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.

An interesting walk for winter, so start your year in the hills with this little leg-stretcher in fine company on less well-known terrain.

Meeting place and Start Point :

The Ponderosa Cafe, at the top of the Horseshoe Pass on A542. Grid ref. SJ193482. Free parking on the opposite side of the road - or risk the cafe carpark (Normally a two-hour time limit. Meet at 09.15 for an 09.30 start.

Access from NE via A5104 (Chester to Corwen road), or better, and easier via Wrexham,then Llangollen on A539 and then straight ahead onto A542.

Note: the Ponderosa stands at over 400m above sea level, so if winter road/driving conditions are really unfavourable on the day, it should be possible to switch to a rendezvous at the Horseshoe Falls carpark just W of Llangollen (on B5103 at Grid ref.SJ198434.) Check with Meet Leader in days just before.

Walking Route:

From Ponderosa, head NE passing Wireless Station masts onto Cyrn-Y-Brain, then v. short detour to Trig Pt at Sir Watkin's Tower GR.SJ214497 - look v. hard for tower!

Continue NE by fenceline and edge of forest until Offa's Dyke Path is met at GR. SJ225503, then turn R and head SE on path, sections repaired with sleepers, until reaching minor tarmac road. Go S on road for approx. 1km - ancient cairn on R off road. Head off SSE on cart track to L, which follow until arriving at head of cwm above World's End/Craig y Forwyn. Go over stile into forest at GR. SJ477237 then descend below crags to reach tarmac road.

Re-enter forest on L at a stile/gate on Offa's Dyke Path again. Follow this gently contouring path below limestone cliffs of Craig yr Adar and Craig Arthur for just over 2km until reaching a deeply incised valley which cuts back due E into the escarpment above. By a small wood, find either a gate, or a nearby stile at GR.SJ220463 then go through wood for just a short way until breaking out into a field. Look for marker posts, then go down field and bear L into the next field until a stile gives access to road by junction at Plas Yn Eglwyseg.

Right on corner at GR. SJ215463 go through metal gate (no FP sign) then L up hill on Clwydian Way. Track goes up past edge of wood to isolated house at Glyn, then obviously to R heading N then winds generally W to contour for approx. 2km regaining height to reach Ponderosa.

With luck the cafe will be open for hot drinks etc.

Total distance only about 16km., which will be just right for a short January day, and perfect for starting the onslaught to remove Christmas and New Year calorie overload. Don't forget the head-torch.

Best map: OS Explorer 256

Compiled: Jim Gregson