A 3-day central route through the Pumlumon hills of mid Wales, traversing the mountain summits of Y Garn and Pumlumon, exploring Cwm Rheidol and the remote valley of Hyddgen and finally picking up Glyndwr's Way through the northern hills for a descent to Machynlleth. A large proportion of the route is on good paths and tracks with only a very brief amount of rough terrain.
The route starts close to the little visited Llywernog Pond, east of the Bwlch Nant Yr Arian orienteering facility, and quickly enters the deserted heartland. After the mountains of Y Garn and Pumlumon it crosses the Afon Hengwm and enters the Hyddgen valley with a splendid feeling of remoteness before ascending to the little known and tamer northern hills of the region.
The recent long spell of dry sunny weather was holding save for one very brief thundery evening and this was route an excellent choice, the modest ambitions and long daylight hours allowing plenty of time to walk slowly and relax in the heat of the afternoons to enjoy the area. We saw only one other person in the three days and that was from a distance very early in the morning, surprisingly descending from Pumlumon on the Eisteddfa Gurig path.
What a gorgeous backpacking trip. Great route and the pictures are fantastic.
Thanks very much Alan.
I was very pleased with this route, it’s rare to find good tracks through wild deserted landscapes and this was perfect for us allowing a relaxed pace. Excellent conditions for photos too and memorable tent pitches.
Just a thought and some info to bear in mind for the future. With it being a linear walk what was your transport to start and finish? Thanks
We’ve had a few years recent experience now with trains and buses: this time it was train – Shrewsbury, X75 bus – Llangurig, X47 bus – Llwernog, train Machynlleth – Shrewsbury – Manchester.
Most of our walks are linear now, many new possibilities.
Interesting Thanks. Still one of the best blogs to read.