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LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD


Derek Harwood's Walking Records

If you have any queries about the pictures or descriptions e-mail me at: derek@harwoodonline.com

COUSINS' WALK - FFESTINIOG RAILWAY
Tan y Bwlch to Blaenau Ffestiniog - North Wales

Thursday 11th August 2005
...................................Walk No. 638

COUSINS' WALK  No. 9                             Total 77.5 miles
Led by Dennis

Time Taken:  5.5 hrs    Distance:     Enjoyment:       Weather:     Cloudy at First
 10:30 am - 4:00 pm       6 miles             90%                        Sunny Periods Later

Temp:   Cloud:    Rain:    Visibility:  Ground Conditions:    Wild Life:      Eagle
 20oC      80%      None       Good              Excellent                                  Sheep

Total AA:      Total MH:    Total LD:       Total AW:     Other:      Total Distance:
999.5 mls      921.5 mls     1782.5 mls       148 mls       930 mls       4781.5 miles

Companions:   (Derek)  Laz, Ken & Dennis 

Points of Interest and LINKS:
Ffestiniog Narrow Gauge Railway             Blaenau Ffestiniog                Tan y Bwlch
Ffestiniog Power Station                          Vale of Ffestiniog              Dduallt Station
Pumped-storage Hydroelectricity                 Afon Dwyryd
Description:
Started walk from car park at Tan y Bwlch Narrow Gauge Railway Station and followed railway track towards Bleaneau Ffestiniog, the narrow gauge railway terminus. Through the little gate on south side of Tan y Bwlch Railway Station Car Park, signed Nature Trail, we took the path in the woods. Crossed a stream to a second stream. Followed this stream down to the road by Llyn Mair. Just before the end of Llyn Mair turned left off the road to a track, then to a cattle grid after approx 500 metres. Continued along the track which soon turned into a narrow path through the trees. Good views across the Vale of Ffestiniog in the clearings. Passed a couple of piles of faeces completely covered in horse flies. Time of year, or, perhaps they were following us. Stopped for a photo on a small footbridge over a stream beside a large arch to carry the railway line. Continued along the south side of the railway, passing Dduallt Old Manor house, to the point where the footpath crosses the line. Paused for another photo of the team balancing on the rails. Soon reached Dduallt Station where we watched more trains travelling around the loop, where the original line was diverted to accommodate the recently installed (1957) hydroelectricity system. As we walked from Dduallt Station we decided to divert from the walk description and continue along the path following the railway. This path was the original railway bed, over a derelict viaduct until we reached the old disused tunnel. I was hoping to walk a little way into the tunnel, but the entrance was water logged. Soon diverted back to the track alongside the new railway line. Good view at this point of the surrounding hills and the reservoir supplying the power station. As we skirted the reservoir we were passed by a lone jogger. We preferred to take our time and enjoy the scenery. At the power station we spent an enjoyable time around the exhibition and the consumption of an ice cream on a bench outside the centre entrance. From Tanygrisiau Village we walked to the main road A496, past an field of rusty old agricultural equipment. Would be an interesting find for an old farmer. As we reached Blaenau Ffestiniog the massive slate mine waste tips seemed to be all around. Impressive at first, then you wished they could be cleared away. The tips looked so unstable. Would the whole lot collapse if the bottom stone was removed? Walked through the village to the railway station, where we waited for our train back to the car at Tan y Bwlch Station. A most enjoyable ride (£4.50) and a most enjoyable day, thanks to our leader Dennis.

Location:
www.streetmap.co.uk , - Start: Tan y Bwlch Railway Station 265055/341555, - Finish: Blaenau Ffestiniog 270075/345875, - via: Dduallt Station 267900/342105. (Click on location and use Zoom).

Hazards:
Always treat working railways with respect. A small error can be fatal. Don't fool around on the railway lines. We were a bad example, as usual.

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Derek Harwood: Copyright 2008
Devised: January 2008
Revised: January 2008