THE ROUTE

from NWM - May 2023

Walking world

1. At the far north eastern end of the lay-by, opposite a metal field gate, follow the path by the information board that bears right and leads down the hill along the eastern edge of the reserve.

2. Bearing left down the hill, go into the woods. Listen for the ‘jip jip jip’ call of the crossbill and ‘phew’ call of the bullfinch. Keep to the main path, indicated by red marks on the trees, leading to a disused quarry. Look here for glow-worm at dusk in June or July. Please be careful where you tread and take care not to disturb their habitat. Dropwort, carline thistle and pyramidal orchid can be found in the quarry area in late summer.

3. To see the reserve’s limestone pavement, go left at the quarry edge then leftish uphill to reach a wide grassy area bounded by yew trees. The main limestone pavement is up to the left across a few rocks, just beyond a small stony path to the right. View the pavement from the base – it can be very slippery when wet and the grykes are hazardous to ankles! Plants in the pavement area include yellow-wort, goldenrod and devil’s-bit scabious.

4. Retrace your steps down to the quarry and go down to the right across the rocks to a row of white cottages (‘Ffolt’), passing large anthills on the way. Stinking hellebore grows near the cottages. Turn left along a path past the houses, which leads through the woodland at the edge of the reserve.

5. Continue past the first yellow arrow and follow the second yellow arrow uphill to the left. Keep the wall on your right and follow the path through four kissing gates until you come to a large field with views across to Penrhyn Bay. Look out for brightly coloured waxcap fungi in the field in autumn and buzzards flying overhead.

6. Leave the field by the footpath sign to reach Gilfach Road. Go uphill to the crossroads and then turn left, pass the playing fields on your right and take the bridle path track which bears right.

7. Go up the track, past a metal gate on the left at the brow of the hill. This is good brown hare territory. Enjoy views of the surrounding area. Go past a second metal gate and follow a path through the trees.

8. At a junction of paths, take the lower footpath which bears right, down the hill to a stile into the Woodland Trust’s Coed Bron Garth. This is a semi-natural woodland with areas that have been replanted with larch, beech and hornbeam. In spring, enjoy wild cherry blossom and bluebells; in autumn, look for blackberries, sloes, bright pink spindle berries and the seed heads of wild clematis (also known as ‘traveller’s-joy’ or ‘old man’s beard’).

9. Follow the path through the woodland, which bears left up the hill past badger setts – look out for snuffle holes where badgers have foraged. Go over a stile out of the wood into an open field. Walk straight up the steep hill, looking out for cows. At the top, continue straight on over the hill and down to a small gate which enters the caravan site. Follow the lane out of the site and turn right at the road to return to the lay-by. n

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A Word Of Caution

Walking in the outdoors can be a strenuous activity and it is up to you to ensure that you are fit and healthy enough to undertake the route described and to approach the venture with caution and care. You should wear appropriate footwear and suitable clothing, take along food and drink plus carry the relevant map and a compass and be able to use it. The details given here are believed to be correct at the time of going to press. However, neither North Wales Magazine nor the author can accept responsibility for inaccuracies encountered.

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