Ponderosa - Worlds End Round Walk

Members: Dave Bone, Iain McCallum, Brian Taylor, Bob Kelly, Andy Stratford, Simon Robertshaw, Jim Gregson

Guests: Jo Stratford, Adam Mason

 

After recent weather swings going across the spectrum of mildness, heavy snow, rain, hard frost and heavy snow again in rapid succession it was nice to be able to pull up the Horseshoe Pass without problem to to gather opposite the Ponderosa cafe.

Every so often the sun broke through over this part of Wales whereas Snowdonia to the west was blocked in low cloud all day long. The lying snow picked out the paths and tracks pointing up towards the masts on Cyrn-y-Brain, but following them gave an arduous struggle for the first hour, as even the lightest people found their feet plunged into deep holes which held water. High-stepping through rank heather was not much easier elsewhere but with relief we reached the vestiges of Sir Watkin's Tower from where there were extensive views.

Pressing on the party soon joined the Offa's Dyke trail and skated, stumbled and skidded along its variety of flooded gravelly grooves, snowed-up sleepers and a couple of fast flowing water courses. Unfortunately for some, crossing these led to several bootfuls of cold water - but the KMC is a hardy breed and a bout of trench foot wasn't going to stop things. Above Craig-y-Forwen a stop was made for food and a hot drink, and to catch breath. Then we went over the the stile to slither down through the wood to World's End, where the water flow was substantial. The contouring path we followed below Craig Arthur was much drier and the wide view to the south along the escarpments was fine - until we were ambushed by a bout of in-your-face stinging hail for a short while. Thankfully the sun re-asserted itself.

From Plas yn Eglwyseg we began the return, uphill leg of the walk, which for one or two people was a bit of a trial. A second refuelling stop soon put things to right and the final stretch over the shoulder of the hill was pleasant, incentivised by having the Ponderosa in sight. The sun also stayed the course and everyone reached the cars.

The company was good, the conversation was wide-ranging and our guests were made welcome. The distance was enough relative to the toughness of the underfoot conditions, and over a hot drink in the Ponderosa some of us reflected on how the day had provided a good outing in an attractive area. Thanks for the turnout.

 

Jim Gregson