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Rhif 53, Gaeaf/Gwanwyn 2020-2021 Winter/Spring, no. 53 Cylchlythyr Cerddwyr Grŵp Aberystwyth / Aberystwyth Ramblers’ Group Newsletter

Aberystwyth Ramblers Chairman report

programme. Many thanks to Chris, very fortunate with this virus in uring this very difficult time doing this and leaders for Ceredigion. If you would like to assist D with Covid 19 virus the volunteering. Also Dwynwen for all Anne MacMillan in leading one of Newsletter editor, Haydn Foulkes the hard work behind the scenes in these walks please let her know. requested that Aberystwyth Rambler keeping Aberystwyth Ramblers a very members contribute items to this active group. David Taylor Membership Secretary newsletter, allowing news to members informs me Aberystwyth Ramblers who are isolating and showing them All leaders have to do a risk now has 173 members, we gained 14 that rambling is still active. A walks assessment when they recce a walk, new members with 5 joining us since programme started on the 26th August this was done subconsciously before, 9th September. We lost 6 members 2020 which allowed up to 15 people now we record it formally on a form with 2 resigning and 4 membership on each walk. Ramblers who wanted which is a tick box exercise. This to had lapsed, Dave is chasing these up. to go on the walks had to book their ensure all walks have minimum risks place through the leader. This to assist for walkers. Aberystwyth Ramlers 21 half day in maintaining the social distancing walking book sales, with most guideline on the walk and to keep a The Monday aftenoon easy walks have retailing shops closed, Constitution record of who was on it. With the started again, the first being on Hill has managed to sell 20 books programme starting and ramblers Monday 21st September, led by Moira since March. enjoying socialising again most weeks Convery and then on Monday 5th had a walk, until Wednesday 30th October by Anne. All these walks are With us all living through these September 2020 when it turned wet local to Aberystwyth due to car difficult times, please try and keep two and windy until Saturday 10th October sharing not allowed, the social metres apart when on a ramble. Stay 2020. The leaders have informed Chris distancing rules apply and also face safe do not feel you are alone, ring or Belsey that they will lead again on the covering would be needed if we stop email a rambler, they all like to chat. next programme starting in November. for a chat. (I also understand if you do Creating the walks programme not want to join these walks while together as you can imagine is a very Covid 19 is still prevenient). The limit Roy Haynes, Aber Ramblers Chairman. difficult, stressful task in accumulating of 15 walkers will apply for these enough walks, leaders, marrying walks and you must contact the leader updates to make a very interesting to go on the walk. Although we are

‘Permissive Path’ Project: Safe walking from Comins Coch/Waun Fawr to Cwm Woods and beyond!

If you walk up Waun Gau Lane from Comins Coch, or up Maes Hendre from Waun Fawr, you will arrive at the A487 at one of its (locally) most dangerous and highest points. Yet, tantalisingly, just over the brow of the hill, there is a public bridleway heading off through ‘College (Frongoch) Farm’ towards the Clarach road, Cwm Woods, and the coastal path beyond. But to reach it you have to dice with death (preferably wearing a hi-viz jacket) along a narrow grass verge for about 100 heart-stopping metres.

There could be a totally safe alternative, which would open up wonderful walks for so many! Cross the main road, and right there is a footpath-width double fencing line along the edge of a field owned by the University. The trouble is, at the moment it is full of overgrowth, brush and young trees. After about 60 metres it hits a track owned by Dwr Cymru for their service reservoir, which in a very short distance meets the safe bridleway to College Farm.

I have been emailing a lot of people about clearing this double fenced line, and getting it designated and signed as a ‘Permissive Footpath’. Everyone I have contacted thinks it a good idea. If you do too, I would welcome your active support (email me please on [email protected] or Tel. 01970 627356). We need to get permissions from the landowners (the University and Dwr Cymru) and (hopefully) the approval of the owner of ‘Y Ty Gwyn’. Then there will be a lot of practical on-the-ground, but satisfying work to do!

Maurice Kyle.

we have kept in touch electronically. You may recall at our Secretary’s Report, Aberystwyth Ramblers, October February walk and dinner we were joined by Ffion Davies 2020 from ‘Cefn Gwlad’ to prepare for filming us on one of our I am sure I can honestly say this has been a year like no other walks. Of course, that has not occurred and will not do so due to Covid-19! We started off with our usual Walking until we are ‘back to normal’. As Secretary I have put in two Programme and enjoyed our Annual Lunch in February in ‘Y objections on behalf of Aberystwyth Ramblers, the first was Ffarmers’with no idea of what was ahead of us. The first an objection to Ceredigion County Council to a proposal for a Lockdown from March to July was challenging to us all to massive chicken farm at Ty Nant near Talybont. This would keep fit and walk with a suspended programme, five mile have affected a Right of Way as well as being a questionable restriction and advise to ‘stay local’. However, our active enterprise now, in the light of this pandemic and the health members did just that and on our local walks it was amazing associations with such large poultry farming practices.The how many Ramblers that lived within our area we saw out second objection is to the proposed fencing in of Common and about walking. The joy of being able to start walking Land and Open Access Land at Rhos Gelli Gron near Tregaron, again in a group in August was just so special and we eagerly this could be a serious infringement on the Open Access Land put together a very good Walking Programme. Of course, and right to roam in such areas. Our objection has been sent although we were able to walk in a group, unfortunately, to the Planning Inspectorate in Cardiff in time for the st things were not normal as the virus was still around. Numbers deadline on 31 October. Ceredigion Area and Lampeter were restricted to 15 on a walk and a booking system became Ramblers are also objecting as well as the CMS and numerous necessary to manage it as well as a more formalised risk other organisations. On an optimistic note Chris Belsey, our assessment. As I write this we are yet again back in another Programme Secretary has put together a draft programme of Lockdown and advised to only walk from our home, Covid-19 walks for the official Winter Programme, we hope to be able is still controlling our lives and group walking is once again to start walking again in mid-November but cannot release forbidden. However, much of the administrative work of the the programme nor firm up dates with our Leaders until we Group is still going on, we managed to have one face to face get confirmation from the Welsh Government and Ramblers Committee meeting in the open air (socially distanced) when Cymru as to when we will be able to re start our walks. It has the rules were relaxed after the first Lockdown and since then been a stop-start sort of year and we still have the very real prospect of further lockdowns. On a brighter note I would like to say we have had many new members join us and I would like to welcome them all and tell them I am so sorry that you have been unable to enjoy the normal Ramblers experience are back to Normal. I am sure many Ramblers along with but it is out of our control. Normally, we would be looking myself find this restricted programme of activities very forward now to our AGM and Social in November, to lots of frustrating. On a final note, as I mentioned there will be no walks where numbers are not restricted. Lifts could be AGM this year, the present Committee have agreed to stay on offered and the possibility of linear walks using public in ‘caretaker roles’ and at the moment the plan is to have an transport as well as events such as our Annual Lunch and so Extraordinary AGM when possible. much more. I can only say I hope it won’t be long before we Dwynwen Belsey, Group Secretary, Aberystwyth Ramblers.

AN UNUSUAL VIEW FROM CADAIR IDRIS By Chris Simpson I went on AN a UNUSUAL walk up VIEWCadair FROM Idris CADAIR a few years ago in thick cloud.IDRIS I did not expect to see anything at the top; but I wanted to go up My Secret Garden Ianyway. went on Whena walk Iup was Cadair near Idris the atop, few I yearscame out As I put pen to paper, or more truthfully, lips to my microphone to use this useful dictation software, I agoabove in thick the cloudcloud. Iand did had not expect a fantastic to see view. am filled with Hamlet like indecision. Should I or should I not? Should I disclose to you a place with anythingThere was at thecloud top; for but miles I wanted around to gowith up only character, ambience, easy to visit for many of you even during this time of virus restrictions? A place anyway.the highest When I hills was near poking the top out, I came through out the where you will rarely see anyone but be with the wildlife and encased by the hills. A place where the abovecloud. the Looking cloud down and had on a the fantastic cloud view. from the Ramblers have never walked. Should I risk the possibility of hordes descending upon it on reading this Theretop of was Cadair cloud was for miles reminiscent around with of flyingonly at article or should I not? That is my question. the34,000 highest feet hills looking poking out down through on the cloud. clouds at Those in the Aberystwyth Group who know me well already have the answer. They know they can rely Looking30,000 downfeet. on the cloud from the top of on that innate generosity of mine which has never let them down. Others may think I can never keep a Cadair was reminiscent of flying at 34,000 secret. feetPhoto looking 1 Looking down on North the clouds at Snowdon at 30,000 and The map will show it as a marsh impossible to traverse. Go there and you will find easily walked sea feet.surrounding peaks poking through the cloud. The washed turf and a grassy embankment to which to retreat should the tide ever threaten, which it valley around Dolgellau is just visible in the rarely seems to do. You can wander along around the pools or sit against the embankment listening to foreground. the cries of wildfowl, attempting to identify those that rise with the incoming tide. The surrounding hills, the wildlife, the wind, the vast expanse in front of you and the sense of being away from it all make it an atmospheric place.

How to get there? From the boatyard at Ynyslas cross the river bridge and after 100 yards go through the gate on your left to follow a public right of way 500 yards to its end, along the track and through a couple of fields to the grassy embankment. Thereafter no one will mind you responsibly roaming this lonesome marsh to escape our wearisome virus stricken age. Looking North at Snowdon and surrounding If you want a complete walking route taking in the area, with photographs, search for the peaksPhoto poking 2 The ridgethrough of Cadair the cloud. with The the valleycloud filling Borth D+ walk on: aroundup the cwm.Dolgellau is just visible in the Aberystwythwalks.online foreground.

It’s best that you leave your dog at home. The ridge of Cadair with the cloud filling up John Morgan the cwm.

The Limekilns at Ceredigion

These kilns are an interesting feature that often crop up on our coastal walks. If you have walked through Wallog or Llanrhystud or Cymtydu via the all Wales/Ceredigion Coast path, you may well have noticed a strangely shaped, rock built construction with a large charging hole in the top (usually capped with a metal grid to prevent accidents). Well, it was one of those that we encountered on a B graded, 8 mile walk with Ken and Jan Young in the middle of October 2020. Despite the Corona virus restrictions, 15 keen ramblers met at New Quay to walk the coast path down to Cwmtydu and back inland via Byrlip farm. We stopped for lunch at Cymtydu and there it was, a marvellous, restored example of these fascinating structures that would have a lot to tell if it could talk! It was in the 1800's that these were in their heyday. In those days it was necessary to import limestone and culm (a product from coal screening containing anthracite) from South Wales by ship to charge the kilns and produce quicklime that was 'slaked' (water added) to produce Calcium Hydroxide in solid form. This was spread on the land at the rate of 4 tons to the acre. Interestingly, this practice began in the 1700's but by 1900, the railways proved more cost effective and other fertilisers such as guano (bird droppings) became more widely used. The soil in Ceredigion is naturally mildly acidic so these fertilisers allowed farmers to grow a greater range of crops. During the day it is said that the the kilns burned with a transparent blue, waving flame and by night they glowed. Although giving off a thick, acrid, yellow smoke these landmarks may well have been useful for both sea and land travellers. Many thanks to Ken and Jan for this enjoyable walk. Will Johnson. Repairs at on the Wales Coast Path at Barmouth and near Wallog.

The photo on the right shows the big repairs (£22 million) being performed on the Barmouth wooden rail bridge which the Wales Coast path passes over.

The photo on the left shows the new bit of coast path not far from Wallog. The drainage around the stile at the bottom of the notorious 'steps' has been improved and the path relaid as it was a very muddy section in winter and wet weather. It takes about three minutes to walk from the stile and along the newly laid path which continues to climb to about 40’ above the old path. It then descends in a zig-zag to meet the old path about 7 minutes before Wallog. Quite a lot of work has been done in a fairly short time and well worth congratulating Eifion Jones and his team. Dave Taylor.

Walking kit on test – rubber dryboots

Following recommendations from other members of the group I have purchased a pair of rubber dryboots. My intention was to use these boots for local walks from home in winter when the field paths and forest tracks can get very muddy and waterlogged. I have used the boots on walks of up to five miles and have found that they have been comfortable and totally waterproof. The boots were cleaned after the walks using water from the outside tap thus avoiding the need for proofing required for conventional leather or fabric boots. The boots are well constructed with solid soles with a good grip stiffened by a metal shank. They have a padded waterproof bellows tongue and a material lining which should help to reduce sweating in warmer conditions. There is some padding around the ankles which provides additional comfort and support. They are, however, quite a bit heavier than the boots that I usually wear on Ramblers walks.

To date I am pleased with the boots and will try them out on longer muddy and wet walks, however

they will not replace the use of conventi onal boots in drier conditions or on rocky terrain. Bill Green.

Jacky wrote the following work for the spring/summer edition of the Newsletter but I was short of space. If we had read her work when the previous edition came out it would have been spring, and her work is about spring, but I think if we read it now, in the autumn, it will have an even more positive effect on us by creating a longing for happier times before the Coronavirus, and their return after it has gone. Thanks to all the contributors. Haydn, editor.

Memories of a spring day.

I pause to catch my breath at the top of a steep, grassy slope and sit of sheep and lambs, the buzz of a bee drifting lazily by; my own, now surveying the world. It is completely still with not a breath of wind. easier, breathing. Utter peace, perfect contentment. The air is fresh but mild, sweet with the scent of spring. There is light in the overcast sky, enough to warm the skin; almost enough to cast I want to snatch up the feeling, wrap it carefully and take it away a shadow. I see a wide landscape of rolling hills and deep wooded with me but I know that I can’t. It is born of the moment and will valleys, a patchwork of green fields and dark forest, set against a linger only as a memory, a pale reflection of the original, but backdrop of distant mountains. A week ago, the woodland below me enough, perhaps, to bring a glimmer of brightness on some darker was austerely bare; now it is adorned by a delicate veil of pale green. day. There is not a soul in sight. On the far side of the valley a farmhouse Reluctantly I stand to continue on my way with only the sheep and and two white cottages bear the only witness to the existence of my thoughts for company; alone but never lonely. humanity. I close my eyes to absorb the sounds around me; birdsong from the woodland, the tap-tapping of a woodpecker, the bleating Jacky Cross.