Frenni Fawr and Frenni Fach - 3rd October 2020

In the days prior to the walk there was some concern about when and where Storm Alex would impact on our bit of west Wales. There was scrutiny of the weather forecasts before deciding on Friday afternoon that Saturday would be the least worst day for the walk.

It was a surprise that 12 walkers were willing to brave the conditions and turned up at the car park behind Tegryn School. Full waterproofs and hats and gloves were donned at the outset and remained on for most of the day.

The walk started of with a few drops of rain but nothing of any significance. The path took us past Llwyn yr Hwrdd chapel with his and hers front doors and then off towards Glogue Quarry. The original intention was to follow the slate path down to Glogue village, but the issues over access through Melin Coed put an end to this. We used a track through the quarry to bypass this section.

Past Glogue, the route followed the bridle path to the river. Thankfully the Afon Taf was not in spate and everyone was able to wade across without the use of plastic bags as additional waterproofing. The climb from the river then began, as did the rain and wind. Fortunately, we remained in the lee of Freeni Fawr and had some protction from the weather. Tracks and paths through farmland helped us reach the foot of Frenni Fawr. It was a steady but steep plod to the summit and once there, we were exposed to the wind and stinging rain. We quickly crossed the moor and descended on paths that were becoming streams, and once under the mist had some views over Crymych.

Lunch at about half way was just beyond Dol-Newydd Farm. This was a quick affair.

Following lunch, it was up and over the flank of Frenni Fawr on springy grass fields to the plantation on the side of Frenni Fawr. There was some shelter from the wind here. We made quick progress through the forest and then up the road to Frenni Fach. The approach to the top of this hill, across the scrub, was barely noticeable and we successfully bagged the second peak of the day.

Coming off the hill, Tegryn was just a stone's throw away along the lane, but the group was happy to finish the walk down through the fields through Cwmhir Farm and then up the track back to the school and the safety of the cars. The rain started in earnest just as we finished the walk.

Distance: 10.5 miles

Total Ascent: 1800 feet