Mapping Mountains – Trimble Surveys – Carnedd Wen

22.02.21  Quarry Field (SJ 155 075), Cefn Uchaf (SJ 157 072) and Y Golfa (SJ 182 070, previously Trimbled)

Quarry Field (SJ 155 075)

With rain clearing by mid-morning and forecast sunshine for the remaining daylight hours Linda and I set off later than initially planned.  We were walking up the Cefnyspin Lane by 11.45am with increasing amounts of blue dominating the sky overhead. 

On our last walk up the Cefnyspin and Frochas Lanes a slight dusting of snow and a crisp chill in the air lingered all day, whilst today it was spring like with lambs in the adjoining fields and the first warmth of the year.  It was a joy to be out. 

Heading up the Cefnyspin Lane

A few minutes after starting up the Frochas Lane there was a shout from behind and there was Nic with Tommy the dog, it was good to see her and she joined us for the remainder of the day. 

The Frochas Lane is delightful; as it follows the crest of a broad ridge and the views from it are extensive.  It gains height steadily and looks out on a typical mid-Wales scene of grazing fields, hedgerows and gently shaped hills.  During the latest lock down this route to Y Golfa and other near hills has been a release from the confines of the imposed restrictions.  It has never disappointed giving good options for circular walks.  Today we wanted to extend the walk to two lower hills beyond Y Golfa, both could be Trimbled, and then double back over the higher summit.  With our later start we knew we’d be on the higher summit close to sunset and descending the lower part of Llanerchydol Drive as it was turning dark. 

First warmth of Spring

We left the Frochas Lane at an intersection and joined a track leading up to a green lane which headed confidently toward the bwlch between the two hills beyond Y Golfa.  I’d analysed these with LIDAR prior to today’s walk and as they don’t possess individual names on contemporary Ordnance Survey maps I’d also examined the Tithe map for the name of the bounded land where each summit is situated. 

Quarry Field 

Our first hill; Quarry Field rose steeply ahead, its greened and pastured south-easterly flank looked inviting set against a deep blue sky as background.  By the time we started up the hill I was in plodding mode and watched Linda and Nic steadily pull ahead.  As I reached the summit they were sitting on a fallen bow getting ready to have lunch. 

Heading up Quarry Field

Lunch time

The summit was under a branch of a tree overlooking a small and now disused quarry.  I had no intention to gather five minutes of data and needed a well-earned rest and the warmth and view dictated there was no need to rush proceedings. 

Y Golfa from the ascent of Quarry Field

Once the Trimble had attained the 0.1m accuracy level before data should be logged, I pressed ‘Log’ and sat on a near bow of a tree, ate a banana and slumbered in the gorgeous weather.  The first warmth after winter’s hold is welcome and to experience this when on a hill is always special and today was no exception.  I sat and waited for the Trimble to gather 15 minutes of data before closing it down, taking a few photos and packing it away.  It was now time to head off toward our second hill. 

Gathering data at the summit of Quarry Field

The Trimble set-up position at the summit of Quarry Field

This was relatively near and once we had back-tracked to the bwlch between it and Quarry Field it was only a short distance to its summit.  As I assessed the lay of land and then compared my chosen position for Trimble placement to that produced by LIDAR, Linda and Nic sat a few metres away looking out toward a sumptuous view taking in Cadair Idris, the Aran and the Y Berwyn. 

I again had no intention for a quick data collection and this time gathered 13 minutes of data at the summit, with the Tithe map naming the upper enclosed field as Cefn Uchaf.  These two hills were a welcome addition to a walk up Y Golfa and can be relatively easily combined with their higher neighbour. 

Gathering data at the summit of Cefn Uchaf

Once the Trimble was closed down and packed away we headed back to the green lane which took us down to an old lane heading up the western flank of Y Golfa.  This was the route Linda and I had taken on our last walk, so the map was now back in my rucksack and all we had to do was steadily gain height toward a welcome rest outside the Golf Club. 

On our way up we found a myriad of lost golf balls which Linda happily bagged for her Dad.  This route adds a little wilderness to the walk and beyond the top of the old green lane our route turned to a path beside stunted trees before petering out amongst the browns of copious amounts of bracken.  This land is at contrast to that immediately above as the bracken and patches of gorse are quickly displaced with manicured greens and fairways. 

We spent about 20 minutes sitting outside the Golf Club, chatting with the person whose family lives there whilst Tommy the dog and the dog from the Golf Club whizzed around the practice putting green, running this way and that, playing to their hearts content. 

At the summit of Y Golfa

When we left the Gold Club a chill has set in, the sun had lowered and the magical late afternoon colour had been replaced by a gentled hue heralding the onset of dusk.  We were soon beside the trig pillar at the summit of Y Golfa, we lingered for a few minutes for a last look out toward the west and those higher mountains and away we went down the easterly ridge. 

Our route down proved a lovey walk as dusk was quickly overtaken by darkness, and was a perfect ending to the day. 

 

Survey Result: 

 

Quarry Field (significant name change)

Summit Height:  268.5m (converted to OSGM15, Trimble GeoXH 6000) (significant height revision) 

Summit Grid Reference:  SJ 15530 07552 (Trimble GeoXH 6000) 

Bwlch Height:  209.6m (LIDAR)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SJ 16489 07601 (LIDAR)

Drop:  58.9m (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch) (200m Sub-Twmpau reclassified to 200m Twmpau)

Dominance:  21.93% (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

 

 

Cefn Uchaf (significant name change)

Summit Height:  261.8m (converted to OSGM15, Trimble GeoXH 6000 survey) 

Summit Grid Reference:  SJ 15739 07264 (Trimble GeoXH 6000 survey)

Bwlch Height:  235.1m (LIDAR)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SJ 15745 07416 (LIDAR)

Drop:  26.6m (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch) (200m Twmpau reclassified to 200m Sub-Twmpau)

Dominance:  10.18% (Trimble GeoXH 6000 survey summit and LIDAR bwlch)

 

 

Y Golfa

Summit Height:  341.4m (converted to OSGM15, from previous Trimble GeoXH 6000 survey) 

Summit Grid Reference:  SJ 18247 07086 (from previous Trimble GeoXH 6000 survey) 

Bwlch Height:  175.1m (LIDAR)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SJ 16645 06017 (LIDAR)

Drop:  166.3m (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

Dominance:  48.72% (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

 

 

For details on the survey of Y Golfa

For details on the 2^nd visit to Y Golfa

For details on the 3^rd visit to Y Golfa

For details on the 4^th visit to Y Golfa

For details on the 5^th visit to Y Golfa

For details on the 6^th visit to Y Golfa

 

 

For further details please consult the Trimble Survey Spreadsheet

 

 

 

  

Mapping Mountains – Trimble Surveys – Carnedd Wen

10.02.21  Y Figyn (SJ 175 085), Y Golfa (SJ 173 073, previously Trimbled) and Y Golfa (SJ 182 070, previously Trimbled)

Y Golfa (SJ 182 070)

A light dusting of snow covered the ground as I left my bungalow.  The air was chilled and parts of the canal were frozen.  Above blue sky promised a good day ahead whilst toward the east the sun crested a small cloud bank hugging the sky line above Cefn Digoll and gave a slight warmed feel to the morning’s chill.  It promised to be another good day on the hill. 

I met Linda at The Raven and we were walking up the Cefnyspin Lane by just after 9.00am.  Today we planned on combining Y Golfa with another hill; Y Figyn, which I had visited once before, in November 2004 when on a 20 mile walk which involved the scattering of my father’s ashes. 

Heading up the Cefnyspin Lane

Today would no doubt be a less emotional affair and I was looking forward to it.  The Cefnyspin Lane bisects the Frochas Lane and from here we had two options; an interesting route initially losing height and then using public footpaths following the steam valley up toward Y Figyn.  The other a simpler route following the Frochas Lane before diverting toward Y Figyn on another lane, we opted for the latter. 

The slight dusting of snow added to the landscape, with it accentuating and adding colour balance to the greened pasture.  Snow is also fun to walk in, and any significant patches were aimed for, either to trample through or kick it up into the air.  It was just good to be out again and have snow, however light the dusting. 

Snow and blue sky - what isn't there to enjoy!

The lane leading toward Y Figyn proved a delightful way to approach the hill, and especially today with the succulent blues cascading from the sky.  Until now the fierce bitingly cold easterly wind that had blown for the last few days had fortunately relented, but as height was gained a chilled easterly breeze skirted with the upper part of the hill. 

The lane leading to Y Figyn

Prior to our visit I had LIDARed this hill.  LIDAR does not cover its summit, but its connecting bwlch does have coverage.  With the height and position of its bwlch determined all that was now needed was to Trimble its summit. 

LIDAR bwlch image of Y Figyn

The high point of Y Figyn was easy to determine and as I set the Trimble up Linda sat out of the breeze and sorted out two warmed coffees.  I stood and looked out across miles of land, much of it white with snow and frost, all of it looked inviting.  The Y Berwyn looked particularly impressive with a good coating of snow, whilst the Aran and Cadair Idris also gleamed back at us.  Nearer home the Breiddin seemingly floated above the Severn Valley and Shropshire Plain, rising out of the flat bedded river valley. 

Gathering data at the summit of Y Figyn

Once the Trimble was packed away we followed public footpaths across descending fields toward a farm.  On our way we encountered a bog beside a stream.  I almost got stuck as my wellies became sucktioned in to the black slime.  I fell at one point and lay sheepishly in the mud, smiling at my predicament.  We then diverted from a field of cows and found the lane where the continuation of our route took us toward the Golf Club close to the summit of Y Golfa. 

Descending from Y Figyn

Before a welcome rest outside the Golf Club we saw the season’s first lambs, had our onward route blocked by a pool across the track we were on, we then found an unfortunate sheep carcass directly below a stile which took us on to an old green track leading pleasantly up to the brackened slopes of Y Golfa.  This soon led up to the manicured greens and a comforting twenty minutes sitting on a bench talking to George the Golf Club cat. 

The snow-clad Y Berwyn

Between us and the high point of Y Golfa is a sub hill which I wanted to visit.  I surveyed this hill in August 2014, but until now had not revisited its summit.  It proved a wonderful viewpoint before losing height to the final climb of the day; to the trig pillar atop Y Golfa. 

Y Figyn from Y Golfa

Nearing the summit of Y Golfa

This hill is proving an excellent companion during the current lock down.  I’ve been drawn back to it on a number of occasions.  It has never disappointed.  Today the view leapt out.  It was good to be back. 

Heading down from the summit of Y Golfa with the Breiddin and Cefn Digoll in the distance

Our downward route followed its easterly ridge, on the way we met Caroline; an old work colleague who was heading up the hill.  When we arrived back at The Raven we headed toward Christ Church to use a tap to wash our wellies, meeting another old work colleague on the way; Dave, who many years ago I’d done Wainwrights Coast to Coast with, as well as many hill walks, including the Three Peaks, it was good to see him and Liz again. 

A winter's scene

Before leaving Linda we had a customary elbow bump and away I went heading home for a well-earned bowl of soup and crusty roll. 

 

Survey Result: 

 

Y Figyn (significant name change)

Summit Height:  309.1m (converted to OSGM15, Trimble GeoXH 6000) 

Summit Grid Reference:  SJ 17527 08594 (Trimble GeoXH 6000) 

Bwlch Height:  230.1m (LIDAR)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SJ 18071 08434 (LIDAR)

Drop:  79.0m (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

Dominance:  25.57% (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

 

 

Y Golfa (significant name change)

Summit Height:  299.8m (converted to OSGM15, from previous Trimble GeoXH 6000 survey) 

Summit Grid Reference:  SJ 17363 07344 (from previous Trimble GeoXH 6000 survey)

Bwlch Height:  273.4m (converted to OSGM15, from previous Trimble GeoXH 6000 survey)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SJ 17533 07195 (from previous Trimble GeoXH 6000 survey)

Drop:  26.4m (from previous Trimble GeoXH 6000 survey)

Dominance:  8.81% (from previous Trimble GeoXH 6000 survey)

 

 

Y Golfa

Summit Height:  341.4m (converted to OSGM15, from previous Trimble GeoXH 6000 survey) 

Summit Grid Reference:  SJ 18247 07086 (from previous Trimble GeoXH 6000 survey) 

Bwlch Height:  175.1m (LIDAR)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SJ 16645 06017 (LIDAR)

Drop:  166.3m (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

Dominance:  48.72% (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

 

 

For details on the survey of Y Golfa

For details on the 2^nd visit to Y Golfa

For details on the 3^rd visit to Y Golfa

For details on the 4^th visit to Y Golfa

For details on the 5^th visit to Y Golfa

 

For further details please consult the Trimble Survey Spreadsheet 

Mapping Mountains – Trimble Surveys – Carnedd Wen

 

04.02.21  Pen y Foel (SJ 179 058) and Y Golfa (SJ 182 070, previously Trimbled)

Y Golfa (SJ 182 070)

Hill walking is a wonderful way to spend a few hours.  I rarely arrive back home unfulfilled.  It gives solace and with good company can bring laughs a plenty with stunning countryside as a backdrop. 

Today I was out with Linda, with two hills planned to visit; Pen y Foel and Y Golfa.  The former is a small, unobtrusive hill squeezed between the higher Upper Park to its south-east and Y Golfa towards its north, with the latter proving a delightful hill to visit during lock down.  One that gives excellent extended views and a variety of routes for its ascent and descent. 

We met at 8.30am outside The Raven and followed public footpaths across muddied fields parallel with the Llanfair Caereinion road, from where the hum of morning traffic meandered across the land. 

It was only after an hour or so of our walk up valley that we emerged in to morning sunshine.  The sun had been lost behind the Upper Park ridge with us walking in shade whilst it tantalised us across the intervening brook springing out of the Black Pools with bright coloured conditions on the opposing hillside.  The sunshine highlighted the rusted winter colour of brackened slopes on Y Golfa and accentuated those wonderful winter greens of grazed pasture. 

The beautiful morning gave way to increasing cloud and patchy rain in the afternoon

The footpath soon turned to a track making its way toward Talyrnau and Upper Talyrnau farms, where slurried walkways led past ever so cute calves looking out at us from their pens. 

Blue skies dominated the horizon, but with forecast cloud banks and the possibility of rain later in the day we enjoyed the fresh colour that was now with us.  Beyond Upper Talyrnau we wandered across expansive greened fields to a lane that gave access to the track leading to Pen y Foel.  We used this for a short distance before contouring the upper hillside to the area of the summit. 

Pen y Foel (SJ 179 058)

Prior to our visit I had LIDARed this hill for height and position of both summit and bwlch, and this gave an indication for Trimble summit placement.  The summit of Pen y Foel looked impressive and especially so to a person that due to lockdown restrictions was now used to the gentle mid Wales landscape having kept my walks local.  The remains of its ancient hill fort circled the upper hill, and whilst Linda relaxed sitting beside a fence I set the Trimble up on the highest part of its earthen embankment.  This was the first hill that I had surveyed during any of the three lock downs that Wales has experienced over the last 11 months.  I wondered if this constituted work, recreation or exercise.  As I felt knackered at the end of the walk I decided it couldn’t be classified as recreation! 

LIDAR image of Pen y Foel

I took two data sets, the first from the high point of the ancient embankment and the second from what I judged to be the high point beside the fence, with each looking similar in height. 

Gathering data at one of two positions surveyed for the summit of Pen y Foel

From here we skirted the near wood using its periphery to make our way around to a sharp, steep decline and a barb wired fence, which gave access down a large field to a gate.  Ahead of us over a couple of intervening fields was the small community of Castell Caereinion, which nestled into the landscape against the surrounding green pastured hills. 

Castell Caereinion

From here we had a rail and road crossing before the next uphill.  Once we had gained a semblance of height we sat on brackened slopes and enjoyed the last throngs of winter sunshine, as the westerly and southerly emerging cloud banks were forever pushing our way. 

Winter greens

Leaving the sun behind us we continued uphill following a public footpath toward the Golf Club.  Here we sat at a picnic table where Linda thoughtfully produced two beakers for a welcome warmed coffee each. 

Approaching Y Golfa from Pen y Foel

Beyond the Golf Club the skies turned grey and by the time we arrived beside the trig pillar atop Y Golfa the first windblown flecks of rain were falling.  We didn’t linger and headed down the easterly ridge toward Llanerchydol.  The rain increased and kept with us for 30 minutes or so, never too much for me to put my Goretex on, but sufficient to dampen proceedings. 

Heading for the summit of Y Golfa

At the summit of Y Golfa with the weather closing in

We sheltered under a number of trees and continued our conversational topics.  By the time we set off again the last of the rain had blown northward leaving dulled skies but dry conditions.  It was only a short distance down Llanerchydol drive to The Raven passing banks of white dotted Snowdrops on the way. 

Snowdrops beside the Llanerchydol drive

After washing our wellies I left Linda with an elbow bump and waved my bi bi’s.  All that remained was a slow plod back through the empty streets of Welshpool and the ever welcome canal tow path leading me home.  The walk proved a wonderful way to spend a few hours. 

 

Survey Result: 

 

Pen y Foel

Summit Height:  284.1m (converted to OSGM15, Trimble GeoXH 6000) (two points surveyed giving 284.137m and 284.136m respectively, with only 1mm difference both positions are given below) 

Summit Grid Reference:  SJ 17893 05893 and SJ 17916 05895 (Trimble GeoXH 6000) 

Bwlch Height:  194.2m (LIDAR)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SJ 18505 05867 (LIDAR)

Drop:  89.97m (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

Dominance:  31.66% (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

 

 

Y Golfa

Summit Height:  341.4m (converted to OSGM15, from previous Trimble GeoXH 6000 survey) 

Summit Grid Reference:  SJ 18247 07086 (from previous Trimble GeoXH 6000 survey) 

Bwlch Height:  175.1m (LIDAR)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SJ 16645 06017 (LIDAR)

Drop:  166.3m (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

Dominance:  48.72% (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

 

 

For details on the survey of Y Golfa

For details on the 2^nd visit to Y Golfa

For details on the 3^rd visit to Y Golfa

For details on the 4^th visit to Y Golfa

 

For further details please consult the Trimble Survey Spreadsheet

 

 

Mapping Mountains – Trimble Surveys – Carnedd Wen

 

25.01.21  Y Golfa (SJ 182 070, previously Trimbled)

Y Golfa (SJ 182 070)

Snow enhances landscape.  It brings an otherworldly experience to the hills, accentuating thawed colour and bringing a delicate and subtly shaded feel to the expanse of land.  One of its magical qualities is that living in a temperate country it disappears all too soon, with the next milder westerly front thawing and melting.  Its temporary form only makes it more special.  When it’s here it really should be enjoyed. 

Today I was out with Linda; we met outside the Raven pub and had options for our ascent route, with Pen y Foel a possibility to tag on after visiting the summit of Y Golfa.  This and Yr Allt are proving a god send during the lock down restrictions, both give excellent walks and can be visited from my door step, with Y Golfa also giving a 360° panorama and today this consisted of a snow-clad landscape and with blue skies above it promised to be a good day on the hill. 

Making our way up the Cefnyspin Lane

We opted to follow the Cefnyspin Lane out of Welshpool, this gains height on a rough track before joining its paved section.  As height was gained the snow-clad landscape opened up with the extended and broad upper ridge of Cefn Digoll looking out across the Afon Hafren and the flatlands beyond.  Fields took on an ephemeral feel coated in whiteness, with their scattering of sheep chewing on dropped hay bales whilst endeavouring to find patches of succulent green grass. 

Little to graze on today with the extended ridge of Cefn Digoll in the background

We soon emerged on to the Frochas Lane which follows the ridge crest adjacent to, and parallel with the ridge of Y Golfa.  This hill dominated the view, rising above the intervening stream valley it was cloaked in bracken and winter whiteness. 

On the Frochas Lane

We continued on the lane past the summit of Frochas Hill, away in the distance the Breiddin floated above the Shropshire Plain.  These hills always amaze, they seem misplaced against the flatness of the river valley, great up thrusts standing out when viewed from all near hills. 

We left the Frochas Lane near its high point and followed the course of a public footpath over a whitened field toward the summit of our hill.  I’d visited this hill with Linda a few weeks ago, reversing today’s route and using Lower Llanerchydol as a descent route instead of today’s Cefnyspin Lane.  On our previous visit greyed winter skies added depth to the beautiful winter colour, but then there was no snow.  Today, it was so different.  Ahead were whitened slopes, and above a beautiful blue sky. 

Heading toward the hill

A land bridge crossing a brook followed by a near gate gave access to the upper hill, with steepening paths leading toward the summit.  These were shaded against the brightened land where winter sun cast out and created colour.  It was all rather magical. 

Approaching the glacier!

Cefn Digoll

Heading up

The upper part of the hill consisted of a large snow field, as Linda captured the scene on her phone I slowly headed up only turning when I heard a ‘whhheeeee a snow angel’, she was lying in the snow circling her arms and legs looking like a minute dot in a whitened scene that went on for miles around. 

Across the snow field

It was only a short walk beyond the snow field to the triangulation pillar that marks the summit of Y Golfa.  The view was stunning.  A westerly cloud bank edged inland that in time would obliterate the blue sky, but for now it gave a silvered sheen toward where the sun was forever sinking lower in the western horizon. 

The trig atop the summit of Y Golfa

It was now decision time, should we plough on and head toward Pen y Foel, or leisurely head down the easterly ridge of Y Golfa toward Welshpool.  We opted for the latter and soon found a spot to sit in the sun for a bite to eat. 

Winter light on Pen y Foel

From here we continued down the ridge joining the paved road that heads to Llanerchydol Hall.  It was a leisurely descent with lots of chats and laughs.  When we got back to the Raven it was a shame the walk had ended and with those westerly fronts forecast in two days’ time, the magical snow will all too soon disappear.  This though, is part of its appeal.  Enjoy it when here! 

 

Survey Result: 

 

Y Golfa

Summit Height:  341.4m (converted to OSGM15, from previous Trimble GeoXH 6000 survey) 

Summit Grid Reference:  SJ 18247 07086 (from previous Trimble GeoXH 6000 survey) 

Bwlch Height:  175.1m (LIDAR)

Bwlch Grid Reference:  SJ 16645 06017 (LIDAR)

Drop:  166.3m (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

Dominance:  48.72% (Trimble GeoXH 6000 summit and LIDAR bwlch)

 

 

For details on the survey of YGolfa

For details on the 2^nd visit to Y Golfa

For details on the 3^rd visit to Y Golfa

For further details please consult the Trimble Survey Spreadsheet