Shakes and bombers on a mountain
4 people attending
4 places left
Imagine, for a moment, the intersection of two with lots of tossing, turning and pressure. Eventually, things build up and the pressure is strong enough to penetrate a shaft. Through that shaft, things can flow.
I’m talking about two geological layers and the effect of the pressure of the last ice sheet which punched holes through. After it melted, water penetrated and dissolved the limestone underneath, creating giant shake holes and huge cave systems. This is the dramatic landscape which we shall be investigating.
Our mountain walk begins by the fast-flowing River Tawe, then rises to the ridge of Fan Hir, following the Cambrian Way. Fan Hir mountain tops at 761m (2500 feet), boasting sweeping views of surrounding mountains and moors. The lake below was gouged out by retreating glaciers and the weathered rocks of the ridge are 400 million years old, from when Wales was south of the equator!
The walk continues off path, following the odd sheep track here and there and navigating rocks and scree to find the site of a crashed bomber. RAF Vampire fighter plane VZ106 flew into the hillside in thick cloud during a training exercise, on October 9th 1953. Much of the aircraft and part of its single engine can still be seen.
We will explore more of the mountainside, cross a stream, taking in dramatic rock formations and avoiding cavernous sized shakes. Most of this section of the walk is across moorland without any path.
Beyond the shake holes, we shall find the remains of a Wellington bomber. The Vickers Wellington crashed on November 20th, 1944, due to ice build up on an engine. Large parts of wings and aircraft remain untouched. Incredibly, the Canadian crew were only identified in 2005.
Following the Wellington, we descend to excellent views of the valley amidst rock formation, pass the facilities at the country park and end by crossing stepping stones across the river Tawe. After the walk, the Gwyn Arms is open for a drink or food if you wish to have a bite before heading home.
This event is suitable for dogs provided your dog can cope with the length of the walk and mountain terrain, and you can cope with your dog coming home in the car with you after the rough and tumble of playing in mud, streams and on the hillside.
Our route is available here. Photos taken by Paul Wyedale and myself.
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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.
What to bring
The mountain can be exposed with high winds, especially along the ridge approaching the summit of Fan Hir. Expect temperatures to be around 5 degrees lower at this altitude plus a possible wind chill. A windproof outer layer is therefore important.
This walk explores the mountain away from tracks and paths, so your boots must be able to cope with wet grass, mud and crossing streams. Waterproofs, including waterproof trousers, are needed in case of rain and might be helpful if grass is wet, even if it is not raining. A sunny day is possible too, so hat and suncream might be needed as you will burn more easily higher up on the mountain.
Water: bring around two litres
Medicines: any personal medicines you may need
Backpack: size 30 plus litres, comfortable and allows free arm movement
Boots: Waterproof and breathable, designed for hiking. NOT suitable for trainers. There will be muddy sections and stream crossings
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: such as a base layer (vest or t-shirt) mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece). This lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature
Trousers: breathable fabrics are more comfortable and drier. No jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking
Waterproof trousers:
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Snacks
Lunch: bring a packed lunch
Optional change of clothing if the weather is cold and wet to change into for the ride home.
Optional walking poles, some find helpful.
Please refer to the ODL Kit List Guidelines for further information
Food & drink
You will need a packed lunch, water and snacks. There will be an opportunity for food and drink in the Gwyn Arms pub at the end of the walk.