Best routes for crossing the hills south of Claerwen Reservoir?

songololo · Post by **songololo** » Mon Sep 14, 2020 4:51 pm

I'm trying to figure out a good route for crossing the hills / mountains south of Claerwen Reservoir.

At present I'm thinking of making the crossing from Carreg-Wen-Fawr through to Esgair Garthen and then down towards the dam wall.

There are some bridle-ways further to the south-east but from the satellite photos the whole area appears potentially boggy and could make for a rather long and trudgy hike-a-bike.

Any recommendations for crossing this region?

Komoot link attached to relevant area https://www.komoot.com/tour/258422868?ref=wtd (OSM cycle map tends to be the best basemap.)

Thanks.

Bearbonesnorm · Post by **Bearbonesnorm** » Wed Sep 16, 2020 6:45 pm

The only reasonably reliable crossing is over Carnau (it's a BB200 favourite). Pick the BW up at SN881556 and follow it clean over the top. Some parts are vauge so trust your gps.

Bearbonesnorm · Post by **Bearbonesnorm** » Fri Sep 18, 2020 10:50 am

This might help

songololo · Post by **songololo** » Fri Sep 18, 2020 11:05 am

Thank you, good to have local insight and confirmation on the route.

Out of curiosity, do you have any thoughts or experience on the Carreg-Wen-Fawr through to Esgair Garthen route further to the north-west? The dip between the peaks looks like it might be boggy, but the ride down towards the dam wall along the ridge looks like it may be OK?

Bearbonesnorm · Post by **Bearbonesnorm** » Fri Sep 18, 2020 11:40 am

Out of curiosity, do you have any thoughts or experience on the Carreg-Wen-Fawr through to Esgair Garthen route further to the north-west? The dip between the peaks looks like it might be boggy, but the ride down towards the dam wall along the ridge looks like it may be OK?

There's a track of sorts in places but it's generally wet and vague ... things get worse the nearer you get to Moel Prysgau forest.

songololo · Post by **songololo** » Fri Sep 18, 2020 1:21 pm

Thanks.

Regarding the Carnau route, if it has been raining, how boggy would this area typically become? What would the implications be for rideability?

We'll be on 2.6" tyres.

Bearbonesnorm · Post by **Bearbonesnorm** » Fri Sep 18, 2020 1:39 pm

Regarding the Carnau route, if it has been raining, how boggy would this area typically become? What would the implications be for rideability?

Aside from some peat hags around the summit, it's generally pretty firm. However, do expect to be pushing up regardless.

songololo · Post by **songololo** » Fri Sep 18, 2020 2:23 pm

vaguely exciting, thanks for the responses, first-hand info is invaluable.

Best routes for crossing the hills south of Claerwen Reservoir?

Best routes for crossing the hills south of Claerwen Reservoir?

Re: Best routes for crossing the hills south of Claerwen Reservoir?

Re: Best routes for crossing the hills south of Claerwen Reservoir?

Re: Best routes for crossing the hills south of Claerwen Reservoir?

Re: Best routes for crossing the hills south of Claerwen Reservoir?

Re: Best routes for crossing the hills south of Claerwen Reservoir?

Re: Best routes for crossing the hills south of Claerwen Reservoir?

Re: Best routes for crossing the hills south of Claerwen Reservoir?