DAY 1
Up at 6.30am. Watered plants and hanging baskets before breakfast at
7am (poached eggs on toast). Finished packing the cases and loaded the
car. Off at 8.45 making sure we have the directions to Erdigg. Arrive
destination just after 10 – way too early. However we have a
flask of coffee and the Sunday paper so time passes by quite happily
until others begin to turn up!
Walter assembles
everyone and we set off on a 3.5 miler around the
Erdigg estate. The walk takes us along the River Clywedog, then through
Coed-y-Glyn Wood before we stop for lunch by water. Makeshift
seating, so makeshift in fact that Louanne almost slides in only to be
rescued by 2 gallant male members.
Trout are spotted. Kit
(Jean’s
guide dog) decides lunch is over, so we quickly pack rucksacks
and continue on our way around the estate arriving back at the house at
1.30.
Some of us decide to take a look at the beautiful Erdigg gardens, but
not before partaking of tea and chocolate cake in the NT tea garden. A
stroll up and down the avenues of beech trees, noting the enormous carp
in the lake before settling in very comfortable deck chairs to view the
house. The sun is out now and it’s hot although there is a breeze.
At 3.30 it is time to drive the short journey to Llangollen and
we
arrive at the Hand Hotel at 4. Llangollen appears very busy preparing
for the Eisteddfod. Our room is excellent, a few stairs to climb, but
it’s spacious and we overlook the River Dee.
Meet the others down in the bar at 6.30, Holland v Mexico on TV, tables
of 8 for dinner. After the meal Walter insists on doing a quiz, which
ends in uproar after all 3 teams end up with 39 points. Judge’s
decision is final however, and one team ends up without a prize.
DAY 2
After a reasonable night’s sleep, up at 7 for tea. Looks like a
glorious day from the bedroom window.
Down at 8 for full Welsh
breakfast before assembling in car park for the featured walk of the
weekend. (6.5 miles with climbs).
Off we go (23 of us) through the
streets of Llangollen and across the river and canal to begin our
ascent of Dinas Bran. It’s quite a pull but our party takes it
steadily and we reach the castle which stands approx. 1000’ above
sea level. Stunning views all round and for miles.
After a photo
opportunity off we go again, down for a bit at
first to the road before
tackling our second ascent of the morning.(there
is a easier option but
nobody takes it)
This is definitely tricky as we scramble our way
upwards and the group
is noticeably quieter as we all concentrate. But, with a bit of pushing
and shoving we all finally make it to the top of Trevor’s
Rocks
at an imposing
1250’ above sea level. We have lunch with a real
sense of achievement and in lovely warm sunshine.
Onwards then along Offa’s Dyke Path, a stunning ridge walk,
before descending a fairly difficult stepless path and emerging at the
Sun Inn, Trevor for well-earned refreshment. The last 2 miles or so,
back to Llangollen is completed on the towpath of the Llangollen Canal.
Back to the hotel for a lie-down and hot bath ,and just time to catch
Murray demolish his 4th round opponent. Down in the bar at 6.30 again
and then a super dinner, much improved on the previous night.
Lamb shank followed by profiteroles. We discuss the day’s
achievements and what the non-walkers have been up to before Steve
gives a humorous and well deserved vote of thanks to Walter (and Freda
& David) on behalf of us all.
DAY 3 Another
sunny day in prospect as we gather at 10 for a gentle
walk around Llangollen. The
Hand Hotel itself is an important historic
building
originally being a coaching house on the A5 (Watling
Street). Next door is the imposing St
Collen’s Church with its memorial to
the famous Llangollen Ladies.
Plas Newydd house unfortunately
is not
open today but we are able to view the magnificent garden. A short
walk down to the River Dee, before finishing
the walk with coffee on the
timbered deck of the Old Corn Mill.
We say our goodbyes here as people
want to do different things for the rest of the day.
We merely stroll
back over the bridge for some browsing on Castle Street. After a quick
bite to eat back at The Hand we reluctantly begin our journey home
,over the Horse Shoe Pass and finally back to High Lane.
A memorable weekend indeed!