Cwm-Llinau

Machynlleth Chamfer by the A470, in parish of Glantwymyn (Powys District), Dolcorsllwyn, between road to Hall and Lodge, on verge, East side of road. Inscription reads:- : MACHYNLLETH / 9 MILES / MALLWYD / 2½ / POOL 29 : Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: MOT_MCWP09

A hang glider comes into land on the plateau in front of the wind turbines.

View of the drift features and river terraces of the Dovey Valley to the North West of Cwm Llinau

Just to the south of Cwm Llinau, looking towards the village.

Looking northwards on the A470.

For my walk this week, I chose one of complete contrast to the one described previously (see SH6918 : Access to the Mawddach Trail at Penmaenpool). For a long time now, I've been eyeing a block of 'virgin' squares in the vicinity of Cwm-Llinau, about 9 miles north-east of Machynlleth and beside the main A470 road. Unfortunately, the bus service to the area is not very frequent, so this time I had to use the car to get there. I parked at the end of the public road from Cwm-Llinau at GR SH856081, where there is room for one car on the verge. The circular route that I took is about seven miles on tracks and public bridleways/footpaths, climbing about 1000', initially beside Afon Llinau, then through the upland bog and forestry area at Waun Llinau, emerging onto the ridge at Mynydd y Cemais (now a windfarm). My descent from Mynydd y Cemais was down a track on the steep scarp to Talyrnau farm and thence back to my start point. If taking this walk, there are a few things to be aware of. The route through the bog at Waun Llinau is nicely waymarked, but even so, a lack of concentration can lead you to the wrong side of it, with the need to retrace your steps, or navigate across it (as I had to!). Also, the marked paths on Mynydd y Cemais are now pretty meaningless as they appear to have been subsumed into the windfarm track network. Another point to note, the farm area at Talyrnau is not walker friendly. There is no waymarking (that I could see), most gates on the right of way are permanently roped shut and one stile has barbed wire set across it. Overall, a very enjoyable walk with some nice winter sunshine with frost on the ground all day (and a bitter east wind blowing across Mynydd y Cemais) and with some magnificent scenery. Navigational skills were tested and it was certainly an excellent way to blow away the Christmas cobwebs.

Viewed while walking along the Mynydd y Cemais ridge. This is near the highest point of the ridge, which rises to about 430 metres. For more information about this walk, see SH8508 : Farm Track in Cwm-Llinau.

Viewed here from the track descending the steep scarp of Mynydd y Cemais. For more information about this walk, see SH8508 : Farm Track in Cwm-Llinau.

Viewed from the very west of the square. For more information about this walk, see SH8508 : Farm Track in Cwm-Llinau.

One of the caravan sites at Cwm Llinau is visible. For more information about this walk, see SH8508 : Farm Track in Cwm-Llinau.