Holiday report by Tina Gusterton and John Cahill
The beautiful Dolserau Hall, a former Victorian Manor House, is situated at the southern end of Snowdonia National Park. It has been tastefully modernised but has kept the traditional features of the era, including stained glass windows and a sweeping staircase and, weather permitting, the garden and grounds have stunning views across the valley to the summit of Cadair Idris.
After a warm welcome of tea and scones, we were introduced to the three walk leaders who would accompany us over the following three days. We were given details of three walks for the following day. Each were graded according to degree of difficulty. After settling into our rooms, we had the opportunity of a short walk round the grounds before dinner. The three courses, all looked appetising and were served by smiling and helpful staff. (Don’t imagine that you will lose a few pounds during this walking holiday. The food is too good)! The Reading Rambling members shared tables with like minded walk enthusiasts, getting to know each other before the walks the next day.
Each day followed the same pattern, choosing the walk best suited to each person, picking up a lunch, and meeting outside the Hall. We were usually picked up by a mini-bus or coach to transport use o the start of each walk. The evenings had some form of entertainment from quizzes to skittles. RRC did not win the quiz but the scores were close and we were gallant losers! However, one of our members saw glory in the skittles competition, winning a very attractive thermos. Well done Rex!
On the last evening our three walk leaders complimented the way our group mixed and made welcome other individual walkers
Unfortunately, there was one injury on the second day. Pam fell over putting out her hand to save herself. Her injury resulted in a visit to Aberystwyth Hospital in the middle of the night. Fortunately, the x-ray showed no break, although the wrist was very swollen and bruised. Pam was very stoic throughout her trauma.
It is always a joy to stay with people who share a love of outdoors. Getting to know fellow walkers can be enlightening and entertaining at times. For example, who would have thought an electric toothbrush charger was a useful item to have in your rucksack prior to climbing a Welsh hill! There is one piece of information I would like to impart. I do not advise throwing a ball off the top of a hill to a couple of keen dogs. They might not come back!
As always, our thanks go to Hilary for organising such a lovely Autumn Break. Also, thanks go to our three walk leaders who were professional, helpful and fun. Sadly, the HF have decided to close Dolserau Hall at the end of the year. A great pity as it is such a lovely hotel in a beautiful part of our country.
Tina Gusterton
Day 1 Walk 1 The Precipice Walk
The day 1 walk for me was the walk from the house to Foel Offrwn (meaning Oblation or Sacrifice Hill), then on to Old Precipice Walk. All the walks were on the the Nannau Estate which dates back to 11th century. It was established by Cadwgan, a descendant of the Prince of Powys. The Precipice Walk is one of the famous attractions of Dolgellau. But the main attraction of the walk is the incomparable view down the Mawddach Estuary and the principal mountain ranges of Snowdonia.
John Cahill
Day 2 Walk 3 The Ascent of Rhinog Fawr
This was an 8.5 mile walk on very tough terrain of hard sedimentary rock covered with heather. The conditions were wet which made progress on foot more challenging. It was a very steep ascent of 1850 feet. The leader, Tim, chose not to follow the easier route via the Roman Steps Pass! Although I always like a challenge, I realised I had overreached myself early in the walk. Despite my trusty sticks I managed several falls, one a quite painful landing on the small of my back. However, our excellent leader provided just the right support and encouragement throughout our journey. The lunch break was behind a very tall stone wall which kept out the cold wind. Even the sun chose a short appearance. The descent was equally as tricky due to the rain and slippery surface. We eventually walked through the village of Llanbedr to end up at the Victoria Inn for a well-deserved drink.
Tina
