Cambrian Mountains Society

AS THE days are short in December, so Cambrian Mountains Society rambles get shorter. Seven members met at Derwenlas in the pouring rain on 13 December to follow one of the promoted Darganfod Dyfi walks. This initially climbs steeply out of the village and follows old tracks and footpaths before dropping into the Llyfnant. At the entrance to the valley is a very large, fine holly which may well be a veteran tree, and probably a male, as there were no berries. Following a very wet month the Afon Llyfnant was in full spate but despite this the group still spotted a mine adit deep in the river channel. As they followed the Wales Coastal path inland along the steeply wooded valley it was clear why this deciduous wood might be akin to a Celtic rainforest, with its rich fern and bryophyte flora. The upper section however, was planted with conifers some years ago and these have recently been clear-felled leaving the slopes open to soil erosion. Above Garthgwynion, the walk turns uphill and passes over Cefn maesmawr Bach. By now the rain had stopped and although the cloud was low, the group had distant views towards Ynyslas and the sea. A short walk downhill across muddy footpaths and sodden fields returned us to the start.