Across the Breiddens with the LDWA

28 October 2012

Our first event with the LDWA was an enjoyable 12-mile tour of the Breiddens. We worked out that it was probably 23 years since we'd last been to Rodney's Pillar. But this time I was carrying waterproofs, coffee and rolls in the backpack instead of our daughter. 

The group assembled near Crew Green and 17 of us set off across the bridge and along the Severn Way. Soon we reached the confluence where the Severn and Vrynwy meet, having seen a heron and cormorant just before. The group debated the difference between a confluence and a bifurcation - a new term to us - for a while and then continued on the path leaving the Vyrnwy behind and following the Severn. 

Inquisitive ram.

Woolly-bottomed sheep.

Cuddly-looking sheep on Severn Way.

The approach to Rodney's Pillar looked exceedingly steep but our friendly walk leader Margaret assured us that we were circling round a bit and the climb would be gentler than it looked from here. The river path was unsurprisingly very squelchy, but the rare breed sheep were an entertaining diversion and worth a photo or two. We left the river and headed towards the foot of the hill at Criggion, stopping for coffee and flapjack before the ascent which we were warned was 30 minutes. It was fairly steep but not too bad and there was even a brief first appearance of the day for the sun as we got close to the summit. 

Quick sustenance before the climb up to Rodney's Pillar.

LDWA group at Rodney's Pillar.

After another food stop we headed on over the ridge past the quarry and then down a very nice path through the forest, although we realised that Margaret had planned to take us right down to the bottom again before the next climb back up. The route was not that easy to follow, but Mike's occasional interventions kept us on track even if one of the groups' GPS informed us that we were not always on rights of way. 

On route down from Breidden Hill.

Moel y Golfa monument.

Coming down off Moel y Golfa.

The route was taking us to the far end of the Breidden Hills and then back along the ridge path. The climb up to Moel y Golfa was a tough one and included a minor scramble. We stopped again for a food break although it was probably not quite brief enough as we cooled down very quickly when not moving. The monument at the top is an interesting commemoration of a  traveller who was a renowned bare knuckle fighter and the stone edifice was apparently organised by his son with contemporary newspaper tales of him 'kidnapping' people to help him build it. 

Friendly pony.

Rodney's Pillar from Middletown Hill.

Corndon in distance from Middletown Hill.

Track up to Middletown Hill.

The next section was a lovely route across to Middletown Hill with a brief down and up bit, followed by a rewarding 360-degree view from the summit. The Stiperstones and Corndon were clear landmarks to the south and much of the central Shropshire plain was there to see. A final descent across Blithy Hill, Kempster's Hill and Bausley Hill were next and then we dropped back down to rejoin the river and the bridge back to the starting point. 

Across the final path from Middletown Hill.

All in all a very pleasant tour of the Breiddens in good company. It was the first time we'd been on a group walk like this but it was good fun and we met some great characters and gained lots of tips about walks and equipment.