Around Garreg Fawr, Nant y Coed and Bwlch y Ddeufaen 27th February 2010.

Trekking across the snow!

Not another stepping stone!

Afon Aber from Bont Newydd.

One of many wild ponies grazing on the moorland around Garreg Fawr.

The view over Nant y Coed, Llanfairfechan to the coast.

Passing the largest standing stone next to the oman Road from Bwlch y Ddeufaen.

Walk stats: Distance:11.2 miles; Climb:3084'.

Time:6 hours 31 minutes; On the move walking average:2.1 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:1.7 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Roger, Celia and Mike D.

Overall a good day for walking, despite the hint of water vapour in the air, it never materialised into rain sufficient to require fall waterproof gear! There was plenty of snow around, but mainly patches of snow that had drifted in to locations protected from the heat of the sun. The views towards the coast, particularly as we were approaching Llanfairfechan were superb, but the high tops of the Carneddau were masked in low cloud.

Lunch was taken in the ancient Oak wood in Nant y Coed.

At the end of the wood we had to cross the Afon Ddu over some large stepping stones. Having seen Roger slip on one stone, and lucky not to fall in totally, the stepping stones became a no go zone for some of us, and we retraced our steps and by-passed this section by going up the road to the top car park!

The trek across the open boggy moor to Bwlch y Ddeufaen was quite a challenge, with the path seemingly disappearing.

Once on the Roman Road it was gentle 3 mile stroll back to Bont Newydd, despite the upper sections being covered in deep drifted snow.

Birds sen or heard today included: Treecreeper, Mistle thrush, Great tit, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Jay, Blue tit, Black-billed magpie, Carrion crow, Buzzard and Raven.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn, where the Lees bitter went down very easily!