Bryn Hafod, Dinas Mawddwy

Over the weekend of 2/3 February 2008, 10 members of the Hereford Mountain Club, met at the Bryn Hafod Hut, owned by ’Stafford Mountain Club’ in Cwm Cywarch, near Dinas Mauddwy, Mid Wales. The hut, on the South-East side of the Arran mountains, is in a picturesque valley, where it originally was one of the buildings belonging to the lead mine. Some HMC members arrived on Friday evening and after having walked-in the half a mile from the vehicles, under a beautiful clear sky, were welcomed by a roaring fire, thanks to Mike W who had arrived in the afternoon. Saturday morning started cold and bright and the group set-off to walk up the footpath on the South side of Afon Yr Hengwm to Drysgal, to be met by strong freezing wind and approx 3 inches of snow on the ground. After a long pull West and North-North West, they arrived at Aran Faddy (905m) and a temperature of -5 and wind chill of -10. Lunch was devoured, with views all around of the Arenigs, Snowdon, Cader Idris and the Berwyns. The odd snow shower threatened, but didn’t come to anything. Ralph G and Steve W went on to the North to climb Aran Benyllyn (885m), then descend East from the Col to the road at Pennant, where David G would meet them with a vehicle. The remainder of the party walked South-East, where after an hour and a half joined the Rhydymain/Cwm Cywarch footpath, back to the valley. Back at the hut, rucksacks were deposited, quick change of clothes, then off to ‘The Red Lion‘ in Dinas Mawddwy to watch England v Wales in the ‘Six Nations Rugby‘. No need to say too much, but 6 English fans left after the 80 minutes feeling quite subdued, whilst the ‘sea of red shirts‘ erupted in cheers! Back to the hut, for showers and a pre-dinner drink in front of the fire. After a great curry - thanks Andy, we sat around the fire with a whiskey and in-depth discussions on - gravity, inventions of our lifetime and plans for a Mountain Club Calendar - could be interesting! Unusually, there was no music or singing, which was a shame. Tea in bed arrived early the next morning. After breakfast, lunchboxes were made and the group set-off around 9.00am heading up the valley to the North-West, then South West to the summit of Glasgwm (779m). Despite a windy, cloudy morning, the cloud was high and excellent views were enjoyed. From the summit we descended South-West to the shelter of the forestry, then East to Cwm Yr Ychen, where the zigzag path wound steeply back down to the cars. A great day was had by all and we vowed to return again in a couple of years., for our 4th visit. Our thanks to the Stafford Mountain Club for the use of their hut.