Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Cwmclwyd (llechwedd-ywyn)

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=320225&y=334505&z=3&sv=320225,334505&st=4&ar=Y&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf


Nice gently forrest track non damaging and suitable for all vechicles starts west @ SJ196351 and east @SJ210344

Sunday, March 18, 2007

Caemor Wood

Route from Bedwlwyn to Llechrydau

Called this Caemor Wood because it goes though it, but only a short section its part of a route to the lanes to the west but a off road route all the same. Easily FT's starts at SJ 219 364, crosses UCR at SJ 218 351 then becomes a BOAT on unusall intensive farmland, well ploughed up land intead of passure, it follow the side of the fence, comes out on a UCR at SJ223 340

Graig Forrest

Not quite sure what this lane is called, but its a nice FT (forrest track or farm track) one.
Starting at Graig SJ233 377 going up hill its a broken tarmac UCR, but a pleasent run though the Forrest. It then bends to the left (east) and becomes a unsurfaced FT with lots of forrest dropping on the ground making it slightly differcult in the wet due to slipping.

Should not cause any damage and part of the route to Foxes Revenge, south end (top) is at SJ243 361

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Foxes Revenge

Another of those tight narrow lanes which seem to dominate this "Bocage" area. although not a tight as it used to be (March 07). The infamous tree has been cut back, but you still have to watch out for the sump. Can be muddy so best downhill from east to west, expect straches at least. Not a bad lane and part of the "route" round here, the easten end seems wider now, but there has been "cutting back" of the hedges.

Grid ref. SJ233360-SJ243355

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Llangollen climb (Ty'n Celyn)

Lovely pleasant lane which could be done in a 2x4 (did it in Ford Serria), north end (bottom)@ SJ234412 joins junction @SJ237408 then heads south west . South end @ SJ228398 . Climbs steep but steady though a Forest, after high winds you could expect a fallen tree blocking the way, then runs along its side. You get great views of the Dee valley and Llangollen itself, pleasant pasture at the top makes a good place to stop, but keep vechicles on the track. From here you can see the scars caused by "illegal off roaders "doing the 3 peaks on the Llantysilo mountain to the west. Another lane at junction @ SJ237408 goes east along the Forest to the UCR at SJ254404, so you could loop it, this lane now has excellent views (bushes chopped) of the Dee Valley and Cheshire plain, just before the end and another good place to stop. Apart from a few scratches expect no problems.

Allt y Badi (The Baddy) ( Llangollen steps)

Sadly this lane has now been shut from June 2008 till November 2009, and looks like might never be the same again after "resurfacing work". Its also been subject to some publicity from both the Daily Post and welsh TV channel HTV which shows in some lenght the type of surface it once was. Also try fix my street website to laugh at the moaners complaining its got an international standing now, and even this blog mentioned not bad considering only 2000 hits in 2 years.

Left the post on so one can ref the lane incase others use a different name, as for the route either use the tarmac road nearby or the two lanes to the east. (Ty'n Cefn)

Another classic lane except its a UCR which has fallen in to disrepair, concrete culverts cross the lane (hence the steps) and the broken surface coupled with the steep slope makes it hard for transmissions and drives. So going uphill expect to lose the odd half shaft, downhill from Finger farm is easier, but still tricky in winter. Still a great lane, lose rocks & leaves etc make a fab surface, no views so you want something less demanding try Ty'n Cefyn which runs parallel further to the east.

North point (bottom) : SJ219412
South point (top) : SJ210400 (On UCR @ SJ205394 turn north at finger farm)

The lady in the white house at the bottom is a well known moaner, and having done this lane many times it must be a very exciting place to live. Lose horse, lost dog/ cat/ children, split petrol and or DERV, plus the very rare Natterjack toad on the road, I've heard everything, and all on a Sunday evening. She will try to stop you and using any old excuse explain why you should not come these way again, thing is her house has a large hedge and wall which seperates her from the lane, a real "nimby". What really "pis****" her off is when we agreed not to pass her house, turned round, and went back up!

Pontfadog loop

Fallen trees common on these lanes.



Three lanes here forming a loop, but very difficult to find and a detailed map is required. Added to this some of the turns are almost impossible in long wheel base trucks, but you could join up later using the UCRs, this place is a maze of lanes in the "bocage" so leading large convoys is a problem.

The first runs parallel along the main road is pleasant and flat. SJ232385-SJ228376

The second starts (bottom) @ SJ 222373 ( look out for the white iron railings), climbs steep though the woodland crossing a UCR in two places, in autumn, with falling leaves expect problems getting up the hill. Top end (north) @ SJ225380

The third starts around SJ226383 entrance to a farm (by the side; hole in hedge), and Zig-zags downhill towards the start of the first. If you are the lead truck head off first to find it and lead the rest in. Some light damage expected, but for those who don't have the "knowledge" navigation is a nightmare, I'll leave that to you.