Set in the dramatic beauty of coastal , sits on the Northern side of the stunning Mawddach Estuary, sheltered by the Cader Idris Range to the south and the Rhinog Which Walk? Mountains to the north.

GRADE A++ Extremely Hard & Strenuous The Walking Festival has been For Experienced Walkers Only developed with the aim of GRADE A: Hard encouraging visitors to explore GRADE B: Moderate What’s the Cost? these magnificent surroundings GRADE C: Easier on foot – in the company of keen, experienced and Grades, distances, times and heights are knowledgeable local guides. provided for guidance only and to help you select walks suited to your abilities. If in any Historians and naturalists lead doubt seek advice before booking. More some walks and expert advice detailed descriptions of each of the walks are has been taken to ensure a safe, available on our website or Facebook page. interesting and varied programme. How to Book?

An online booking facility is available - visit our web site and follow the simple instructions or fill in and send the booking form included in this brochure together with your payment.

www.barmouthwalkingfestival.co.uk The Countryside

It must be remembered that the area you will be walking in is very rugged and there are very few walks which can be considered totally flat. The town of Barmouth, although it lies on the coast can soon reach almost 1,000 feet.

Going up through the old town, immediately behind Barmouth, you can reach the first piece of land given to the National Trust – Dinas Oleu. It was donated by Mrs Fanny Talbot, a reasonably wealthy land owner, philanthropist and friend of Octavia Hill and Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley two of the National Trust Founders. Born in Bridgewater, she moved to Ty’n-y- Ffynon, on the slopes of Dinas Oleu on the death of her husband in 1873 and donated the 4.5 acres of land on 29th March 1895.

Little did she know at the time that it would grow into Europe’s largest conservation charity. Our website will also give you walk From Dinas Oleu you can see some of the photographs, detailed descriptions and a 58,000 acres of land the National Trust look Festival Pack full of useful advice. after in Snowdonia along with 196 miles of Welsh Coastline, a great deal of which you will www.barmouthwalkingfestival.co.uk walk over and enjoy if you join us during the Walking Festival. What’s the Cost? Clothing Pre-booking on a per person, per walk basis. NOTE: As a minimum: – 1-3 Walks £8.50 per walk Stout walking boots with ankle protection (made for mountains), waterproof jacket & trousers, 4-6 Walks £7.50 per walk warm clothing, gloves and warm headwear are 7+ Walks £6.50 per walk required for all walks, regardless of their grade, all of which should be suitable for changes in Pre-booking helps us plan as numbers are the weather. It is also suggested that you carry limited on each walk. Transport costs, when waterproof over trousers and gaiters. the walk does not start on foot from Barmouth, are not included. If you turn up on the day Jeans and Trainers are not suitable, the Walking and spaces are available on a walk then the Festival Organisers do not provide spare cost is £10.00. Accompanied children under clothing. 16 are free of charge (if the leader deems the Food and drink (at least 1 litre of water) should walk to be suitable for them). be carried with you.

You may be turned away from starting a walk if you are not suitably equipped. www.barmouthwalkingfestival.co.uk Two Super Walks are on the Registration: programme

Walk registration takes place each Both Saturdays again see the Super Walks and they are for those day at the Dragon Theatre, Jubilee requiring a challenge of physical and mental fitness and stamina Road, BARMOUTH, LL42 1EF. For rather than a sightseeing expedition. information on nearby parking visit www.dragontheatre.co.uk but Due to their nature, these walks will only take place if conditions please check first to make sure you are favourable and should only be undertaken by walkers won’t need your car to reach the experienced over long distances with an extremely good level of start point of the walk before fitness. paying for parking. The first Saturday sees the return of the Taith Ardudwy Super There will be Coffee and Biscuits Walk, covering all three sections of this beautiful 24 mile walk. available for a donation and a The second Saturday introduces a challenging Super Walk from Breakfast Snack (at a reasonable Dinas to Barmouth. price). For anyone who has To ensure being off the mountains at the expected time the walks forgotten water, bottles will be will leave at 7am prompt and there will be limited stops on route. available for purchase. There will be dropping out points (not necessarily guided) and it There are also toilet facilities is possible that the leader could ask you to leave the walks at one available. of these points if it is felt that safety or completion within the required time is being compromised. Other Festival Events

NEW Quiz and Dinner Walking Festival Social Evening Tuesday 17th September Thursday 19th September Bae Abermaw Hotel, Panorama Road Arts Room, Dragon Theatre

Held at a new venue to the Walking Festival The Social Evening has become a firm social calendar. Relax after a day in the hills favourite on the Walking Festival Agenda and and join fellow walkers for an evening of fun is always a ‘Sell Out’ event so make sure you and good food. Choose two courses (starter book your place early. Don’t miss this and main course or main course and dessert) chance to get together with other walkers and enjoy a hot meal and quiz. and leaders, to discuss the week’s events. While you eat, drink and chat you will be Perfectly positioned on Panorama Road for able to view the enormous selection of stunning views – a great way to meet other walking photographs collected over the walkers and exercise those brain muscles for sixteen years of the festival and shown on a a change. continuous slide show Please indicate on your booking form if you This is a buffet style three course hot meal. A require tickets. bar is available for the purchase of drinks. Time: 19:30hrs: Cost: £16.50 Please indicate on your booking form if you require tickets as places are limited. Music Night - Last Inn Time: 19:30hrs Cost: £19.00 Tuesday 17th September From 21:00 hours until late experience an Music Night - Last Inn Open Mic Night with Resident Musicians. Friday 20th September Talented local musicians are featured If you missed it on Tuesday you have playing a variety of music, come and join in. another chance tonight from 21:00 hours until late to experience an evening of Fish, Chips & Talk excellent music featuring talented local Wednesday 18th September musicians and occasional guests. Bendi-gedig, Talbot Square Beer Festival Enjoy a ‘Fish and Chip Supper’ from the 20th & 21st September Award Winning Mermaid Fish Bar, and short talks on the “Celtic Rainforest ” project www.llanbedrbeerfestival.co.uk and “Dark Sky Wales”, before you let off Real Ale, Live Music and Welsh Hospitality. steam at the end of the evening by going This is the 13th Beer Festival - still growing down the slides a couple of times!!!! An and improving! Held in the garden at Tŷ evening not to be missed. Bar available for Mawr Hotel and offering beers and ciders the purchase of drinks. from North and Mid Wales. It is the intention this time is to go a little further afield and Please indicate on your booking form if you offer an interesting selection of beer from require tickets Pembroke and Cardiganshire as well this Time: 19:30hrs Cost: £10.00 year. Hours Exclude Travel Public Transport Necessary 2019 Festival Programme * New route for existing walk

Saturday 14th September Grade Miles Height Ascent Meet 1 Taith Ardudwy Super Walk: Llandecwyn to Barmouth (10hrs+)  A++ 24 1,573' 5,285' 06:45 Demanding walk covering all three sections from Llandecwyn to Barmouth a reverse of last year’s enjoyable walk 2 The Summit of Diffwys from (7hrs) A 13 2,460' 3,102' 08:30 A steep ascent to the summit of Diffwys then the old Drovers tracks back to Bontddu 3 Bryn Cader Faner (6hrs) B 8 1,280’ 951' 09:00 This is a route to perhaps the most beautiful Bronze Age site in Britain, a Stone Circle and burial site New 4 Penrhos Mountain Trail, Arboretum and Glasdir Mine (5hrs) C 5.5 375' 1,075' 09:30 The waterfalls alone make this walk worthwhile in a steep sided valley and forestry

Sunday 15th September Grade Miles Height Ascent Meet 5 Tarrenhendre, Tarren-y-Gesail and the Pilgrims' Way (7hrs) A 11 2,188' 3,565' 08:00 The summits of two gems of the Tarrens linked by the ancient Pilgrims' Way 6 A circular walk round Rhinog Fawr from Cwm Nantcol (6hrs) B+ 7.5 1,687' 2,266' 08:30 Circle Rhinog Fawr on a rugged walk through Cwm Bychan, Cwm Nantcol and over the Roman Steps New 7 & – Clough Williams-Ellis Walk (5hrs) B 7 850' 1,500' 09:30 A lovely area of countryside, passing Cae Glas & Plas Brondanw home of Clough Williams-Ellis for 70 years 8 Photographic Walk & Workshop (6-7hrs) C 6.5 1,251' 672' 10:30 Further study on light and composition with Helen Iles

Monday 16th September Grade Miles Height Ascent Meet New 9 Llanfihangel-y-Pennant (7hrs) A+ 11 2,827' 3,539' 08:00 A spectacular circular walk enjoying an easier, quieter approach to Cader Idris from Llanfihangel New 10 Mynydd Egryn from Barmouth (6hrs)  B 7 1,241’ 1,830’ 09:30 An historical walk amongst the coastal foothills with magnificent views * 11 Nant Pasgan Mawr (5hrs) C 5 735’ 443’ 08:30 A chance to visit possibly the finest Medieval House in 12 , the Roman Hill Fort and Sarn Helen (5hrs) C 4.5 978’ 551’ 09:00 A walk in an area of bygone ages, over moorland dotted with small lakes and low hills

Tuesday 17th September Grade Miles Height Ascent Meet 13 & Aran Benllyn from Cwm Cywarch (7hrs) A 10 2,950’ 3,320’ 08:00 A hidden gem of Snowdonia and the highest mountain south of Snowdon New 14 The Dysynni Valley and Bird Rock (7hrs) B+ 11 846’ 1,472’ 08:30 Views of the dreamy Dysynni valley taking in the summit of Bird Rock, , Mary Jones Cottage and Chapel * 15 Croesor Bwlch Stwlan (5hrs) B 7 1,957’ 2,591’ 09:30 Past an old slate village and round Moelwyn Mawr, not suitable for vertigo sufferers 16 From the Coast to above the Village of Llanfair (5hrs) C 6 500’ 679’ 10:00 A gentle walk starting at sea level and climbing up above the village of Llanfair with spectacular views across beach

Wednesday 18th September Grade Miles Height Ascent Meet 17 Pant Perthog Forestry, the Tarrens to Rhyd Yr Onnen (7hrs) A 9.5 2,069’ 2,815’ 09:00 A strenuous walk with spectacular views with Peter Rutherford - Access Officer for Snowdonia National Park 18 Moel Offrwm and (6hrs) B+ 9.5 1,298’ 2,191’ 08:30 An ancient hilltop fort and green footpaths meandering around the wild and unspoilt area of Llanfachreth

For more details and photos of the walks, see our website: www.barmouthwalkingfestival.co.uk 19 to Barmouth- walk in memory of Kiwi (7hrs)  B+ 11 924’ 2,950’ 08:00 Fairly demanding, undulating walk with views from the north side of the Mawddach Estuary New 20 Gerard Manley Hopkins Walk – and Penmeanpool (5 + 3hrs) C 5.5 925’ 1,024’ 09:30 A walk celebrating one of our greatest 'minor' Victorian poets & Jesuit priests who often visited the area - a two part walk

Thursday 19th September Grade Miles Height Ascent Meet 21 Rhinog Fawr from Maes-y-Garnedd (6hrs) A+ 6.5 2,358’ 2,900’ 08:45 Open Moorland, High Mountain Peak in this very strenuous walk New 22 Cwm Maethlon & Corlan Fraith – Happy Valley (7hrs)  A 12 1,332’ 2,172’ 08:15 A demanding walk over the unspoilt hills to Happy Valley & summit of Corlan Fraith New 23 Harlech Fen and Mountain, C16th & C18th House & Farmhouse (5hrs) B 7 960’ 1.067’ 09:15 It is possible that the final descent of this walk may have been crowned the worlds steepest road by September 24 A Tree Safari and Pine Marten themed walk (5hrs) C 4 741’ 873’ 09:45 A delightfully interesting forest walk and a lunch time talk on the re-introduction of the Pine Marten

Friday 20th September Grade Miles Height Ascent Meet 25 Croesor, the Moelwyns and Cnicht (6hrs) A+ 9.5 2,509’ 3,915’ 08:00 A classic strenuous walk starting from Croesor and taking in Cnicht 'The Welsh Matterhorn' and the Moelwyns * 26 Gloyw Llyn & Cwm Bychan (5hrs) B+ 5 1,800’ 1,533’ 08:30 Walk covering part of the Roman Steps, ascend the skirts of Rhinog Fawr beyond Llyn Ddu to Gloyw Llyn 27 The Clogau Gold Path (5.5hrs) B 6 981' 1,783’ 09:00 Visit Wales Industrial Heritage and the old Clogau Gold Mines, with stunning views of the Mawddach Estuary New 28 Torrent Walk and Arts & Crafts Chapel (5hrs) C 4 500’ 445’ 09:00 A walk through a striking gorge designed a Site of Special Scientific Interest, once a hive of industrial activity

Saturday 21st September Grade Miles Height Ascent Meet New 29 Super Walk - Dinas Mawddwy to Barmouth (12hrs) A++ 20 2,861’ 6,071’ 06:45 Very demanding both mentally & physically, definitely not for the faint hearted! 30 Cader Idris Walk - to Barmouth (7hrs)  A+ 10.5 2,894’ 3,815’ 08:00 Demanding walk from the Tal y Llyn side over the Cader, down the Pony Path & over the bridge to Barmouth 31 to Barmouth (7hrs)  B 9.5 808’ 1,806’ 09:15 Ruskin described this walk as "One of the finest walks in Britain" New 32 Three Waterfalls of the Coed y Brenin (6hrs) C+ 6 647’ 1214’ 09:00 A delightful walk in superb forestry surroundings visiting three amazing waterfalls

Sunday 22nd September Grade Miles Height Ascent Meet 33 Moel Hebog from (5hrs) A 7 2,562’ 2,681’ 08:30 A strenuous climb up a rocky path to the summit of Hebog with magnificent panoramic views New 34 Ivy Bridge, Coed Felinrhyd, Llandecwyn and Ceunant Llennrych (6hrs) B 5.5 630’ 1,210’ 09:00 A moderate walk taking in lakeside and river gorge and the beautiful photographic 'Ivy Bridge' 35 Barmouth Historical Trail (5hrs) C+ 6 976’ 1,552’ 10:00 An interesting tour including our new lifeboat and walking on through the old town of Barmouth & Llanaber 36 Morfa Harlech, Llanfihangel-y-Traethau Church & Ynys (4hrs) C 7 131’ 100’ 10:30 Visiting the church at Llanfihangel-y-Traethau & following the shore line with views of

Monday 23rd September Grade Miles Height Ascent Meet 37 Talybont to Barmouth (5hrs)  B+ 7 1,668’ 1,777’ 09:30 Through a wooded river gorge to open moorland and hills with view out towards Cardigan Bay 38 Standing Stones of Llanfair & Harlech (5hrs) C 5 983’ 885’ 10:00 A moderate walk with stunning views of both Northern Snowdonia & the Rhinogs

For more details and photos of the walks, see our website: www.barmouthwalkingfestival.co.uk Where Can I Stay? Special Package Offers:

Barmouth offers a full range of Some accommodation in the Barmouth area accommodation to suit all needs and budgets, will offer early breakfast and packed lunches from Hotels, Guest Houses, Bed & Breakfast, as well as discounted walks included in their Self-Catering to Bunk Houses, Caravans & packages – see our web site for more details. Camping. Look for the Walkers Welcome To book one of these packages, arrange symbol and ask about breakfast times if your accommodation directly, fill in your booking walks start early. form, and send it to us advising us of the For more detailed descriptions, photographs accommodation with which you have booked. and travel arrangements visit our website or You don’t need to send us any money, we’ll check out “Accommodation” on sort that with the accommodation provider www.barmouth-wales.co.uk

Some accommodation providers in the Special offer on Maps Barmouth area are offering special deals – see our web site for more details. 10% off your Ordnance Survey maps at Walter Lloyd Jones Saleroom during the Walking

Festival. See Vicki with your brochure.

 BARMOUTH WALKING FESTIVAL - 14th – 23rd September 2019 BOOKING FORM Please select your walks from the list overleaf and fill in the details below CONTACT NAME: NAMES OF OTHER WALKERS IN GROUP:

CONTACT ADDRESS:

POST CODE: Tel: Mobile: Booking Confirmations are sent by Email whenever possible. Could you please provide your Email Address: - Clearly below: (Your details are used & kept for Festival purposes only) Email: Will you be booking Accommodation in Barmouth and if so which type of accommodation? Self Cat. B&B Hotel Camping Caravan Holiday Local Friends Other Home

How did you hear about us?

NOTE: All participants take part at their own risk. Walk grading, times and distances have been given for guidance only. Ensure that you are suitably equipped for all walks. If you are in any doubt regarding your abilities, take medical advice before booking. Barmouth Walking Festival c/o Capel Dyffryn, , Gwynedd, LL44 2EH Festival Enquiries: 01341 242 646 and talk to Lesley or Kirstie Email: [email protected] Web www.barmouthwalkingfestival.co.uk Any special requirements:

If you booked an accommodation deal, please state: Accommodation Provider

Number of walks included in Package

Signed: Dated: Amount enclosed:  Day Walk Grade Walk Name No Sat 14 1 A++ Super Walk – Taith Ardudwy - Llandecwyn to Barmouth Sat 14 2 A Diffwys from Bontddu Sat 14 3 B Bryn Cader Faner Sat 14 4 New C Glasdir Penrhos Arboretum Viewpoint – Bothy Mine Sun 15 5 A Tarrenhendre, Tarren-y-Gesail and the Pilgrims' Way Sun 15 6 B+ Circular walk round Rhinog Fawr from Cwm Nantcol Sun 15 7 New B Croesor & Llanfrothen – Clough Williams-Ellis Walk Sun 15 8 C Photographic Walk Mon 16 9 New A+ Llanfihangel Y Pennant Mon 16 10 New B Mynydd Egryn from Barmouth Mon 16 11 Revised C Nant Pasgan Mawr Mon 16 12 C Trawsfynydd, the Roman Hill Fort and Sarn Helen Tue 17 13 A Aran Fawddwy & Aran Benllyn from Cwm Cywarch Tue 17 14 New B+ The Dysynni Valley and Bird Rock Tue 17 15 Revised B Croesor Bwlch Stwlan Tue 17 16 C Llanfair & the Coast Tue 17 New Evening at Bae Abermaw Hotel (£16.50) Wed 18 17 A Pant Perthog Forestry, the Tarrens to Rhyd yr Onnen Wed 18 18 B+ Moel Offrwm and Llanfechreth Wed 18 19 B+ Llanelltyd to Barmouth – walk in memory of Kiwi Wed 18 20 New C Gerard Manley Hopkins Walk – visiting Llanaber & Wed 18 Fish, Chips & Talk, Bendi-gedig(£10.00) Thu 19 21 A+ Rhinog Fawr from Maes y Garnedd Thu 19 22 New A Cwm Maethlon & Corlan Fraith – Happy Valley Thu 19 23 New B Harlech Fen and Mountain Thu 19 24 C A Tree Safari and Pine Marten themed walk Thu 19 Social Evening, Dragon Theatre (£19.00) Fri 20 25 A+ Croesor, Moelwyns and Cnicht Fri 20 26 Revised B+ Gloyw Llyn & Cwm Bychan Fri 20 27 B The Clogau Gold Path Fri 20 28 New C Torrent Walk and Arts & Crafts Chapel Sat 21 29 New A++ Super Walk – Dinas Mawddwy to Barmouth Sat 21 30 A+ Cader Walk - Minffordd to Barmouth Sat 21 31 B Dolgellau to Barmouth Sat 21 32 New C+ Three Waterfalls of the Coed Y Brenin Sun 22 33 A Moel Hebog from Beddgelert Sun 22 34 New B Ivy Bridge, Coed Felinrhyd, Llandecwyn and Ceunant Llenrych Sun 22 35 C+ Barmouth Historical Trail Sun 22 36 C Morfa Harlech and Llanfihangel-y-Traethau Church Mon 23 37 B+ Talybont to Barmouth Mon 23 38 C Llanfair and the Standing Stones (1-3 walks: £8.50 each; 4-6 walks: £7.50 each; 7+ walks: £6.50 each.) Walkers (Name) Walks Total (walks + events) Cost Ann Example 11, 18, 27 3 + Social + F&C £54.50

 Make cheques payable to Barmouth Walking Festival Total: Frequently Asked Questions Can I:

Meet at the Start Point? Yes, but only by prior arrangement, having paid, received, acknowledged and returned the Health & Safety Disclaimer.

Share a Lift? Yes, we may be able to share a lift but this is not guaranteed. We ask that you do chip in towards fuel and parking expenses, we are a happy & friendly group.

Bring the dog? The countryside is a great place to exercise dogs, but it’s every owner’s duty to make sure their dog is not a danger or nuisance to other people & does not disturb or scare farm animals or wildlife

Please keep your dog close by, under control and in sight at all times – and please make sure to clear up after your dog and bag it, remove it and dispose of it in a proper manner. When using a lead near farm animals – all year round and on open access land, it should be a short lead, no more than 2-metres long. Sheep are particularly sensitive to dogs and many footpaths cross grazing land,

So the answer is yes, but it also should be able to cope with stiles and the following walks 1, 2, 6, 8. 9, 15, 20, 25, 27, 29, & 33 are not particularly suitable for dogs due to the terrain or number of stiles.

We do not accept dogs at all on the Super Walks. How to Reach Us:

Travel through Mid or by road, for example Birmingham or are no more than 2.5 hours away or arrive on the wonderful scenic Cambrian Coast Railway, various accommodation is available an easy walk from the station. www.traveline-cymru.info

The Ticket Office at Barmouth Station is now open for Rail Tickets and Rail Cards, so we will be able to purchase our group tickets there when using the train to arrive at walk staring points.

Alongside the ticketing office is the New Tourist Information Point, providing information and assistance on all local attractions and facilities in Barmouth and surrounding areas. If you have questions about what to do on days when you may not be walking go in and browse the extensive collection of attraction leaflets, call in, there’s a vending machine with free Wi-Fi while you plan what to do with your day off! www.barmouthwalkingfestival.co.uk Contact Details

Contact Barmouth Walking Festival organisers by post, email or telephone: -

Post: Barmouth Walking Festival

c/o Capel Dyffryn, DYFFRYN ARDUDWY, Gwynedd, LL44 2EH

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 01341 242 646

Web Site: www.barmouthwalkingfestival.co.uk

Facebook: Barmouth Walking Festival

Twitter: @BARMOUTHWALKING

DISCLAIMER

This programme is produced by Barmouth Walking Festival and every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information included. The publishers cannot accept any responsibility for any errors, inaccuracies or omissions, or for any matter in any way connected with, or arising out of this publication. Walks may have to change due to various circumstances beyond our control, but we will always endeavour to provide suitable alternatives.

CREDITS

Cover Photograph: Ian Slipper.

Additional Photographs: Jackie Brent, Tony Bungay, Kirstie Lumsdon, Ian & Rhian Slipper, David Brown.

Thanks to all of our supporters as well as our sponsors: ‘Freestyle Leisure’ and ‘First Impressions’.