Bwlch y Groes | Pass of the Cross
The next stop on our Real Merlin and Arthur road trip is a mountain pass on minor roads between Llanuwchllyn (which I can now spell without having to double-check it every time) and Dinas Mawddwy. The road is a bit of a challenge, it's true, but if you have the use of a good driver like Bradley James, then it's well worth the effort. I have to say that the views down into the valleys, on both sides of the pass, are even more spectacular than the view from the lookout at the top. I had a bit of a 'Gosh!' moment myself on the way up, which may or may not have occurred in the same place as did the boys' own.
Warning: But let's be totally serious here for a moment, chaps… The road itself is actually rather good quality, being smooth and wide, but it is single-track for most of its length, and you will meet oncoming traffic. There are a fair number of passing places, and even where there aren't, two regular cars might be able to squeeze past with some goodwill and flippable wing mirrors. Once you get higher, though, there are very steep slopes upwards on one side and downwards on the other with hardly any guardrails. Do not take any risks! Take it slow and careful. We want you to come back and tell us all about how awesome it was, and share your pretty pictures with us.
The other thing to watch out for are the free-range blase sheep… I almost had me some fresh lamb for dinner, but it got away at the last moment, darn it. Take care of the sheep, who seem to assume they have right of way, bless their little woollen socks.
The main roads between Llanuwchllyn and Dinas Mawddwy also climb through a wonderful mountain pass, though the driving is a lot safer and the views rather less wonderful. But maybe you shouldn't feel bad if you only do Bwlch y Groes once!
I was on my own, so alas I didn't get photos of the spectacular views on the way up or down. But of course I got plenty at the lookout where the boys stopped. Including one of my car, seeing as it's also a Ford Focus - though alas an earlier model than the one the boys used, and not quite so blue.
links and details
Another strong three pointy hats for this one, because the area itself is so spectacular.
Warning: But let's be totally serious here for a moment, chaps… The road itself is actually rather good quality, being smooth and wide, but it is single-track for most of its length, and you will meet oncoming traffic. There are a fair number of passing places, and even where there aren't, two regular cars might be able to squeeze past with some goodwill and flippable wing mirrors. Once you get higher, though, there are very steep slopes upwards on one side and downwards on the other with hardly any guardrails. Do not take any risks! Take it slow and careful. We want you to come back and tell us all about how awesome it was, and share your pretty pictures with us.
The other thing to watch out for are the free-range blase sheep… I almost had me some fresh lamb for dinner, but it got away at the last moment, darn it. Take care of the sheep, who seem to assume they have right of way, bless their little woollen socks.
The main roads between Llanuwchllyn and Dinas Mawddwy also climb through a wonderful mountain pass, though the driving is a lot safer and the views rather less wonderful. But maybe you shouldn't feel bad if you only do Bwlch y Groes once!
I was on my own, so alas I didn't get photos of the spectacular views on the way up or down. But of course I got plenty at the lookout where the boys stopped. Including one of my car, seeing as it's also a Ford Focus - though alas an earlier model than the one the boys used, and not quite so blue.
links and details
- the Wikipedia entry for the mountain pass
- the location on Google Maps - this points to the actual cross that has been erected, and you'll find the lookout further up the road just to the north
Another strong three pointy hats for this one, because the area itself is so spectacular.