David Blatcher - 134807
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Originally the term "Cambrian Mountains" was applied in a general sense to most of upland Wales. Since the 1950s, its application has become increasingly localised to the geographically homogeneous Mid Wales uplands, known in Welsh as the Elenydd, which extend from Pumlumon to Mynydd Mallaen. This barren and sparsely populated 'wilderness' is often referred to as the Desert of Wales. The area includes the sources of the River Severn and River Wye, and was unsuccessfully proposed as a National Park in the 1960s and 1970s. The highest point of the range is Pumlumon (or Plynlimon), at 2,467 feet (752 m).
Ascent of the Plynlimon Simms with Candy, from layby on the A44. Climbed up via the Cyff valley (difficult underfoot), good tracks around the rally course and then open moor on the spur to the East of the source of the Wye (again, difficult ground underfoot) into mist at about 500m. This got the slow and challenging part of the day done first! Red kite seen from rally track. Final ascent from corner of woodland to Pen Pumlumon Arwystli made on a bearing but became simple with flatter ground and the summit coming into view. Followed the good path and fencelines via Plynlimon east top to the Fawr then into the saddle between the latter and Y Garn, stopping here for lunch as views opened up, including to the summit of the Fawr. Walk to Y Garn and return then down good tracks to the start point. First other walker met on the way down (he doing the Cambrian Way alone).
