Moel y Gamelin, GW/NW-042 - 578m ASL - SJ 176 465 - OS Explorer 256 - 2 SOTA points           

Thursday 20th January 2022 - Moel Famau GW/NW-044, Foel Fenlli GW/NW-051, Cyrn-y-Brain GW/NW-043 & Moel y Gamelin GW/NW-042

Just Moel y Gamelin GW/NW-042 remained to complete my 20 activator point outing. I varied my route to avoid Moel y Faen. I turned left just before it to follow a more graded path between it and the saddle to Moel y Gamelin.

At the summit 5 QSOs were made, again all on 2m FM with just a handheld and rubber duck.

I was in inquisitive mood so for the return walk, I headed right at the col before Moel y Faen to investigate the feasibility of contouring around the hillside back to the Ponderosa.  It was mostly easy walking with the heather all burnt off, but as the shoulder of the hill became steeper, I began to regret my choice. Inevitably, I had to start ascending in order to keep out of trouble. Interestingly, before getting back to the higher parts of this hill, I came across a track I’d not seen before, so joined it. It followed a wide loop, initially towards the quarries on Horseshoe Pass but curving right back to gently descend to Ponderosa. Next time I will ascend that way and possibly complete my reconnoitre of an alternative approach for GW/NW-042.

The Ponderosa Cafe was locked up, closed and deserted when I reached the car, so I wouldn’t be tempted in for a third time! Super day, rounded off by picking up a Chinese takeaway on the way home.