Caerhun and Canovium

Peter was our walking the other day, and came across a little historical gem in the Conwy Valley. St Mary's church is a charming little building dating from the 14th Century.

However it is built on the much earlier remains of the Roman Fort Canovium. This was built erected in timber shortly after the Roman conquest of Wales , before being renewed in stone during the 2nd Century. It is still possible to see the outlines of the fallen walls, and the bathhouse that the soldiers frequented.

External Wall

Site of the Bathhouse

After the Romans left Britain, the site was occupied by the King of Gwynedd, Rhun Hir ap Maelgwn (reigned c. 547 – c. 586), hence the area's Welsh name Caerhun - the fort of Rhun.

The New and Improved Exploring North Wales

As of May 1st we are planning an overhaul of our blog, to focus more on practical information for walkers, such as reviews of paths and accommodation. These will include a review of which of the Snowdon paths are right for you.

We will also be inviting guest bloggers to write articles every month.

Watch this space...!

Let's Walk Gwynedd

Gwynedd County Council are making a big push to promote the health benefits of walking with their program "Dewch i Gerdded Gwynedd", or "Let's Walk Gwynedd."

They are organising a regular weekly schedule of walks, many of which are taster sessions for Nordic Walking, as well as special one off events.

For more information, please get in touch with the project organisers:


Sharon Jones –
Swyddog Datblygu Gweithgaredd Corfforol
Physical Activity Development Officer
 01341 424410
 sharonjones@gwynedd.gov.uk



Caroline Moncrieff –
Hwylusydd Cerdded
Walk Facilitator
 07771 972 075
 carolinelouisemoncrieff@gwynedd.gov.uk

Sponsored Walk for the Bardsey Island Trust

On the 4th of May, two local young people, Nina and Nils will set out from Llanbedrog to spend three days walking the Llyn Peninsula Coastal Path to raise money for maintenance and repairs to the beautiful listed buildings of Bardsey Island. They're taking their mum, Megan, along because someone's got to make the sandwiches and put up the tent. If you would like to sponsor them please go to www.justgiving.com/NinaNilsWalk.

Welsh 3000s Challenge

An amazing weekend of highs and... more highs! This challenge trek will see you crossing the breadth of rugged and exciting Snowdonia and summiting the 15 highest peaks in Wales. Each one of them over 3000ft, and grouped into three distinct ranges of hills; the Snowdon Massif, the Glyders, and the Carneddau. The challenge begins on Friday the 7th of June.

We begin day one on the Snowdon Massif starting with the mighty Crib Goch before going on to Crib y Ddysgl and of course Wales highest peak Yr Wyddfa - not a bad start to any mountain challenge. Then it’s down and across to the Glyderau range where we literally rise up to the challenge of Elidir Fawr, Y Garn, Glyder Fawr and Castell y Gwynt before making our back to the accommodation for a hot meal and a good nights rest - you’re going to need it!

Day 2 begins with a short drive transfer from our accommodation around to the third range of hills on our challenge - Carneddau. First though there’s the unfinished business of the Glyderau range and we begin with the ascent of Tryfan before tackling the Carneddau range proper. Our path now takes on to Pen yr Ole Wen, Carnedd Dafydd, Carnedd Llewelyn, Yr Elen, Foel Grach, Garnedd Uchaf (yes, we do all 15 peaks over 3000ft) and finally Foel-fras - Congratulations, you’ve just completed one of the toughest and arguably the most spectacular hill walks in the United Kingdom. Now for a big feed and a stiff drink.

Itinerary
Day 1 - 7th June 2013
Arrival at Bunkhouse in Snowdonia by 20:00

Day 2 - 8th June 2013
Breakfast 06:00
Prepare lunches & pack gear
Depart bunkhouse by car – 07:00
Start walking – 07:30
Our walk is planned to take approx. 13 hours for the full day. And will be strenuous, so make sure you pack plenty of food!
Return to bunkhouse for 21:00

Day 3 - 9th June 2013
Prepare lunches & pack gear
Breakfast 07:00
Depart bunkhouse – 08:00—early start! Transfer to Ogwen Cottage—for start of Carnedds route
Trek lasts approximately 10 hrs, and will see us ending in the small village of Abergwyngregyn
Finish walking by 18:00, return by minibus to bunkhouse. High Fives all round before heading home.

Cost: £50 registration Fee & minimum sponsorship.

If you are looking for a challenge...

Looking for a Challenge? Feel that one mountain just isn't enough? How about having a go at the Prostate Cancer Research Centre 3 Peaks Challenge?

Pen y Fan

The cumulative effect of 2864m (9397 ft.) of ascent and about 35km (20miles) of hill walking plus 180 miles of driving on Welsh rural roads makes this a demanding and arduous Challenge. Completing the challenge successfully will require participants to have confidence in their physical fitness as well as experience and knowledge to safely navigate both ascent and descent routes on each of the mountains. We will however deploy highly experienced Mountain Leaders on each of the 3 Peaks to provide help or support where required.

Cadair Idris

Participants will have to plan their arrival at the start point for Pen Y Fan in the Brecon Beacons and the onward driving routes to Cadair Idris and then to Llanberis. The typical average driving time (without any major hold-ups) from Cardiff to Pen Y Fan is about 1 hour and it´s sensible to allow 2.5 hours to reach Cadair Idris and a further 1.5 hours to arrive at llanberis.

Snowdon

You will either provide your own transport (and driver) to complete the course or if you prefer you can opt to use one of the mini-buses (including an experienced driver) we provide at an additional cost of just £25. Teams or individuals may take part in this challenge event but those participating on their own or without a driver may want to make use of the mini - bus service.

Everyone taking part in the PCRC Welsh 3 Peaks Challenge will be provided with a comprehensive Information and Support Pack including durable laminated (all weather) mapping for each of the 3 peaks to aid navigation for ascent and descent routes.

About Prostate Cancer Research Centre The Prostate Cancer Research Centre researches the causes of and treatment for prostate cancer and the Centre needs to raise funds to continue with this research to help improve the survival rates and quality of life for men affected by prostate cancer. Our research focusses on three key areas: understanding development and progression of the disease; identifying men who will benefit from treatment; and the actual treatment of the disease. (Registered No: 802545) For more information, see http://www.timeoutdoors.com/Challenges/Closed/PCRC-Welsh-3-Peaks-Challenge?cmp=newsletter_43_challenges

Great Images of the Island Race Now Available

For the second year, the Island Race (Anglesey Half Marathon) was a great success yesterday, Sunday the 3rd of March. The start was the crossing of one of North Wales' most iconic landmarks, the Telford Suspension Bridge. The bridge was closed to vehicles for the event, as was much of the course. Most of the runners thought this quite exceptional, which bodes well for next year. You can see a video below and purchase a series of individual photos here. Unfortunately Peter didn't compete!