Cerddwyr Ramblers

SATURDAY, May 1 was the day that we had been looking forward to for many weeks, when we could meet up again to enjoy the outdoors together.

Our first post-lockdown walk, in the Llidiad Nennog area on Mynydd Llanybydder, started from the Sifigwm area of Brechfa Forest with a choice of a five-mile or a nine-mile option.

Following a network of forest tracks, footpaths and bridleways the two groups made their separate ways first to Trawscoed and across the River Gorlech at Allt Felinfâch, where long ago a mill stood on the banks of the river.

Rather than take the steep footpath ascending the slope up to the Banc-farm road, with kind permission from the landowner, we were able to take a gentler zigzag track up to the site of Llettyllwynchwith, a long disappeared farmstead in an oasis of green pastures remaining in the expanse of forestry.

The five-mile group headed to Capel Nenog with time for a rest and a browse of the memorials of the people buried in this peaceful place, before heading back over Rhos Blaen-gorlech to the start.

The other group carried on down a bridleway to Eglwys Llanfihangel- Rhôs-y-corn then up the forestry track straddling Nant Llwyd, and on as before back to Sifigwm.

Sifigwm, Trawscoed and Llettyllwynchwith are but three ruined farmsteads in the expanse of forestry in the region of Llanybydder and Rhydwmerau sold up by the Edwinsford Estate and immortalised in DJ Williams’ book Yr Hên Ffermdu (The Old Farmhouse).

Details of walks: James Williams, 01570 480041. Covid-19 restrictions apply.