Berwyn run

Peaks: Cadair Bronwen, Tomle, Moel Sych, Cadair Berwyn
Area: Berwyn
A very enjoyable reccie of Peter's new Ras y Berwyn, which is planned for June. After doing the full Famau run last night, we took it fairly easy for the very steep start up a little lane above Llandrillo. The track then eases a little and becomes superbly runnable, although it is almost a constant four mile climb to the top of Bronwen. The weather was excellent - clear and sunny with shifting shower clouds over Aran and Arenig. The route across to Bwlch Maen Gwynedd gives excellent running, with great wild views down to Cwm Llawenog. A peaty haul up to Tomle, then SW along contouring tracks below the steep, broken east face of Cadair Berwyn to finally climb back up to the ridge at Moel yr Ewig. Appalling tussocks lead down to the superbly situated Llyn Lluncaws, probably the finest spot in the range. This will be tricky in the race, to say the least! Some debate in our small reccie group (me, Jez, Peter, Kean, Sandra) as to the best route. Then a steep but scenic climb up the obvious ridge to Moel Sych and along the main ridge to the top of Cadair Berwyn. We left en masse for the excellent but boggy long descent west to Cwm Tywyll. A couple of sleety showers as we headed north back to Llandrillo. A fine circuit with the potential to become a classic race. Jez and I then headed back up the tracks for an extra few miles around Cefn Pen Lletty, mindful of the forthcoming Clwydian marathon.