Yes about 20m reascent over the 620m top; thereagain you do 10 or 20 anyway on the directish line unless contouring around which involves more distance in the tussocks. Choice may depend on whether in a running or plodding mood at the 19h mark...
I'll probably put 4b and 5 on the agenda for the March recce. We also noticed there's a route up Glasgwm which traverses R at about 730m and goes straight to the W summit: failed to follow it on Sat but it could be worth a look. Also the through-the-forest route from Glasgwm to Penybrynfforchog might be worth a revisit - I used to prefer it but it was a little overgrown at first, when last checked. Remind me, did you go through or round?
Rob
Last edited by ydt; 23-02-2010 at 09:59 AM. Reason: error
Envy Envy Envy....Looks like a fantastic couple of days and the photos are just great... drove over Bwlch Oerddrws last Wednesday in a snow storm reminicing about what a great ridge it is along through Waen Oer and down Maen Ddu -happy Dragons Back memories.
Currently crocked, when I get mended I shall try and join for a recce or two.
Looks like a great run out, most envious. Carwyn said he had an 'interesting' outing the next day.
I walked back through some of that forest section last year (nothing to do with Meiri round), though to exit somewhere different. There was definately a good ride under the trees for some way, (looks like your route) then it hit felled forestry which was a right old mess. May be worth a look.
My last trip thru that bit of forest was with Steve Cliff, 2-3 years ago? As you say the entrance (SH826185, where Google currently shows a tiny clearing FWIW) is overgrown but once inside, the narrow path thru to the main ride (visible on Google) was nice. The main ride itself heading WSW had little footbridges installed at a few places. Maybe 5m ascent penalty but 200m shorter. I think another little session with the secateurs is in order. A favour to the community, you understand
. NB these variations were mentioned by Baggins and David Waide - a fresh point of view is always welcome.
Forget the W summit: the E summit (big cairn) is higher. 779m on Landranger, "officially" 780m on the Marilyn list, apparently from the 1:10,000. The 1: 25,000 map is misleading with the W summit as 774m and a 772m spot height apparently the E summit but actually the NE summit. Baggins you were right.