The Eglwyseg Escarpments and More 13th June 2013

On the path above Trevor Rocks.

Stepping out just as the rain started.

Tiny daisies - less than 1 cm across.

"I wish I'd stayed in bed!"

Trailing Tormentil?

Heading for the trees -  exploring a new area of the escarpments.

Another new path explored today - and the rain has stopped.

Walk stats: distance: 9.2 miles. Climb: about 1000' (the 1800' on the GPS was wind assisted!)

Time: 4 hours 48 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m..h.

Group: Martyn. Sue and Michel, Sue and Dave P, Celia, Carole and David S.

With showers expected, we set off in sunshine wearing sun hats! 

This was the first time that I wore only one shirt for the whole walk,  and didn't need to change it at lunch time! One might think that it must have been the perfect day for walking. However this wasn't quite true as by mid-day we were all wearing our waterproofs, and the last trek across the moors was against driving rain that at times felt more like hail, and no-one suggested "it's time for lunch".

At one point we thought our best option was to keep as high on the escarpment a possible and retrace our route from the Scots Pine tree on the top path. However the rain did stop, after over an hour and did stop for lunch, most of us thankful that we had a hot soup or a hot drink to warm us up. 

  After lunch the weather was much better, although at first the gusts of wind were still quite strong, but by the time we got back to the car, it was quite warm and the road seemed to be steaming"!

Birds seen or heard today included: Chaffinch, Willow warbler, Common buzzard, Common whitethroat, Yellowhammer, Carrion crow, Meadow pipit, House martin and Skylark.

Flowers seen today were few but included: Gorse, Common dog violet, Trailing tormentil, a variety of very small Daisies, Dandelion, Buttercup, Speedwell and a few tiny white flowers.

This is always an excellent walk with superb views across the Dee Valley and beyond and today was no exception, even if we didn't see much of it for a couple of hours around mid-day.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Pant yr Ochain, where the welcoming roaring fire made you want to linger nearby as we waited for our drinks. Purple moose, Snowdonia Ale went down well, as did the coffee, and other unmentionable drinks too!

Home early, boots washed, waterproofs and rucksack were soon outside drying in the warm sunshine. All completely dry by the time I had finished my dinner and settled down to watch the cricket!