bryn Mawr

According to the map our onward route was on the eastern side of the stream, the gravelled track was on its western side.  However, this track would give an easy route down toward our next two hills, but as it was not marked on the map we did not know exactly where it went.  Tantalisingly a green path left the gravelled track aiming for the lake, so off we went down to the water’s edge. 

Llyn Glanmerin

What a beautiful place Llyn Glanmerin is. 

The following extract is from The Lakes of Wales by Frank Ward (published in 1931 by Herbert Jenkins):

 

A pretty lake 1 mile south-east from Machynlleth, with alder, spruce, and other trees growing on the banks.  It is formed by the damming of the Rysglog stream, and was made by the late Lord Herbert Vane-Tempest.  It is known locally as Lord Herbert’s Lake, and was originally stocked with brown, Loch Leven, and rainbow trout.  Apparently the rainbows have all disappeared.  Glan-merin belongs to the Marquis of Londonderry.  Fishing is private.

 

We sat beside its waters for quite some time, just looking and chatting and sheltering from the sun.  Swallows darted across the waters, skimming ever lower.  Fish jumped and Water Lilly’s floated.  Suzanne sat in a rowing boat whilst I just relaxed and looked.  It was quite mesmerizing and we almost didn’t walk down to it.  It proved a perfect place to rest, but we still had two hills to visit and the midday heat was quickly approaching. 

A beautiful place to stop and rest

Water Lilly's

Beside Llyn Glanmerin

Leaving the lake we connected with a green track through fern, in its lower section this became a muddied track; this was easily bi-passed though on either side.  The air was heavy with heat and whatever slight breeze the tops afforded soon disappeared as height was lost. 

The green track leading down toward Ffridd Cae Crydd and Ffridd Eithaf

The green track was at least shaded and eventually emerged on to a field that had a robust old barn sitting proudly on the last vestige of greened grass.  Whilst I continued around its western side, Suzanne went inside to investigate and by doing so disturbed a barn owl.  I caught a glimpse as it glided silently down field toward a mature tree.  By the time we headed toward the tree there was no sign of it.  Beyond was the continuation of the stream emerging from the lake, at this point the stream was canopied by small trees.  We were soon sitting in shade beside the stream resting and enjoying a bite to eat.  Behind me through the trees all I could see was increasing warmth, just blue sky, almost iridescent in its hue, a deep blue that radiated ever increasing heat. 

Shelter beside the stream

The view of the heat from the shaded spot beside the stream

The shelter of shade is a wonderful thing, this is rarely necessary in the climate we experience, but today it was sought.  Eventually we left our shaded spot beside the stream and entered the heat, slowly gaining height to a gate and then a green track upward to a small quarried area and then toward a corner of forestry, before which we broke off right and headed toward the summit of Ffridd Cae Crydd.  Not surprisingly we stopped again under a small tree and sat in its shade. 

Heading toward the shade under the tree

It was only a short walk from the small tree to the summit.  This hill’s high point consists of a rocky knoll and having assessed the lay of land I positioned the Trimble atop my rucksack and it was soon quietly beeping away gathering individual datum points. 

Gathering data at the summit of Ffridd Cae Crydd

Just to the west of Ffridd Cae Crydd is Ffridd Eithaf, until recent times the latter was given the status of P30 in the 200m Twmpau list, but LIDAR gives the former as the higher.  The summit heights produced by LIDAR are given below: 

 

Ffridd Cae Crydd:  272.190m 

Ffridd Eithaf:  271.739m 

 

Because of this the listed summit for the P30 was relocated.  Today gave opportunity to survey each with the Trimble GeoXH 6000.  Once data were gathered and stored from the summit of Ffridd Cae Crydd, I closed the Trimble down and we continued westward down to a fence and then up to the summit of Ffridd Eithaf, which is crowned by a quartzite boulder, beside which is a large log hollowed out as a seat. 

Gathering data at the summit of Ffridd Eithaf

Scattered across the summit area were beautiful purple mountain pansies, a delicate flower, miniature compared to their propagated garden variety.  As the upper part of the log was higher than the top of the boulder I placed the Trimble atop my rucksack on the boulder to give it elevation above the log, with its internal antenna aligned to the high point of rock.  After noting the measurement offset it proceeded to gather allotted data. 

Dotted across the summit of Ffridd Eithaf - the beautiful and delicate mountain pansy

Relaxing on the log bench and enjoying the view

With the last data set of the day complete we sat on the log bench, chatted and enjoyed the view down valley to the coast.  We remained there for about 15 minutes.  Our downward route was via Bryn-melyn farm and its connecting track to the valley below.  Beyond the farm we cut a corner following a sheep path and then steeply down to the narrow lane.  Once on the lane we turned right and headed down and back to the awaiting car.  It had been a hot day on the hill, but one full of wonder and rather magical in places. 

 

Survey Result: 

 

Parc

Summit Height:  232.5m (converted to OSGM15)

Summit Grid Reference:  SN 75297 99423

Bwlch Height:  200.6m (converted to OSGM15)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SN 75150 99131

Drop:  31.9m

Dominance:  13.72%

 

 

Ffridd Bryn Mawr (significant name change)

Summit Height:  238.9m (converted to OSGM15, Trimble GeoXH 6000)

Summit Grid Reference:  SN 75026 98782 (Trimble GeoXH 6000)

Bwlch Height:  196.0m (LIDAR)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SN 75715 99369 (LIDAR)

Drop:  42.8m (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

Dominance:  17.94% (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

 

 

Ffridd Cae Crydd

Summit Height:  272.3m (converted to OSGM15, average of two Trimble GeoXH 6000 surveys)

Summit Grid Reference:  SN 74910 97692 (Trimble GeoXH 6000) (summit relocation confirmed)

Bwlch Height:  232.8m (LIDAR)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SN 75107 97628 (LIDAR)

Drop:  39.4m (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch) (Welsh Sub-P15 reclassified to 200m Twmpau)

Dominance:  14.49% (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

 

 

Ffridd Eithaf

Summit Height:  272.2m (converted to OSGM15, Trimble GeoXH 6000)

Summit Grid Reference:  SN 74578 97750 (Trimble GeoXH 6000)

Bwlch Height:  255.7m (LIDAR)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SN 74763 97683 (LIDAR)

Drop:  16.5m (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch) (200m Twmpau deletion)

Dominance:  6.06% (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

 

 

For further details please consult the Trimble Survey Spreadsheet