On Saturday 13/12/25 I headed out to GW/NW-044 and 051 to bag some bonus points.
All started off OK. 100m down the road the Landy cut out at a T junction and would not restart. Some frantic checking and found a fuse had blown. Fuse replaced and Landy started…Phew!
Onwards. Arrived at GW/NW-044 & 051 and spotted a coffee shepard’s hut style trailer was parked in the carpark..
Decided to head up 044 first. I was glad of my gloves and wooly hat as the wind was up.
Part way up the hill I had a moment of oh..I wonder if I have packed the mast. Turns out I hadn’t.
Choice was abandon the trip or go for it and have ago using a handheld. I went for it.
I got setup at the trig point and managed the required number along with a few S2S contacts.
Done, and packed the bag and headed over the the fence line for a brew and a munch on a half of a Starbar Duo.(the remaining section for the next hill)
GW/NW-044
After a walk down to the car park and the coffee van was closed.
Onwards to the next hill GW/NW-051
It was a windy walk up the hill and once I got to the top by heck the wind was there.
Again I was glad of the hat, gloves and the new wind proof cagoule I had with me.
After being greeted by a young sheepdog type thing that was on the hill with its owner, I quickly discovered there was no real shelter from the wind. I got setup behind the stone mound and spotted myself.
I managed the 4 contacts and decided it was time for the remaining half of the Star bar before the walk down.
Back at the car park, the coffee van was open and time for a fresh brew before heading home.
Look back from Foel Fenlli to the car park
There is a Landy park there if you look hard enough
Due to where I keep my rucksack (on top of my box of GP300 VHF radios) and under my desk, there is not enough height for the mast in the bag. Mast now relocated to a more obvious location.
Yes, I was surprised by the paint work and would look better repainted
My masts/poles stay in the car. But I do have a short fishing pole that does fit in the pack and is strong enough to have a flowerpot vertical taped onto it. Much better than any standard HT antenna.
I did wander off to the fence line after qualifying the summit and the wind did drop off.
Too many people to play radio from/around the tower (and lack of mast) But no matter job was done.
Hopefully the visitors centre will be made to fit in with the area and not stick out like a sore thumb.
I’m sorry I missed you-I think I was still recovering from the Tesco run & didn’t check Sotawatch.
Yes, on M F I also usually operate from the fence area if not too windy, though sometimes I’ve had to shelter on the leeward side of the tower, in a little alcove, if the winds the usual westerly.
On F F I usually duck down on the easterly side in the dip in the ramparts. Nice report btw!
73 John
I was half expecting a call from yourself - Tesco things need to be done.
If by the bakery Mrs Vaz was probably sorting the bread/cakes out (or singing,…..)
FF there was no where to shelter I used the stone pile for some wind protection. I was glad to get 4 in the log and get down as I could see rain appearing in the distance.
A carbon 6 pole fits inside my rucksack… which means I rarely forget it, I don’t snag it on tree branches and I avoid the “are you going fishing” questions.
Sorry John - was going to give you s2s. Just about to call when the rig cut out with a flat battery. Usual backup options not in the bag as I hadn’t put them back after my VK6 trip.
Some frantic checking and found a fuse had blown. Fuse replaced and Landy started…Phew!
