Included in this Blog rather then Corwenlanes.blogspot.com because its just in the National Park . Nice non damaging lane popular with commercial groups because to its length and ease. Takes about 1 hour, but since either way is possible as most groups turn round and go back. Being hard core, but not that rocky, a good lane for all seasons, since not effected by any bogs, even after heavy rain there is little water on the top. North Start point at SH952313, its up a forest track, however most prefer to join it at the top at SH946274 the first 100 yards is about the worse. Excellent views of both Snowdon and mid Wales. If going anti-clockwise ie. from the top about 800 yards into the forest take the left fork.
Note told might not be legal right of way, so check.
There was a gate put in at the bottom, last time there June 07 there was a lock on it, so looks like another lane lost. At the top still open and groups are using it to the forest and turning round, since the views are excellent, so a warning on this.
Tuesday 12 December 2006
Monday 11 December 2006
Happy Valley (Tywyn) (Bump Stop)
Absolute Classic hard rock Lane we come to expect in Wales steep climbs both ends on rock surfaces, plus on the top up and down though the rock formations, there also some water and steep side inclines with the expected drop. Excellent views of the Dovey and the coast. Worth the often long travel too. West end starts at SH623016. east at SN669998, either way is possible but east to west seems harder hence the name Bump stop. Expect light damage as well as light head injuries as you get thrown about the cab. This lane takes its fair share of breakdowns overheating is common as well as diffs, gearbox failures steering etc so be prepared. The west end you have to cross the Talyllyn Railway at Rhyd-yr-onen the railway workshop can do wonders in fixing broken drag links. The Series One club meets once a year here, to see them do this lane is a slight in itself. Happy valley is the valley below there is some boats in there I'll leave them for you to do.
Barmouth loop (Bomber Lane)
Called the Barmouth loop cause the two lanes loop round forming a loop around Cadair Idris, the top lane is often called Bomber Lane since a bomber crashed on it. North end is a SH648128 one approach is to come though Arthog up a very steep UCR.. The other approach is along the top UCR from Dolgellau this is a nice scenic route in itself. The lane itself is easy and non damaging, brilliant views of Barmouth, Shell island and sometimes the Ireland itself, the crash site is around SH639119 look for a large plate in the wall.
Heading from the north, there is a lane leading off at SH628098 and heading west, it was very boggy, however now the whole surface replaced with waste slate maybe the signs to things to come. Still very plesant drive towards the coast.
Otherwise head south to the radio mast, the lane becomes tarmac, and has a lot of private cattle grids, technical not the correct legal row as they are private, but never known any objections.
Heading from the north, there is a lane leading off at SH628098 and heading west, it was very boggy, however now the whole surface replaced with waste slate maybe the signs to things to come. Still very plesant drive towards the coast.
Otherwise head south to the radio mast, the lane becomes tarmac, and has a lot of private cattle grids, technical not the correct legal row as they are private, but never known any objections.
Coed-y Brenin (Roman Road)
Nice easy forest lane this running parallel to the main A470. Either way is possible, but since some "knowledge" is required due to forest tracks its best to start from north end at SH727316, look for a small chapel. It heads south in open country then into a forest, quite muddy and as expected scratches will occur, but little other damage. Look out for the large mile post on the east side somewhere in the forest. It was here while a group took a break, that a large tree just fell down over the track behind them, it shock a few of the group up when they relaised just what had happened. It was windy but not that bad. The south end comes out around SH7227, the track leads to a part tarmac road, then a better road, then a proper road, just like they seem to do. Ff you turn south on the main A470 about a 1 mile on there is a handy pinic stop with toliets etc
At the south end around early 2007 a wooden gate has appeared a with a chain but so far no lock.
At the south end around early 2007 a wooden gate has appeared a with a chain but so far no lock.
Sara Helen
Running parallel to Siabod (Dolwyddelan) its easier, apart from the last bit, here the bridge has been removed so you have to use the forest tracks to get to the main road A5. At a salt bin turn left . If you haven't the knowledge start from the A470 at Pont-y-pant SH754536, look for a pair of big trees next to nice house.
The lane starts at SH759544. pleasant but a bit of a steep side incline just before the Gwydyr Forest which leads into a bog, keep going straight on until hit tarmac or forest tracks, bit narrow passing along stone walls so expect a little damage other wise OK. Join A5 around SH771577.
WARNING
The bog hole near the narrow gate has now been filled so expect no problems, except some groups have recieved section 59's a kind of warning or caution for driving the forrest tracks including the route to and from the lane. Still to be sorted out so its up to you
The lane starts at SH759544. pleasant but a bit of a steep side incline just before the Gwydyr Forest which leads into a bog, keep going straight on until hit tarmac or forest tracks, bit narrow passing along stone walls so expect a little damage other wise OK. Join A5 around SH771577.
WARNING
The bog hole near the narrow gate has now been filled so expect no problems, except some groups have recieved section 59's a kind of warning or caution for driving the forrest tracks including the route to and from the lane. Still to be sorted out so its up to you
Siabod (Dolwyddelan)
They don't get better than this, a must for all laners, steep rocky, loose rocks about a foot cube which tumble down from the truck in front. Team effort required plus a go for it attuide, not recommended for going it alone. Novices can do it with guidance form more experience members. Expect damage due to rocks, springs dislocate, shocks break,and diffs shatter. On the top gorse is thick so expect scratches, plus tyres seem to get shredded to bits.
Brilliant views if you don't want to go though the above, you can do most of the lane from the Dolwyddelan end, its the last 1/2 mile of the north end which is the rocky descent. If you do go down its easier from the south end, but you can turn round just before the end and go back up!
North end is at SH737567 near an old church: South end SH736525 you have to search for it.
The forest is easy to get lost in, good map reading required from lead truck, look for a gate on the edge at SH733548, the forest tracks are easy with plenty of turn round areas, if you don't want to go the full way look out for the track to the lost village, turn round at this cross roads.
The lost village is worth a look, but its private road, not far to walk, also there is a track up to Llyn-y-foel again no vehicle ROW. There also a crashed DC3, some wreckage left near the quarry. Wild camping is possible in the forest but you have no rights, remember the guidelines camp late leave early no fires or noise and you will get away with it. Equally a day camp, (ie stop for long lunch is permitted), there is some brilliant water falls and swimming pools around here, but be careful.
Brilliant views if you don't want to go though the above, you can do most of the lane from the Dolwyddelan end, its the last 1/2 mile of the north end which is the rocky descent. If you do go down its easier from the south end, but you can turn round just before the end and go back up!
North end is at SH737567 near an old church: South end SH736525 you have to search for it.
The forest is easy to get lost in, good map reading required from lead truck, look for a gate on the edge at SH733548, the forest tracks are easy with plenty of turn round areas, if you don't want to go the full way look out for the track to the lost village, turn round at this cross roads.
The lost village is worth a look, but its private road, not far to walk, also there is a track up to Llyn-y-foel again no vehicle ROW. There also a crashed DC3, some wreckage left near the quarry. Wild camping is possible in the forest but you have no rights, remember the guidelines camp late leave early no fires or noise and you will get away with it. Equally a day camp, (ie stop for long lunch is permitted), there is some brilliant water falls and swimming pools around here, but be careful.
Read me
Your in the National Park now so don't expect too much, in the last 30 years much has been taken away. Now they have the power to close any road in the park including the tarmac ones and this includes the main "A " roads etc. I have seen the outline plan and it makes grim reading, either to us laners or anyone using a any motor vehicle. It includes closing moorland dead end roads, little used moorland passes, car parks at the end of roads, restrictions and charges on parking, limit to car park places on private land. Even more closing about 1/3 of the footpaths to walkers! It will effect walkers, climbers, mountain bikers, water sport persons, fishing, even persons staying in Hotels etc. So enjoy what you have, it may be the last time you ever visit.
Another point is the complete lack of Petrol stations in the area so fill up when you can, bring some food and drinks as most pubs seem to shut in winter months. There are few campsites and even less in winter open, so check if coming from a long way. Wild Campsites can be found if you know where to look, you could try local farms but most are afraid of breaking the stupid regulations the Park Authority imposes. One often wonders what type of visitor they do want.
Another point is the complete lack of Petrol stations in the area so fill up when you can, bring some food and drinks as most pubs seem to shut in winter months. There are few campsites and even less in winter open, so check if coming from a long way. Wild Campsites can be found if you know where to look, you could try local farms but most are afraid of breaking the stupid regulations the Park Authority imposes. One often wonders what type of visitor they do want.
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