North Berwyn loop

Peaks: Moel Fferna
Area: Berwyn, Eryri
It seemed obvious that a full lockdown was imminent, so this was another run with a poignant, elegiac quality. I didn't want to drive far, so parked outside Corwen and ran along the road and riverside paths to Cynwyd (familiar from recent runs like the Dee Valley/North Berwyn 30 mile combination). From Cynwyd, the very long climb up into the Berwyn begins immediately. A tough haul on steep tarmac initially until it levels off for the firetracks that lead to a conifer forest. The weather was beautiful, indeed the lockdown later coincided with perfect spring weather: my absolute favourite time of year in the Welsh mountains, the irony did not go unnoticed. Above the forest, the running is superb - my 4th time along this track to Moel Fferna. Nobody visible: indeed, I have never seen anybody on Moel Fferna. The perfect choice for this strange day. From the summit, I took in the views to Aran and Eglwyseg in crystal clarity before pelting all the way down to Llidiart y Parc in 18 minutes. I was rather tired for the final leg along the quiet lanes that lead from the Grouse back to Corwen; these undulate continually.