Meirionnydd Round.

[molehill]

I have been quite intriuged by Yiannis's round, as I know the southern section well and sort of fancied a go sometime if ever fit enough (not a 24 hour go ). Spent Tues/Wed having a look at the section from Roman steps to Rhobell F. Ground I have never previously set foot on. I was carrying tent + everything, for the first ever time, so slow and steady was the order of the day in that heat.

The North Rhinog section is genius, all those 10 tops do link together; it took a lot of head scratching and map gazeing with my glasses on and then casting about for the paths, but I never went wrong . Fantastic section, I loved the ground.

From there on it's errr ..... harder. I took ages skirting bogs and lakes and working out the best lines (actually, any line that didn't end up waist deep in yuk), it was hard graft and I camped in the valley between Lago and Arenig Fach.

Next day was bigger climbs and more rough ground and navigation, easy to see where you're going, but how do I get there? Finished on top of Rhobell and then long road section back to car at Roman steps .

This is a fantastic round, I think you really need to be an 'all rounder' it's not simply about climbing strength, there is something of everything - the terrain really softens you up before chucking in another big ascent. Anyone attempting it needs some serious recce preparation.

I saw 2 walkers near the start, then not another human being for 2 days (other than road crossings) - some of it is a bit remote. Yiannis has put together a wonderfull hard challenge over fantastic Welsh countryside, it deserves a bit of attention, but be warned, I don't think anyone will find this easy .

[ydt]

I have been quite intriuged by Yiannis's round, as I know the southern section well and sort of fancied a go sometime if ever fit enough (not a 24 hour go ). Spent Tues/Wed having a look at the section from Roman steps to Rhobell F. Ground I have never previously set foot on. I was carrying tent + everything, for the first ever time, so slow and steady was the order of the day in that heat.
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Yiannis has put together a wonderfull hard challenge over fantastic Welsh countryside, it deserves a bit of attention, but be warned, I don't think anyone will find this easy .

Many thanks Molehill, I couldn't put it better myself. That was a long treck you did carrying so much gear.
Route details can be found in: http://yiannistridimas.tripod.com/
I am more then keen to advise on route details and offer support.
The Migneint/North Arenig section has got some seriously rough ground but that is what wilderness is all about.
Yiannis

[Boy Wonder]

Wow - the Mole must be very fit at the moment!! Sounds like a great couple of days - and as you say, wild and remote country - we'll have to have another session up there soon.

[RobW]

I tried the Meiri a few years ago, but wasn't going quick enough and baled out at Dduallt (some another time hopefully...). It's a tough round, harder the the PBR IMHO - and you need to get the lines exactly right. AFAIK the only person to complete it, apart from ydt, is Colin Donnelly (solo!), but he went astray at the end hence went outside the 24h.

[ydt]

One small point: It is Carnedd Iago not Lago (confusing capital I looking like a small l on map).

Some of the heather between Carnedd Iago and Arenig Fach has been burnt since I did the round so it should make things a little easier.
Yiannis

[molehill]

Reading glasses on and it'ssuddenly Iago !!

I remember reading about Colin D. attempt a few years back, always bore in mind that it must have been pretty special for him not to breeze round - even solo.

I can't see me attempting it now, I just don't have the time to put into recceing the North round, having seen how important the correct line is. South I know pretty well. But a couple of questions out of interest.

Off the road South of M. Llyfnant, I came up the valley to about 812320, then stuck to the Easterly side of the Mynydd Bryn-Llech ridge, above the valley floor, had a sheep trod most of the way ( a bit meandering) past Cefn y Griafolen to the ford below Dduallt. Was this correct or should I have climbed to top of the ridge ? Would it be better ground up there?

Dduallt to Rhobell Fawr, now how in heavens name do I get there. I followed the whole forestry fence line Southwards looking for a fire break etc. I thought they must have a way thru' somewhere. I got to 800254 and walked up the stream bed, interesting, but I never spotted another way. Is that it or is there a 'secret path' ? Trees may have grown since your round?

I went up Arenig Fach from NW slope, I can assure you the heather has grown again, a nightmare for those of us with short legs, and all the way down the other side.

[Happy on the hills]

I know Tom Phillips Penrith was thinking of it as he emailed myself and Yiannis. I know of another guy local to the the round who's planning on it too, but i can't remember his name!

[Alan Lucker]

After doing the big 3 (not that they need to be completed first, it's probably a normal progression), its definitely a step up in terms of a challenge. I think the reasons it doesn't get many attempts are 3 fold
1) it's a long way to travel for most, 2) it's seriously tough terrain which doesn't appeal to some, especially when Snowdonia NP is so close with its "easier ground", 3) taking it on when the veg has grown adds to its difficulty, which is most of the year after April. Oh and it's a relentlessly tough round that takes a lot of recceing. I am still tempted though ..... Maybe next spring.

[ydt]

After doing the big 3 (not that they need to be completed first, it's probably a normal progression), its definitely a step up in terms of a challenge. I think the reasons it doesn't get many attempts are 3 fold
1) it's a long way to travel for most, 2) it's seriously tough terrain which doesn't appeal to some, especially when Snowdonia NP is so close with its "easier ground", 3) taking it on when the veg has grown adds to its difficulty, which is most of the year after April. Oh and it's a relentlessly tough round that takes a lot of recceing. I am still tempted though ..... Maybe next spring.

.....recceing is so much better than doing the challenge!

[Alan Lucker]

After doing the big 3 (not that they need to be completed first, it's probably a normal progression), its definitely a step up in terms of a challenge. I think the reasons it doesn't get many attempts are 3 fold
1) it's a long way to travel for most, 2) it's seriously tough terrain which doesn't appeal to some, especially when Snowdonia NP is so close with its "easier ground", 3) taking it on when the veg has grown adds to its difficulty, which is most of the year after April. Oh and it's a relentlessly tough round that takes a lot of recceing. I am still tempted though ..... Maybe next spring.