Activation report GW/NW-048 Mynydd Nodol 23/12/08
Arrived at Stuarts G0MJG just after 0830 and transferred all the kit, we then set off heading for the Mersey tunnel listening to GB7WP (the Wirral d star repeater) to stations on the south coast and Glasgow. Our route was to take us via Mold ,Ruthin and Bala.
Turning right in Bala along the A4212, after about 1 mile turning left onto an unmarked road to take us up along side NW-048. After about 1 mile from the village of llidiardau there is a cattle grid beyond which there is a large parking area.
Ascending from this side is just a case of following faint sheep tracks along a small ruinous wall which is quite steep in places. With no tracks to follow it became a heather stomp which was soaking wet, even gaiters proved useless in these conditions.
(the marked fences and walls are no obstacle on this summit)
Once on summit there was a heat stealing wind blowing across the top which proved quite chilly after 10mins of faffing about. As with Cracoe fell I tried digital voice simplex and soon had 3 stations in the bag, determined to qualify it I stayed calling to get an elusive 4th contact, A station was heard in talking with another but they qsyd before I could make myself heard.
Meanwhile Stuart was on 5megs working the usual suspects but getting colder all the time, by this time I had switched to 2m fm and was working a mini pile up. Mistakenly in a fit of madness I told everyone I was above lake Bala it was in fact LLyn Celyn reservoir so apologies if I confused anyone.
After 1 .25 hrs on summit it was time to go, a wet heather stomp back to the car and a trip to a café in Bala put payed to a second summit. Sausage, chips and a large mug of coffee being responsible here.
Many thanks to all stations worked and a merry Christmas to all.
Keith G0OXV