26/02/06 - The walk was organised by the
40sWalkersNorth and there were 10 of us present, the day started clear with
good visibility but a bitter cold wind. We started from Blaenau Ffestiniog
and climbed up through the deserted quarries up onto the moor, then we
crossed the boggy moorland and up onto the summit of Moel Penamnen, we left
the summit and went along the ridge and down to the col then up onto the summit of Manod
Mawr North Top. We then walked down the hillside skirting the still
partly used quarries and the up onto the final summit of Manod Mawr. By
this time it had clouded over and there was a good covering of snow on the
north facing slopes. We then followed the hillside down towards Blaenau
Ffestiniog passing through a fascinating world of spoil heaps, abandoned
buildings and and many long inclines which were used to transport the slate
down to the town and then on to Portmadoc for shipment throughout the world. A truly interesting walk
with great company and a good mixture of weather - 9 miles
Looking back down through the deserted quarry
with the town below. The Moelwyns are in the distance
The view
across to the Moelwyns. Cnicht is on the left
Passing
through the remains of an old winding house at the top of an incline
Looking
back to the old winding house at the top of the incline
Cloud
coming in as we cross the frozen moorland. the mountain is Manod Mawr where
we will be later in the day. Despite being frozen several of our party got
wet feet as the frozen crust of the moorland gave way
Leaving the
summit of Moel Penamnen to follow th ridge across the valley to Manod Mawr
North Top which is to the right and off the picture
Phil our
leader directing walkers around some of the boggy bits
