Under the Oak Tree

09/03/2025

New post from my Substack

We bought this house in Spring 22 and moved here permanently in Autumn 23.

27/02/2025

New post on Substack

You may not know Tywyn.

17/02/2025

I was working so Mr UTOT popped up Cader Idris and sent me this fabulous photo.

24/07/2024

We are starting to walk more in the Dyfi valley - exploring some new to us trails and paths. Today’s walk took us on a circular through Cwm Llynfant from the Black Lion at Deswenlas. We would not have been surprised to find Constable or Turner at their easel or a troupe of dwarves and a hobbit on ponies. https://explore.osmaps.com/route/22591633/derwenlas-and-cym-llyfnant-

04/07/2024

Today’s walk in winter conditions (12 degrees, strong winds, mizzle, ) took us up Carnedd Y Ffiliast. Lovely gentle climb with a good track almost to the summit. You could get a buggy or all terrain wheelchair most of the way if you were determined enough. On a good day views would be stunning. https://explore.osmaps.com/route/21746745/carnydd-y-filliast

21/03/2024

First leg of the Arddwy trail completed and used our free rail travel to get back to our starting point. Cloudy on the top but found a beautiful barrow on the descent.

19/03/2024

Well suddenly it’s spring here - everywhere we go there are camellias and magnolias in full flower with forsythia making a more discreet attempt as well. Plenty of bulbs showing and the first lambs in the fields. Today’s walk took us up above Llanelltyd around Foel Ispri (easy to add the top if you feel inclined). Still boggy at lots of points but a beautiful walk in soft sunshine. https://explore.osmaps.com/route/20681267/llanelltyd-loop-round-new-precipice-

01/02/2024

Today we visited Plas Brondanw thinking not much to see in February. How wrong we were. The Clough Ellis design was obvious everywhere, beautiful formal gardens with statues and vistas on mountains, a folly and a grotto. The camellias were out and the snowdrops. Make sure you visit the gallery as well. Enchanting exhibitions and a knowledgeable curator.

14/01/2024

Finally made it up Waun Oer. Wind still and pleasant however low cloud meant no views. https://explore.osmaps.com/route/19639153/waun-oer-from-mach-loop-car-park

10/01/2024

Using the Kittiwake books to explore some new routes - today up above Cregennan Lakes needs nerves of steel for the drive but the views make it worth it. Easy walking. https://explore.osmaps.com/route/19861861/kittiwake-dolgellau-15

09/01/2024

You can tell, the weather has improved. Out again under bright blue skies, fierce cold winds and sun. An old favourite but here is the route again; I didn’t make it past the ice slide to the first level of works but such a good walk. https://explore.osmaps.com/route/19850470/moelwyn-mawr-via-cwmorthin