Tri chopa'r Elenydd
(Three peaks of the Elenydd)
What is it?
A remote, one way, 22-ish mile challenge walk with about 3,500' of ascent from Llanwrtyd Wells to Llanwrthl and back; or vice versa
It requires very accurate route finding in places to avoid very deep molinia grass and bogs that might suck you up. The good news is that most of the difficult stuff is around the open moorland so you'll be able to call for help for that twisted ankle (not that anyone is likely to come) or express your last thoughts to your loved ones as you gradually sink into the bogs. Generally not a good idea to attempt as a single soul.
It's a one way challenge that must be completed using public transport; having a personal taxi, paid or unpaid will void your attempt (and we might just throw you in the bog with the others). We are not sponsoring extra vehicles charging around the countryside for some demonic pleasure.
The three peaks are Drygarn Fawr, Gorllwyn and Y Gamriw; the three highest peaks of the Elenydd (of the Elen/Elan), the central section of the Cambrian mountains, otherwise known as the Green Desert of Wales.
Beth yw Tri Chopa'r Elenydd?
Taith gerdded heriol anghysbell, un ffordd, tua 22 milltir o hyd gyda thua 3,500' o esgyniad o Lanwrtyd i Lanwrthwl ac yn ôl; neu i'r gwrthwyneb. Mewn mannau, bydd angen i chi ganfod llwybrau manwl iawn er mwyn osgoi gwellt y gweunydd dwfn iawn a chorsydd allai eich llyncu. Y newyddion da yw bod y rhan fwyaf o'r darnau heriol o amgylch y rhostir agored felly byddwch chi'n gallu galw am help pe byddech chi’n troi’ch pigwrn (er mae'n annhebygol y bydd rhywun yn dod) neu fynegi'ch meddyliau olaf i'ch anwyliaid wrth i chi suddo'n raddol i'r corsydd. Yn gyffredinol, nid yw'n syniad da rhoi cynnig ar yr her hon ar eich pen eich hun. Mae'n her un ffordd y mae'n rhaid ei chwblhau gan ddefnyddio trafnidiaeth gyhoeddus; bydd cael tacsi personol, wedi talu amdano ai peidio, yn dileu’ch ymgais (ac efallai y byddwn yn eich taflu yn y gors gyda'r lleill). Nid ydym yn annog cerbydau ychwanegol yn gwibio o amgylch cefn gwlad am rywfaint o bleser cythreulig. Y tri chopa yw Drygarn Fawr, Gorllwyn a'r Gamriw; tri chopa uchaf yr Elenydd (o'r Elen/Elan), rhan ganolog mynyddoedd y Cambria, a elwir hefyd yn Anialwch Gwyrdd Cymru.
The start and finish is the square in Llanwrtyd Wells by the Red Kite; a small offering to the kite may be appropriate in the hope that it's friends won't be feasting on you in the coming days.
The Route
The route is only loosely defined although you must stick to public rights of way and open access land; however there are checkpoints along the way through which you must pass and you need to prove that you have been to each of these. From south to north they are:-
1. The red kite in Llanwrtyd Wells centre (SN 8788 4670)
2. Ford through the Cerdin – either by Nant y Glo (SN 8745 4994) or at the base of Craig Disgwylfa (SN 8715 5068)
3. Ford through Afon Gwesyn between TÅ· Mawr and Trysgol (SN 8604 5375)
4. Beside Sgwd y Ffrwd (SN 8613 5610)
5. The 2 cairns of Drygarn Fawr and it's trig point (SN 8628 5841, SN 8675 5857 & SN 86225837)
6. The 2 cairns of Gorllwyn including it's trig point (SN 9159 5884, SN 9179 5905)
7. 4 cairns along the ridge of Y Gamriw and it's trig point (SN 9440 6119, SN 9466 6121, SN9533 6171, SN 9566 6204 & SN9598 6255)
8. The Llanwrthwl bus stop on the A470 (~SN 9768 6403)
9. The red kite in Llanwrtyd Wells centre – again! (SN 8788 4670)
That's 16 selfies or other means of identifying you were there. In addition you should also be able to demonstrate that you used public transport to complete your circuit to or from Llanwrtyd Wells.
How to claim your commerative coaster
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Take the evidence of your successful attempt into the Neuadd; persuade them that you have completed the route; if you are successful you will be rewarded with a coaster to commemorate your achievement – there is no charge for the coaster of completion.
