Drygarn Fawr, Elan Valley

There was supposed to be a break in the rain showers today, and since next week will be busy, I chose to head back into Elan valley. There was a route that went up from the end of Caban-coch reservoir and up to Drygarn Fawr, looping back down Rhiwnant stream. This was described in both the OS and kittiwake guide books.

Chirk Castle & River Ceiriog

I was picking up people from Manchester airport so I had a long round trip journey, and also coupled with the evening arrival, I thought that I could get almost there and have a walk as well as making the timing more suitable - at airports these days you cannot "hang around" without being charged an exorbitant amount!
About an hour from the airport and with good access to the motorways was Chirk castle. It also had a couple of routes in the OS guides around the outside of the estate with a bit of Offa's dyke thrown it.

Stroll around Dolaucothi Gold Mine

I had to take the van out for its biweekly run to ensure it did not go flat on us. Things did not get off to a good start when I realised (once we were nearly at the storage location) I had left the keys back at the house - an additional 90 minute round trip back to get them.

Once that was all sorted and back at the van we took it out and drove south down the A40, before seeing the sign to the gold mines.

Claerwen Reservoir, Elan Valley

The sun was back and the wind had died down, so I chose to do a circumnavigation of Claerwen reservoir in the Elan valley. This would involve a large loop to the south over the moors and then back along the side of the reservoir.

Castle Bank, Howey

Bank Holiday and the sun was trying to break through. The forecast was for sun and light winds (which means it will be blowy!) so a shorter local walk was called for. I selected Castel Bank from the kittiwake book for Llandrindod Wells.