GW/MW-001 Plynlimon Pen Pumlumon Fawr 753m 6pts 

13th November 2019

Mal GW6OVD fancied a change today and wanted to head up into mid Wales. The target was MW-001 Plynlimon Fawr. The last time I did this summit with him, we walked from the farm Parking spot, in a blizzard... so while the photos we managed were spectacular, I didn’t get to see much of the scenery.

Today’s weather was looking much better. Snow was forecast, but only really in the later afternoon, so we hoped to miss it. It’s quite a drive up to the start point from our QTH near Mountain Ash, but traffic was light and we were parked up and sorting equipment by 9.50am Zulu.

Today’s start point was from the Nant-y-Moch reservoir side. Having seen the OS map for this area, I had a good idea of the upcoming terrain...

The first part of the walk takes us up an access track that leads up to the Llyn Llygad Rheidol reservoir. At SN 77807 87653, we turned off the access track, and started up the hillside following the path that runs parallel with the river.

This becomes a little steeper and very boggy / slippery. After topping the first rise, the summit came into sight, and from there, it was a matter of following the path until reaching the bottom of the small ridge running to the summit itself.

This last part is quite steep and slow going, but Mal the mountain goat was up it in a shot. I admit, I was a little slower. This last section took about 15 mins for me, but there are many footholds and steps cut into the path to help the winded walker.

Hitting the top of the ridge brought me out on the summit, with a view of the trig point and the two summit shelters. Mal was already setting up the antenna pole, so I grabbed a couple of photos, then helped set up the gear.

The weather was kind. Some cloud, some blue sky, a mild wind, it’s the temperature at around 3-5°c out of the wind (about -2° with wind chill). Though dry, it was gradually becoming more overcast.

After setting up, we were soon on air on the FTM-400XDE calling out on 145.500 fm. Contacts came in steadily and we piggy backed on the calls until we had both qualified the summit. With our 4 calls each logged and out of the way, we enjoyed the next 40 or so minutes taking calls as they came, including a summit to summit call.

Timing worked out well, as the calls dried up as the temperature dropped considerably. We packed up, and after a quick equipment check, we started back down the mountain. My descent was almost quicker than Mal’s after I managed to go head over tit on a steep section... I wish Mal had caught it on camera 😂 trying to get up found a twisted ankle. No damage, but it did slow us down a little heading back to the car.

The rest of the walk down was uneventful. A cracking activation with great views and good weather. I’m looking forward to the next one.

Many thanks to all of the chasers and other activators for the contacts.

73s, Maldwyn GW6OVD and Ian 2W0IWM