Bwlch y Groes | Pass of the Cross

[merlocmod.livejournal.com]

The next stop on our Real Merlin and Arthur road trip is a mountain pass on minor roads between Llanuwchllyn (which I can now spell without having to double-check it every time) and Dinas Mawddwy. The road is a bit of a challenge, it's true, but if you have the use of a good driver like Bradley James, then it's well worth the effort. I have to say that the views down into the valleys, on both sides of the pass, are even more spectacular than the view from the lookout at the top. I had a bit of a 'Gosh!' moment myself on the way up, which may or may not have occurred in the same place as did the boys' own.

Warning: But let's be totally serious here for a moment, chaps… The road itself is actually rather good quality, being smooth and wide, but it is single-track for most of its length, and you will meet oncoming traffic. There are a fair number of passing places, and even where there aren't, two regular cars might be able to squeeze past with some goodwill and flippable wing mirrors. Once you get higher, though, there are very steep slopes upwards on one side and downwards on the other with hardly any guardrails. Do not take any risks! Take it slow and careful. We want you to come back and tell us all about how awesome it was, and share your pretty pictures with us.

The other thing to watch out for are the free-range blase sheep… I almost had me some fresh lamb for dinner, but it got away at the last moment, darn it. Take care of the sheep, who seem to assume they have right of way, bless their little woollen socks.

The main roads between Llanuwchllyn and Dinas Mawddwy also climb through a wonderful mountain pass, though the driving is a lot safer and the views rather less wonderful. But maybe you shouldn't feel bad if you only do Bwlch y Groes once!

I was on my own, so alas I didn't get photos of the spectacular views on the way up or down. But of course I got plenty at the lookout where the boys stopped. Including one of my car, seeing as it's also a Ford Focus - though alas an earlier model than the one the boys used, and not quite so blue.





links and details

• the Wikipedia entry for the mountain pass
   
• the location on Google Maps - this points to the actual cross that has been erected, and you'll find the lookout further up the road just to the north

rating

Another strong three pointy hats for this one, because the area itself is so spectacular.

Comments

[merlocmod.livejournal.com]

Aw, hon, what a sweetheart you are... This whole area is so very beautiful, I'm sure you would totally love it. Thank you for your kind words! I hope you get to follow in the boys' footsteps yourself sometime soon. ♥

[merlocmod.livejournal.com]

Actually, I thought of you often - especially when I saw the signs for the beautiful Gwydyr Forest (http://www.snowdoniaguide.com/gwydir_forest.html)! I think 'gwy' means river or water in Welsh...? In any case, gwygwy is a beautiful name for a beautiful person, hon. ♥

[merlocmod.livejournal.com]

Ooh, but I'm rather partial to you and your babbling, my sweet gwygwy! ♥♥♥

I do like the name 'gwydion', too... It seems powerful to me. My research into 'gwy' was only brief, cos I was curious about why it popped up in certain place names scattered throughout Wales, but it does seem to relate to places with lakes and rivers. It's so totally cool about water being your element! I'm Libra, so mine is air. I think that's probably right for me. I liked being up there in the air on top of that mountain pass. :-)

I should think you have a Celtic or Welsh soul, my darling, which counts for so very much. Biology and geneaology be damned! I long ago decided my soul was half Irish and half Italian... Since September 2008 for some strange reason ;-) the proportion of Irishness seems to be steadily increasing... :-D

[merlocmod.livejournal.com]

So sorry to leave this so long, hon... I am way behind in everything! :-/

Well, I have to say I don't really believe in much beyond the practical day-to-day, but still I talk about souls cos somehow it expresses something I feel is real. There's aspects to being human that aren't just practical, even if it's simply the part of us that's made of energy rather than matter...

Perhaps what I am talking about here is an affinity. How does one explain an affinity? With Ireland, long before there was Colin Morgan ♥, for me there was Oscar Wilde and U2 and Cillian Murphy... For some reason I felt drawn to Irish talent and beauty. (Though no one else will ever trump Colin for me now!)

With Italy, I have long loved the food and the history and the countryside. When we finally visited (three trips now) we just loved it so very much. Mr Mod is half Italian (and all Australian!) but I don't have an excuse like that. Just a long term feeling of affinity. I am waffling on here, but I'm sure you'll understand! :-D

♥

[leathlin.livejournal.com]

*loves this entry so much<3*

plus matching icons:)

[merlocmod.livejournal.com]

Hee! Snap! That sure was a beautiful batch of icons that sequanne did... but then obviously there's plenty of inspiration to be found in the boys' road trip. :-D

So glad you enjoyed the post, my friend! ♥

[archaeologist-d.livejournal.com]

Oh, lovely. I really liked when they drove up there. Hopefully, if I ever get back, I'll try and make a trip!

[merlocmod.livejournal.com]

It was an awesome Real Merlin and Arthur scene, wasn't it? :-) And such a thrill to follow them through this beautiful part of the world... I hope you get to do the same, hon, sooner rather than later - I'm sure you'll love it. ♥

[filmatleven.livejournal.com]

It looks so lovely!!!

[merlocmod.livejournal.com]

Ooh, it was lovely indeed, honeybear! Will you trust me to drive you up there one day...? I'll be Bradley happily declaring that I'm at the wheel and everything's gonna be A-OK, and you can be Colin pretending to look terrified... ♥

[filmatleven.livejournal.com]

HEHEHEHE! \o/ *hugs!*

[nenimefish.livejournal.com]

That looks lovely, but I'd be wary driving up it :o Still, the view looks stunning :D

[merlocmod.livejournal.com]

It is lovely indeed - but no, not exactly a road for learners to practice on! It would be well worth finding a driving companion, though. This whole area is just gorgeous... ♥

[kathyh]

It looks lovely, but I don't think I'll ever be able to persuade my husband he wants to drive up there! Thanks for doing it for me :)

[merlocmod.livejournal.com]

Hee! It is lovely, and well worth the effort... Maybe we could challenge Mr H's masculinity...? If young Bradley and old merlocmod can manage the road, I'm sure he could, too! ;-) In the meantime, I'm so very happy to share the Locations Love with you, hon. Vicarious trips are better than none at all! :-D ♥

[babydracky.livejournal.com]

Oooooooh! This sounds so pretty amazing!
♥♥♥
Thank you so much for sharing!

[merlocmod.livejournal.com]

It was amazing indeed... One day it would be so very awesome to share it with you in person, my sweet BabyD! ♥

[babydracky.livejournal.com]

\O/
*is already doing her travel bag*
What? oo

[merlocmod.livejournal.com]

Woot! I am packing my bags, too, my darling... ♥

[babydracky.livejournal.com]

♥♥♥
As you should!
(I just sent you an email ÖÖ)

[merlocmod.livejournal.com]

Hee! Thank you, my darling... September seems so far away! Especially when I am having trouble planning for this weekend, let alone any further ahead. :-D But I will start talking with the other people involved, and make some plans, and get back to you soon. It's going to be a wonderful trip! ♥♥♥

[babydracky.livejournal.com]

Can't wait to hear from the week-end!! *giggles*
And I wanna see the pictures!
Lucky you! You'll see the boys and the girls ^_^

No problem, let me know when you have time.
I just want you to feel welcomed!;)

[asifidletyou.livejournal.com]

Hee! I'm loving picturing the free range blase sheep in their little woollen socks...:-)

This landscape looks beautiful, so open and ancient and infinite...thanks so much for this! ♥

[merlocmod.livejournal.com]

Greater love hath no woman than this, that she finds her friends amusing... :-D I love you, hon! ♥

You are so very right about the beautiful countryside. One day I wanna be your substitute!Bradley, and drive myself and you there... ♥

[asifidletyou.livejournal.com]

XD...I love you too, so very much!!! ♥♥♥

You are ALWAYS my substitute!Bradley :-) Oh, yes please, that would be just so amazing! ♥

[merlocmod.livejournal.com]

Ooh! You gave me a little frisson there... You should be careful, you know, hon... I am not half so well behaved as your real!Bradley, and I cannot be trusted. :-D But if you are feeling reckless then I have to confess that I can think of no better thing to be. ♥