Rhydyronen - The Tarren Ridge - Abergynolwyn

Charles Fleming

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Rhydyronen to Abergynolwyn via the Tarren Ridge returning to Rhydyronen by Talyllyn train.

The walk starts at the picturesque Rhydyronen station on the Talyllyn Railway – an important part of the Industrial and Social History of this part of Wales as well as being the worldwide pioneer of railway and industrial preservation in 1950/1 – proving that it doesn’t have to be stuffed and mounted to be preserved. The railway featured on the BBC 2 “Victorian Farm” programme aired in early 2009.

Rising through pastureland before entering the increasingly barren and remote valley of the Nant Braich y Rhiw, the walk initially follows the former packhorse route from Tywyn to Machynlleth.

On reaching the Col at about 300 metres, the route turns North East to Trum Gelli (655015) and then along the ridge towards to Tarren Hendre via Tarren Cwm-ffernol, with magnificent and far reaching views over the Dyfi Estuary and beyond to the Pumlimon range to the South, Cadair Idris to the North East and on a clear day to Snowdon and the Llyn Peninsular to the North.

Descending via Pant-Gwyn (693038) and Bryn Eglwys Quarry (once the largest individual quarry in the area) to Abergynolwyn Station (671064) then by train back to Rhydyronen.

With a steady, but gentle climb with no awkward cliffs and following generally well defined tracks, the walk in good conditions is an ideal introduction to Moorland walking, but as ever, be aware – the route is exposed and for much of its length at or above 500 metres. Wind and mist will make it much more testing, hence the grading as a Hill Scramble.

The walk duration at a steady pace and to enjoy some short refreshment stops is etc, take in the views and some of the sights at the Quarry is just under 5 hours and if you travel on the 10.30 departure from Tywyn Wharf you have plenty of time to catch the 4.25 departure from Abergynolwyn which runs most days between the beginning of May to the third week of September (sometimes there are one or two later trains in the Summer holidays), which is when I recommend that you plan your walk.

If you are running seriously behind for any reason, there is an easy “escape” route down the valley of the Nant Dolgoch (prior to commencing the ascent of Tarren Hendre) which is referred to in the Waymark instruction 23 and you can then catch the return train at Dolgoch Falls Station instead.

The walk follows a safe track through the disused Bryn Eglwys Quarry, but please do not deviate from it or climb over any of the protective fences as there are some extremely dangerous cliffs and shafts beyond.

At the end I recommend that you finish and catch the train from Abergynolwyn Station, which unlike Nant Gwernol has a café and toilet facilities and is always manned when trains are running, so that you have a point of contact in the event of your needing information regarding trains etc.

(Note from Walkingworld - please take OS maps and the note about the "Escape Route" from waymark 23, with you. The MAXIMUM time required for this walk (in order to catch the train back) is 5 hours and 15 minutes. If your pace is slower, as indicated by your average speed entered on your Walkingworld account, you might not be able to complete the route.)

Be prepared; be safe and enjoy!