Six of us met at Chirk, and after a wee dram of whiskey was enjoyed, we set off for the falls. It was pretty nippy as we headed past the chocolate factory with its amazing aroma, then ten minutes into the ride the sun shone - for what would be the entire day.
Turning right at Chirk aqueduct we followed the river Ceiriog along the B4500 to the West Arms at Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, here we were treated to some tasty Bara brith with our coffee, just the ticket for the forthcoming hills.
Climbing through beautiful countryside along narrow country lanes with stunning scenery all around we achieved a total ascent of 1,366 ft from sea level. Only a few cars competed with us for space until reaching the centre of Llanrhaeadr yn Mochnant, here we turned right at the village store for the final few miles to the waterfall.
The falls are worth seeing, and had I not been sporting plastic cleats, I would certainly have been tempted to get much closer.
During our decent lunch at the on site cafe, we were surprised by the landing of a small shiny purple helicopter just behind us, its owner seemingly popping in to admire the falls too. [that does it - I want a small shiny purple helicopter now! -Sue]
We retraced our route for a few short miles before taking the B4396 through Pentrefelin to Porth Y Waen where we turned left to climb Blodwell Bank to Treflach, but not before making a slight detour to view a section of the Cambrian Heritage railway at Porth Y Waen. Here we were fortunate enough to chat to one of the volunteers about their future plans and aspirations.
Descending into Oswestry we picked up the B4579 then Station Road into Weston Rhyn before crossing the river Ceiriog and filling our lungs once again with the smell of chocolate as we arrived back into Chirk, celebrating in the car park with a final dram of whiskey before journeying home.
Total climbing for the day was 3,200 ft with 48 miles of stunning scenery, wall to wall sunshine, good food and great company, thanks everyone, most especially Bob for another very enjoyable day out.
[And thanks to Kath for the write up and photos - not sure which order they should be in!]
We retraced our route for a few short miles before taking the B4396 through Pentrefelin to Porth Y Waen where we turned left to climb Blodwell Bank to Treflach, but not before making a slight detour to view a section of the Cambrian Heritage railway at Porth Y Waen. Here we were fortunate enough to chat to one of the volunteers about their future plans and aspirations.
Descending into Oswestry we picked up the B4579 then Station Road into Weston Rhyn before crossing the river Ceiriog and filling our lungs once again with the smell of chocolate as we arrived back into Chirk, celebrating in the car park with a final dram of whiskey before journeying home.
Total climbing for the day was 3,200 ft with 48 miles of stunning scenery, wall to wall sunshine, good food and great company, thanks everyone, most especially Bob for another very enjoyable day out.
[And thanks to Kath for the write up and photos - not sure which order they should be in!]
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