The first backpack after a 9-week recovery from the dreaded plantar fasciitis, very nearly healed now.
A 2-day route traversing the Ruabon moors to the north-east of Llangollen, an extensive area of high heather moorland forming the eastern fringe of the Dee hills.
The approach to Esclusham Mountain from Coedpoeth visits the Minera lead mines and skirts the extensive Minera limestone quarries, a geological site that is now an important conservation area at varying stages of recolonisation.
The southern section follows the high level traverse of Eglwyseg Mountain above the superb line of incised crags that we saw from below on our last backpack three months ago, giving excellent views to the west. This section is part of the Llangollen Round and occasionally waymarked.
The final section passes through Trevor Quarry, discovered quite fortuitously, and joins the Llangollen canal for an easy finish in Llangollen.
Both days of this trip were in almost constant sunshine, chilly nights and warm days giving excellent views.
That patch of grass in the middle of the heathery moorland looks like a perfect lucky find. I like walking through the disused limestone quarries (we have several down here in South Wales). They create some fascinating landscapes and historical evidence.
It was a superb and fortuitous spot for a pitch, like a well kept lawn. The Minera quarry remains would be interesting to explore at close quarters one day.