Slowly getting further and further behind with blog (probably just as well its been a pretty dismal winter and spring so far or I’d be miles behind!)
Back to March for our second little adventure in the van. We were heading to Llyn Brianne having never been before and there looked like some decent spots for an off grid overnight.
We stopped off en-route at the Irfon Pool, a spot I’ve wanted to visit for a while as its in my wild swimming guide book.
And a fabulous little spot it is. A narrow gorge with deep pools and a much broader pool just at the gorge exit.
Even for a short stop, the van really comes into its own, allowing us to make a cuppa with lunch and retreat inside in comfort when the odd shower came over.
We spent a happy hour here exploring the river bank and enjoying some spells of bright sunshine.
Being out in the middle of nowhere and still in the closing days of winter we had the place to ourself.
Chilly weather, ice cold water and a river in spate meant swimming was not yet on the cards.
We had a drive around the narrow roads and valleys that surround Llyn Brianne, spying out numerous possible overnight spots before eventually pitching up at the car park near the dam. The weather had been a bit grim while driving but as we parked it looked a little brighter so we took a short walk.
Unlike the Elan Valley reservoirs, the dam here is earth with a broad and rather dramatic overflow channel. We walked over the bridge at the base, mesmerised by watching the “waves” flow down.
We scrambled up the edge of the dam and walked back across to the bridge at the top for a different perspective.
Looking back to the reservoir.
I’ve found videos of people kayaking down this although the water is very shallow. They were old videos so I’m guessing they discourage you from attempting it. One of those occasions when the signs warning how dangerous it is are correct. I’ve even seen videos of people cycling down it when its dry. Madness!
There was a small hill below the dam so we managed to find a way through the woods and bracken to the top. Great views back to the dam and reservoir.
And further south to the hill of Dinas which we’d visit later in the weekend.
On the way through we’d spotted what looked like a perfect overnight spot ona spur above the reservoir. I was worried someone might have bagged it but we managed to secure it for ourselves, likely as the weather was so grey and dreary.
There was another spot down by the shore that was also in my swimming book so we took a wander down the lane for a look.
It was a lovely little spot for a picnic and water based fun in summer. However on a wet and drizzly day we decided we’d park that idea and headed back to the van for the evening.
Another cosy and peaceful night, snug and warm, a nice chicken stew and a beer or two. The van is really delivering for us in terms of impromptu little breaks to break up the long winter.
Next morning was still damp and grey but we were happy in our quiet isolated spot
After breakfast we took a stroll around the forest tracks and down to lake shore.
The weather improved a little and we had some grand views along this little known yet pretty large and imposing body of water.
We found another little beach that would make a great spot for a swim.
We also tried to follow what looked like a path to the top of the crags overlooking our camp spot. It quickly disappeared into a tangle of trees and brambles so we gave up that idea.
A much better use of our time to have lunch.
With a cracking view from our “pitch” overlooking the lake.
After lunch we drove to the Nature Reserve that surrounds Dinas Hill.
There looked like a nice path that followed the river and so it proved
The river Tywi is a pretty dramatic sight, flowing through a steep sided valley and tumbling over boulders creating frothing pools and small falls.
An awkward walk in places with handrails and a great place to explore and possibly take a swim on a warmer summers day.
It was a fine walk to fill the after-lunch period and one that’s well worth the effort to seek out.
We took the little side excursion up steep steps to visit Ogof Twm Sion Cati. Its a cave used as a hideaway for some kind of local Robin Hood figure. This wasn’t really worth the effort though, just a damp and muddy hole without a roof. I’d hoped to maybe force a way to the top of the hill from here but the summit seemed to be surrounded by cliffs all the way round and I never saw anything resembling a path to the top.
Still a fine end to a great little weekend break.
surfnslide 