Walking the Berwyns
An unspoiled corner of Wales with a rare beauty all of its own

It's raining. The clouds are a bit low - and you don't fancy the high stuff up Capel Curig way. So why not try the Berwyns. At just over 2,700 ft (that's 830 mtrs to you Europeans), they still pack a serious punch. Granted, there's not too much in the way of scrambling, but enough rocks around to keep your interest. It's a bit of a grunt up the approach ascent, but once you're up there, it's a cracking ridge that goes on for ever (or so it seems). If the clouds clear, the views are spectacular. If they don't, who cares, it's a gorgeous place in which to lose yourself! The real hidden gem on this walk however is the Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall at the start point in Tan y Pistyll (OS Explorer 255, GR: 073 295). Billed as one of the seven wonders of Wales, it towers 240 feet above you. In fact there is no better place to marvel at this spectacular natural phenomenon than by the cafe below (preferably with a celebratory welsh cream tea at the end of the walk). There are many walking routes in the Berwyns, but the most popular takes you over the ridge, bagging Moel Sych, Craig Uchaf (strangely not named on OS maps, but often referred to as Cadair Berwyn's south summit) and Cadair Berwyn on the way. The return is by Llyn Lluncaws from the escape route between Moel Sych and Craig Uchaf. The approach is via the B4580 from Oswestry, through Llansilin and Llanhaeadr ym Mochnant.