Hidden Eryri - The Artro Valley and Rhinog Mtn. foothills
7 people attending
13 places left
Five miles inland from the Welsh sandy coastline lies a forgotten world. A wilderness where rushing streams create silver lines on the hills in the spring sunshine and the mewing of buzzards and ravens echo around a sculpted rocky landscape of dappled shades of grey and brown with big peaks looming misty on the horizon.
Even so, this walk isn't hard for anyone with reasonable fitness and good mobility. Much of the walk is on farm tracks or tarmac back roads where a car passing is a rarity. However, at times we will walk through some boggy rough ground. Switch off your phones. Clear your minds and enjoy these beautiful surroundings
Our walk begins alongside the rushing waters of the Afon Artro, and soon, we will see the natural lake where the river rises. Initially we follow the river upstream for a couple of miles passing a waterfall mile before turning north. After a steady ascent we eventually reach the small summit of Moel Geodog (388m) , from where in good visibility there is quite a view across the bay of Tremadog towards the bigger peaks of Eryri and also the Llyn Peninsular.
From here we will head south on footpaths across some very wild and untamed landscapes before making it steeply down to the car park.
The Neolithic standing stones and Bronze Age hut circles that are scattered around Llanbedr are a reminder that the settlement is very ancient. The woodland in the Artro Valley contains good areas of virgin Celtic temperate rainforest.
After the walk there’s the option to visit at The Victoria Inn at Llanbedr for drinks or food. The pub garden also sits alongside the Afon Artro.
This is the first of 2 events in this area this weekend - the second one can be found at this link https://www.outdoorlads.com/events/llanbedr-and-pensarn-circ-superb-welsh-coastline-260308
If you fancy making a weekend of it please contact the leader for suggestions of nearby places to stay
Bad Weather This event may be altered or cancelled if persistent heavy rain is forecast - you will be notified by at least 18:00 hours the night before in this case. This area can become waterlogged; in case of saturated ground we will walk along traffic free tarmac roads most of the way, but this won't detract from the scenery,
Dogs are welcome to join us on this event but your dog needs to be well behaved, mostly on a lead, and it must not affect other member's enjoyment of the event. Your dog needs to have the stamina to keep up with the group. Please note that sheep graze almost all of the land we will cross, and local farmers are very hostile to dogs off the lead, following a spate of tourists' dog attacks on animals.
Are you new to OutdoorLads and considering your first event?
Have a look at this link for some useful information: https://www.outdoorlads.com/my-first-event
Photo Credits on this page: all property of the event leader and reproduced with permission.
What to bring
Please study this list carefully for this walk. Persons indequately equipped may be asked to drop out.
Water: bring at least one litre in a water bottle, or better still, a hydration bladder
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day Rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Waterproof bags: keep spare clothing, electronics and anything else dry even when your rucksack leaks by using Ziploc type food bags or, better still, outdoor activity waterproof bags
Boots: waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support are essential on this walk, as some ground is poorly drained
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters, and carry a spare, dry pair
Walking Poles: optional but they take the strain off your knees going downhill
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: no jeans as they become heavy and cold if it rains, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry. If its warm, shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: look after your eyes!
Sun cream: UV levels are higher at this time of year in this area
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: a packed lunch is essential on this walk
Map and compass: the walk leader will have these, but if you like map reading or want to develop your skills, bring yours along
Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag
Food & drink
You will need a hearty packed lunch and plenty of water for this walk. We will not pass anywhere to buy food and drink until the end. There are Grocers shops on the main road, but availability of sandwiches etc may be limited in March, so you might be better bringing your own stuff.
Afterwards you can optionally linger for a drink or some food at the very friendly village pub.