26.12.2017 - Brandy Hill 206m and Foel Cwmcerwyn 536m.
Brandy Hill
Well let's start with what must be one of the most unispiring Marilyns in Wales, Brandy Hill near Tavernspite in West Wales. At 206m it was never going to be exciting but I thought it would be a tad more inspiring than what it was, which was simply a park up in a lay-by, a walk through a hole in a hedge and then a 200m walk into the middle of a field and hey presto. The view...well a big mast and a field!
Foel Cwmcerwyn
However, later on that morning the traverse of the Preselis made up for it. Parking up at the Maenclochog end of the Preselis a 23km hike beckoned taking in Foel Eryr, Foel Cwmcerwyn, which at 536m is a decent Marilyn, and then across to Carn Bica and Foel Drygarn. All in all it was a skyline of quite impressive peaks and a beautiful wide ridge line.
The day started out well with relatively cloudy skies and my pace was good. The ground underneath however very very boggy. Foel Drygarn was reached in three hours (14ks) and it took a very wet two hours and a bit to come back. The return leg being slightly shorter due to not having to take in Foel Cwmcerwyn. However the return leg started with rain, this led to sleet and by the time I got back to the van it was nigh on a snow storm. However a good day was had and a pretty hard work out with only one rest stop.
Parking and Access: Large car park at the start of the route.
Route Summary: A boggy wet 23km. 685m of ascent and completed in 5hrs and 8min.
GPX files: For gpx files go to the Peakbagger website by following this link and go to the bottom right hand of the page and click ‘Download this GPS track as a GPX file.’
Ascent Entry - Brandy Hill
Ascent Entry - Foel Cwmcerwyn
Foel Cwmcerwyn
Foel Eryr, the western tip of the route...
A deceptive clear day with a beautiful undulating ridgeline in front.
Foel Cwmcerwyn
View of the approach to Foel Drygarn
Not the only muppet on the hill!
On the way back
Brandy Hill
Brandy Hill mast - really exciting one that was!!!