After a 2½ hour drive, Sandy and Lawrence met up with Ste in the appointed car park for the obligatory pleasantries. After stretching our legs, we popped down the road to check out the bunk house. Whilst typically Welsh and rustic, the bunk house does afford a little comfort, with a spacious kitchen/dining area, a comfy lounge, his and her toilet facilities, a vestibule and wet clothes storage area. Upstairs (careful with the stairs though please) are two sets bunks (not the sort you buy from Ikea for the kids room though)
Next door to the bunk house is a cottage (that is available for holiday hire through Ste's mountaineering club) and net to that is a ORPA green lane...
Having walked the difficult part of this lane, we were unanimous in declaring it unsuitable for our purposes:
Eventually, we headed off to our first lane, to be greeted by a farmer who advised that we would not get up the first section as we would not get through the narrow gate, but just like our crib sheet (received from a CRAG member), we were advised of an alternative bypass route... this route was found to be blocked by a locked gate so we abandoned that lane.
Note from Lawrence - When I go laning, I go for an enjoyable day out, I do not wish to start a confrontation with the locals. If challenged, I will defend my right to drive a lane, although will make notes and turn away unless I have legal documentary evidence in my support. I want to enjoy my day out and not come home with a black eye.
So, onto lane No 2. Once again the CRAG crib sheet was spot on as we entered the forest and used the Forestry Commission track to bypass a washed out bridge. Whilst we were in the forest, we met a convoy of 3 vehicles approaching us - as we were only 2 vehicles we pulled over to let them pass. Of course, when laners' meet it is a good opportunity to stop and chat, and swap routes.
They had two nicely tricked up Discoveries and a 110CSW. They advised that further up the lane, just through an open gate, is a rather large boggy hole that the lead Disco had been stuck in for half an hour !!! We continue on wandering about how bad this hole could be... we were minutes from finding out.
Interestingly, these guys had attempted the our first lane earlier in the day, but from the other end - they had to turn back as the ground was just too boggy.
With Ste leading, he is first to see the hole and for some strange reason decides to drive into it... crunch... bang... spinning wheels... stuck fast.
Ste’s LWB was now resting on it’s rear diff and underbody protection with most of the wheels off the ground - he was unable to drive out of his predicament. So, Lawrence will get to christen the two day old winch then.
Being the winches first use in anger Lawrence was cautious in making sure everything was set up right and safe. To his amazement and delight, the winch did it’s job superbly, with Ste assisting with driven power for the brief moments when the tyres could get grip - an impressive first winching experience. Of course, Sandy was not far away with the video camera in hand.
The second attempt at this section was made by steering up the bank, but side slop did allow the buttocks to clench as gravity did its job in bringing you closer to that ditch. Even so, both Fronteras made it through.
This lane continues on and reveals interesting rises, rock out crops and scenic views. Unfortunately, Ste was to experience a puncture on one out crop that would ruin a tyre with a 1½" side wall laceration. Fortunately we had all the tools with us (and a tarpaulin to lay on) and were on our way shortly after, continuing this cracking lane without further drama.
On to our third scheduled lane, now know as "Hidden Lake". The start, although a little muddy, is a great drive; dry stone walls and sheep grazing country with little or no signs of civilization. At a cross roads, we three-point-turn left and drive the sunken/cutting lane. The going is firm, with a light mud over a gravel base, with occasional flooded tracks, but nothing more than knee high in depth.
At one point, there is a washout, allowing for a little care but a great spot to test your axel articulation and take photos. After about an hour, we arrive at the “Hidden Lake” for a picnic lunch.
Retracing our route, another hours drive finds us back onto the sealed road network.
On our way home, we just happen to be travelling through our regular haunt, so a drive through the Corwen Carwash and a trip over the Wayfarer (in the dark) would round off a cracking day.
Ste, Sandy and Lawrence have discussed the above lanes at length, and combined with the other lanes we have in mind, should make for a cracking laning weekend in a couple of weeks time.
Note: All pictures are clicky
Full set of pictures here
Video clip now available here
Lawrence
EDIT: added video clip link
:)
