Walking Sarn Helen with Helen

Dolwyddelan to Miners Bridge and return by Route 2. ( circular)

This post is a bit of a re run of the last section but in reverse from Dolwyddelan back along the last used route to Miners Bridge via Ugly House and Swallow Falls. We then turned the walk into a longer circular hike by returning on the OS 17 map marked route for Sarn Helen from Miners Bridge South to Dolwyddelan. This gave Helen a chance to catch up on the bit she'd missed and it also gave us chance to compare the two routes across to Dolwyddelan from the Afon Llugwy valley.

As this walk is mainly a repeat of the previous blog we've limited the photos and explanation to the new section from Miners Bridge South. It was also pouring down again so the views were limited.

The route is shown in a picture of our maps below - taken by this weeks photographer Helen.

On this walk we also came across a small convoy of 4X4 s on the deeply rutted path across from Dolwyddelan towards Ty Capel. Sarn Helen has sections like this which are shown on OS maps as "Other Routes with Public Access" (Green dots). These sections are also shown in various guide books used by 4x4 owners who want to off road. On this occasion the drivers were friendly but seemed oblivious to the fact that they were completely blocking the path as they stopped for a break - causing a number of cyclists to dismount and carry their bikes round the cars and walkers to leave the path onto muddy banking. The drivers were also not certain that they would be able to get out onto tarmac at the end of their planned route - a real adventure for them and an inconvenience for us.

It's an interesting thought that this situation is legal unless the track is closed to vehicles by the authorities - this is a highway. All users of paths add to erosion and the need for repairs - look at any long distance walking route, but four or five heavy vehicles travelling in convoy, on an already muddy and deteriorating surface, causes a rapid change to the character of a track. The depth of the muddy puddles and water filled ruts where the bottom cannot be seen was out of the ordinary and unexpected. I stood in one by accident and found it a good 18inches deep and water came over my boots. Sometimes puddles on a muddy track cannot be avoided, I'd hate to hit one of these holes on a bike, nor would I want any of the many Dof E students we saw carrying large packs to fall or inadvertently step in!

I don't know the answer to this, it could be that there is a need for legislation ( local or national) where rights are balanced with responsibility and access limited fairly for tracks to recover. 4X4 owners have a right of access just as Walkers etc. do. The drivers today were pleasant enough and had travelled to North Wales from the SE of England for an Easter Break - a boost to the local economy maybe, and a concern if such use increases. ( Soap box section finished!!)

After we dropped into the Afon Llugwy Valley from Dolwyddelan we made the mandatory stop for Coffee and Cake at the Ugly House tea shop before we walked down to Swallow Falls to take a few pictures. After crossing the river at Miners Bridge we climbed out of the river gorge onto the main A5. At this point we cross the road onto the small lane opposite marked "Unsuitable for Motor Vehicles". Do not turn right up past the houses but continue to follow the main lane. In a short distance past the Houses on right and the entrance to Pentre Du farm left the track changes from a metalled surface to a shale and stone track - it also narrows and has gates. Follow this track as it starts to climb - easy to follow on OS 17 - SSW-

Eventually you will come to a narrow footbridge across a fast stream, just keep climbing following the track without deviating to your left or right until you reach Ty Mawr where there is another gate.

After Ty Mawr and the gate continue on the track which will continue to climb - but only gradually - before it drops a little bending round to the right then left. (You should ignore the footpath off to the left by a field gate before the bends). You should now be able to see the crest of the climb and there will be ruins on your right. This path is now well rutted and stony as it continues fairly level onto OS 18 map. The route crosses a couple of forestry track and there is a crossroads where you could be tempted to go left - don't. Go straight on onto the narrower track dead ahead.

This route is simple to follow and you will start to descend towards the main A 470, passing a Llama farm and various holiday cottages (Fron Goch). As you descend into Pont Y Pant look out for the path to your left just after a large White House - there is a stone stile to cross. Cross the stile and walk almost back on yourself through the beautiful garden of the White House until you reach the main road through a small gate. There is no pavement so be careful stepping out of the gate.

At this point we crossed the road and the river bridge towards the Station and Ledr Hall ( another café!!). Follow the station signs and the narrow road to your right. Basically its now a gentle walk following the Rail line into Dolwyddelan where we had parked.

The total walk was about five and half hours of steady walking with and extra half hour in the café at the Ugly House. We didn't use sat map so have measured the distance by map as about 11.5 miles.

Personally, having now walked both routes over from Miners Bridge to Dolwyddelan, I prefer walking via Swallow Falls, the Ugly House, and Ty Capel - and not just for the cakes. The scenery is pleasant on both routes but the walk along the Afon Llugwy is excellent. The walk from The Ugly House to Ty Capel is easy and safe but gives fantastic views of Moel Siabod ( weather permitting.)

The other route is shorter and the climb steeper - it is also marked as Sarn Helen but both routes have a claim. the choice is yours.