BSC2022: Gwydir Forest Afternoon Walk (Saturday 12.00noon)
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This is one of the events organised as part of Big Spring Camp 2022.
If you want a shorter walk on the Saturday afternoon of BSC, with a start time of 12:00 midday to enable you to do the Conwy parkrun at 09:00 (another scheduled BSC event), this may be the walk for you. Or you might just want a lie-in on Saturday! Start time allows for return from Conwy and brunch at the campsite before we set off on the walk. Note that this is not a stroll in the park: it’s a serious forest walk with significant ascent at the start as we climb from the Afon Conwy valley up into the forest (ascent is approx 400 metres).
The walk passes the Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall on the edge of the forest, before we head south along forest tracks to the Hafna Mine. This area has significant remains of lead, zinc and iron mines in the forest landscape, which date from the 1800s and finally closed in the 1940s. The Hafna Mine is the most extensive and best preserved of the mines in the Gwydyr estate, which was once one of the most important lead mining areas in the UK. The remains still visible include a stepped mill, incline, smelting house and circular chimney.
We climb the small hill above the mine and descend into the next small valley, passing by Llyn Glangors to the much larger Llyn Geirionydd. We’ll follow the shoreline of this lake north before turning east and returning, via country lanes, footpaths and forest tracks to the BSC campsite. The last length of the walk is a steep descent back into the Afon Conwy valley.
This event is a circular walk starting from the BSC campsite. The walk is around 6 miles/10 kilometres, with ascent of 400 metres, mainly at the start of the walk, and a similar descent at the end of the walk. You’ll need a sandwich, or something similar, for later in the day, some snacks and plenty of fluid to drink. Good footwear, ideally walking boots, is required as the ground is rough and rocky in places and may be wet and muddy, depending on the weather.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who has recently tested positive for Covid-19, is asked not to attend.
Photo credits: all photos by ODL members, with permission granted to ODL for their use.
What to bring
Boots: your most important piece of kit: comfortable, waterproof, breathable and designed for hiking. Trainers may be OK, depending on how rough the ground is and if its dry. Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters. Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions.
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and to body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt), a mid layer (micro-fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (windproof jacket or thick fleece). Trousers: avoid jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, and take ages to dry out. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry more quickly. On warm days shorts may be OK.
Waterproof jacket: carry one in your rucksack when walking in all but the calmest of weather. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Hat or cap: useful for staying warm in winter and shaded in summer. Gloves: essential in winter and ideally waterproof.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, this should be comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely.
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter. Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days.
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated. Snacks: a range of biscuits, energy bars, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit (for example) are always good to have. Put them in your rucksack where they are easy to grab..
Water and other fluid: bring between one and two litres, depending on season of the year and temperature. A combination of water, fruit juice, energy drinks and a hot drink is a good idea.
Medicines: essential if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments, etc. A personal first aid kit with bandages and paracetamol or ibuprofen (for your own use only) is also a good idea.
Hand sanitiser and a face covering: whilst we are living with Covid-19, please bring your own to events in order to keep everyone safe.
Food & drink
Bring a sandwich for later in the day, fruit and snacks for along the way and plenty of water or other fluids (one to two litres) to drink.