Peaks: Moel y Faen, Moel y Gamelin, Moel Morfydd, Moel Fferna, Vivod Mountain
Area: Berwyn/Llangollen
A shorter version of the full round: perhaps best described as the Glyndyfrdwy loop. Last September's solo completion ranks as one of the best outings of the year: this wasn't as far, and wasn't as enjoyable (I felt sluggish and heavy all day) but it did contain all the best mountain sections and at least as much climbing as the full route. Jez and I set off from the top of the Horseshoe Pass in misty conditions, with an unfortunate headwind for the climbs over Gamelin and Morfydd. I struggled almost immediately, but then perked up for the flatter sections further west as the route loops over the ridge and takes in some superb terrain down to Carrog. The climb up Moel Fferna is very long, but is gentle throughout and we both enjoyed it. Claggy and cold on the summit, but it's becoming an increasingly familiar place despite its obscurity and relative remoteness (four times this year - compared to once or twice in the previous 30!). As we headed east, we dropped below the cloud for a while and some sunshine dappled the Vale below. This section, along the North Berwyn Way, is excellent - the third time this year we have run along it. Then it was back up into the cloud over Vivod, powered by Christmas cake, and then the long descent down to Llangollen. I refuelled with a drink, then we headed up the canal to take the tracks and paths that head east of the Abbey to eventually join the road to Pentredwr. The climax, up the Old Horseshoe Pass, is tough - rendering this version, although much shorter (21 miles?), almost as hard as the full 33 mile Round. I've cycled this in the past - it is a relentlessly steep end to a long run.
No comments:
Post a Comment