Penycloddiau: Weathering the Storm with Friends, Furs, and Fantastic Views
Penycloddiau and Clywd Forest Circular on AllTrails
Distance: 7.9km
ETA: 3 hours
Elevation: 300m
Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones where everything doesn't quite go to plan. My Birthday hike up Penycloddiau was a perfect example. We braved some truly atrocious weather, but thanks to good friends, happy dogs, and the stunning beauty of the Welsh countryside, it turned into a memorable (and hilarious) experience.
Let's be honest, the weather was awful. Rain lashed down, the wind howled, and we were pretty much soaked to the bone within the first five minutes. But, as they say, there's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing! And luckily, we were prepared (sort of).
Despite the less-than-ideal conditions, the company made all the difference. Hiking with good friends always turns even the most challenging walks into a fun adventure. We laughed, we slipped, we encouraged each other up the hills, and we generally had a blast, even while battling the elements.
And the dogs? They were in their element! Despite the rain, they were absolutely loving it. Penycloddiau offers plenty of opportunities for off-lead fun (under responsible supervision, of course!), and they made the most of it, splashing through puddles and exploring every nook and cranny. Seeing their joy made the dampness and the wind a little more bearable.
The views from Penycloddiau, even in the rain, were still impressive. The rolling hills of the Welsh countryside, shrouded in mist, had a certain dramatic beauty to them. We could only imagine how spectacular it would be on a clear day, but even in the gloom, the landscape had a certain magic.
A few things to note about hiking Penycloddiau:
- Car Park Start: There's a convenient car park at the start of the trail, making access easy.
- Narrow Roads: Be prepared for some narrow country lanes on the drive to the trailhead.
- Weather Dependent: This hike is best enjoyed in good weather. It can be very exposed in bad conditions.
- Dog-Friendly (mostly): Plenty of off-lead opportunities for dogs, but always be mindful of livestock and other walkers.
- Good Friends Essential: Hiking with good company makes even the worst weather enjoyable.
Final Thoughts:
Our Penycloddiau adventure wasn't exactly the picture-perfect hike we had envisioned, but it was still fantastic. It's a reminder that sometimes the best memories are made when things don't go according to plan. The combination of stunning scenery, good company, happy dogs, and a healthy dose of Welsh rain made for a truly unforgettable experience. We'll definitely be back to explore Penycloddiau again, hopefully in slightly drier circumstances!
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