Dyffryn Mymbyr
Dyffryn Mymbyr is a short but wide valley leading up from Capel Curig to the Pen-y-Gwryd hotel.
The Nantygwryd (the small river Gwryd) starts at Pen-y-Gwryd in Lockwoods Lake, it flows towards Llynnau Mymbyr and Capel Curig. The valley, like the river, resides both in Gwynedd and Conwy county borough
Today are at least two active, hill rearing, sheep farms, Garth and Cwn Farm.
The area commands excellent views of the Snowdon horseshoe, which (left to right) takes in the peaks of Y Lliwedd, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Crib y Ddysgl and Crib Goch.
Literature
Dyffryn Mymbyr is the location of 'Dyffryn', the farm in Thomas Firbank's best-selling autobiographical novel (first published in 1940) entitled "I bought a mountain". In the book he describes life in Dyffryn Mymbyr after he bought the 2400 acre farm in 1933. The farm included the southern slopes of the Glyders, and neither Firbank nor his wife, Esme, had any previous experience of farming. However, they succeeded in winning the respect of their employees and neighbours, and slowly built up a healthy stock of 3000 sheep. The couple later divorced, and Esme went on to be a founder member of the Snowdonia Society.
Recreation & Sport
Ther are many walks in the vallay and walks that lead you out of the valley.
From Plas y Brenin you can take the old path taking you up and over Moel Siabod. This route will take you past the old slate mine and then into hill farming country. Whilst ascending Moel Siabod you will have commandning views of the entire valley, there is a great deal of history to this mountain.
In the 1990s Esme (Kirby by then) established a low level walk was established along the length of the valley, starting from and returning to Capel Curig, via Gelli (which used to be the stagecoach Inn before the Capel Curig Hotel now Plas y Brenin where the renowned Evan Roberts (Botanist) [1] lived and worked.
There is moderate to V.diff climbing on the "The Racks" near Dyffryn Farm, "The Pinnacles" (Y Pinkin to the locals) in the centre of Capel Curig. There are two outdoor shops in Capel Curig that can cater for all outdoor needs.
The lake Llynnau Mymbyr is actively used for Kayaking or Canoeing both by Plas y Brenin and many Local Education Authorities. The lake has also been used for fly fishing and sub-aqua courses, although these are no longer active. Some believe there are no fish in the lake, this is incorrect the fish are small but like most brown trout very feisty when on the hook.
The Dragon Ski (The Welsh Junior & Senior Ski Team) used to train here every year, Plas y Brenin was the base, using the dry ski slope, dry cross country ski slope, local footpaths as running tracks and the training pool. The Dragon Ski Club was successful both in the UK but also abroad, culminating in winning the home championships beating, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, held in Val D'Isere, France. The club had at least six boys and one girl at international standard in downhill ski racing.
The woods, surrounding hills, footpaths and forestry track are used for camping, walking and orienteering.
References
- ↑ Robin Gwyndaf: The Mountain Man. A portrayal of Evan Roberts, Capel Curig, rockman, botanist and conservationist. 2006, ISBN 0-9552995-0-0.