IAN WARDLE’S NUTTALLS

I finished the Nuttalls in 2018 but my walking partner Ian had 13 summits outstanding. As my hip replacement is only weeks away we embarked on a plan to complete the outstanding summits in just two weeks starting on 1^st August. We planned and completed the hills in four walks as follows:

Walk One - The Radnor Forest

This walk circumnavigates the ammunition testing ranges, taking in Bache Hill, Black Mixen and Great Rhos. Nine miles of mainly high moorland covered with heather, cotton grass and bilberry all cut into attractive steep valleys. Having travelled 140 miles on completion we travelled a further 40 miles moving to an isolated single hill to save a further trip. Pen Y Garn is another area of moor and forest but after a long day we had completed 4 summits. Photos of the day can be seen 'here'

Walk Two – Warcop Ranges

An open day on the Warcop ranges planned, however the M6 was closed in both directions! We used an unmetalled road to escape the traffic only to find access to Hilton barred by roadworks. A longer approach achieved Little Fell, Tinside Rigg and Long Fell. We returned via Kirby Lonsdale to the M6 with another 3 Nuttalls completed. Photos of the day can be seen 'here'

Walk Three – Mac Loop

Another early start for the Mac Loop at Biwitch. Despite arriving early the car park was already packed with plane spotters. We managed to squeeze in, leaving just the necessary 3 metres for farm access. A steep climb out of the park to Cribin Fawr then Waun-oer and Maesglase. Cribin Fawr has to be climbed again to return a total of 3300 ft of climbing. 3 more summits done. Photos of the day can be seen 'here'

Walk Four – Cadair Idris

Our last day so we parked under Cadair Idris at the start of the pony path. This is a popular route but we were on our own when we turned right along the ridge to Tyrrau Mawr (Craig-Las) and Craig-y-LLyn. On returning to the Belac we re-joined the crowds to descend. Again we changed location for the final summit, and by far the best. The ascent was rough and steep passing several old mines but worth it. The summit is fantastic with the coast behind you and a panoramic view in front. My second visit to Y Garn but for Ian a fitting summit to complete all the Nuttalls. Photos of the day can be seen 'here'

We covered 962 miles in 4 days to complete the 13 summits. Four days of excellent walking and good company. Thank you Ian – you are now a Nuttalls completer.

John Evenden