6.05 miles, 2125ft. We used a different path from the one in the GPX. I had originally planned to do the Pont Llaeron geocache on our way back from the Tarren Ridge, but decided that walk was long enough. So we came directly up the valley, and then climbed up to Pont Llaeron, (here's an extra GPX covering the extension) but not via the recommended path.
We can't recommend, on safety grounds, that you follow our path, but, if you take responsibility for yourselves, and want a totally magic trip, try following the stream. It was a very difficult scramble, and there were times when I wasn't sure where we were going, our how we were going to get there. Eventually we clambered up a steep slope, and found ourselves on the top of the dam. We walked east off of the top of the dam, tussock jumped to the fence, and turned right, up hill. Within a couple of hundred metres we found the path, turned right, and there was the bridge ... a totally fairy-tale spot, miles from no-where.
We found the cache, using the clues (at least, the brave Susan did, who has now joined the e-leat!) reclined in the sun, and then returned by the proper path. Not so magical, but not so worrying, either.
Park on the red circle below, and either load the GPX file into your GPS, or follow your nose!
On the map below, park in the centre of Abergynolwyn and follow the road to the turning for Nant Gwernol, and then follow these points.
Leave the road, and follow the track ont he right to Nant Gwernol Station.
Cross the bridge over the stream.
Turn sharp left, and go uphill tothe winding station.
Follow the path up through the trees to the road.
Keep right at this point.
Do take care in the quarry, there are some VERY deep holes!
Bryn Eglwys Walk elevation
Extra elevation to get up to Pont Llaeron (note, this makes a total of 1200 ft, and the top bit is tough if you follow the stream bed, as we did, but quite easy of you follow the path!) |