Ramblers

ON SUNDAY, 5 June, the lucky number of 13 Aberystwyth Ramblers boarded the Cardi Bach coastal bus at Penbryn beach to be dropped off at the Craig-y-mwnt footpath leading to Traeth y Mwnt, where walk leader Wyck suggested that this speedy, narrow-lane bus ride might well have been the most exciting event of the day.It was a sultry, windless day, the sea was like a mill pond and, against the hazy blue sky, the sight of Mwnt Church was a painter’s dream. As it was close to 1pm, the coastal walk started with a clifftop lunch break just beyond Foel y Mwnt. During the walk east, several walkers coming the other way asked if the Aberystwyth group had spotted the great display of dolphins down below, but nothing more was seen on the smooth surface of the sea than small groups of seabirds.But then, after passing the cliffs of Pen Peles, there they were, coming up to the surface all at once to dive down again and shoot out of the water in quite a different spot.And on the approach of Carreg Wynt, the walkers were rewarded with a new display of yet another group of dolphins.By the time Aberporth was reached it was suffocatingly hot, so there was an extended stop for cool drinks and ice cream, but then the sky began to cloud over a bit before the next stage to Tresaith, from where the steepest ascent of the walk had to be tackled – up the steps to the top of the village and further up the coast path high upon the hill, making the last stage easy, so the group could enjoy the magnificent views down onto Pen-bryn beach during a gentle descent.

Cambrian Mountains Society

THE society’s walk on Saturday, 4 June, explored some of the valleys and upland area in the north west of the Cambrian Mountains area.Beginning at the village of Furnace with walk leader Malcolm Tunley, the first stage was along the lower slopes of Foel Fawr.This is an adjunct to the Ynyshir RSPB reserve and also serves as a section of the Wales Coast Path as it circumnavigates the Dyfi estuary. The conditions were warm and sunny with great views across the Dyfi estuary towards the Tarrens. The route then continued north east from Melindwr farm with a long steady climb on the lane which follows the Afon Cymerau before turning south for Dynyn, which is one of the most isolated occupied dwellings in Ceredigion. From here, walkers had a tough section which skirted the lower slopes of Pen Garreg Gopa to reach the slopes above Cwm Einion (Artist’s Valley).The final section was along an attractive ancient track on the north side of Cwm Einion.A six-and-a-half-mile circuit with some strenuous sections but glorious scenery in ideal conditions.

Blood donors

THERE will be opportunities to donate blood at the Morlan Centre on Wednesday, 22 June, from 2pm to 7pm; Thursday, 23 June, between 10am and 1.30pm, and between 3pm and 7pm; and on Friday, 24 June, between 10am and 12.30pm, and between 2pm and 4.20pm.