The Pysgotwr Gorge

by Steve Griffith

I first read about the Pysgotwr late one evening at Tyncornel flicking through old hostel logbooks illuminated by the gas lamp and a dying fire. There were several references to the impossibility of traversing its length, the lack of a track, an unfriendly landowner and the outstanding scenery. The mystique was increased by the impact of forestation along Cefn Gwenffrwd, which made viewing the gorge from above impossible.

Towards the end of a quiet week wardening at Tyncornel (three hostellers all week) I decided to do the impossible. The start is above the confluence of the Pysgotwr and Doethie at OS GR765485. The house at Troed- rhiw- cymmer is now occupied.

Contrary to what I had read there was a faint path along the north-east bank. Going was made harder by the fact it was June, which meant ferns.

Lunch was taken at about GR755489 and I noted plenty of opportunity for a swim in one of the many pools. After lunch the going became much harder as the valley closed in however the scenery was truly superb. Struggling over several steep inclines I was soon faced by a sheer vertical rock face. Crossing to the other bank did not seem any better but I was worried if I went on I might get in a situation where I couldn't get back especially with the bike.

So I decided to head for the Bryn Amber track by going due north. This was very tough and not to be recommended. Eventually I reached the track at GR753520 and enjoyed the sheer bliss of being able to ride rather than shoulder the bike. When I got back to the hostel I noticed I had dropped my water bottle so if anyone finds a black TA bottle can I have it back...

So I never got to the top of the gorge and Pwll Uffern (Hells Pool). Speaking to some walkers on a later trip they said the only way through was to walk along the bed of the stream. Maybe I am just a wimp but has any RSF member done this trip?

In the same area is of course the well-known Doethie valley. However for my money one of the most scenic is Craig y Cwm near Beulah at GR872550. Oddly, not marked by name on any map. I have also read about Craig Dolwen near Devils Bridge, GR795785, another gorge made almost impenetrable by forestry.

References; all places are on OS 147 1:50000, very useful is 1:25000 no 187, which covers most of the Elenith wild places.

An interesting book is "Hill Walks in Mid Wales"; Dave Ing, Sigma Leisure 1995 ISBN 1 850058 433 8

But the best info is gained by staying at Tyncornel and Dolgoch (go swiftly to the former as electricity poles now mar the Doethie and it will only be a matter of time before it is connected)