The northern end of Sarn Helen (an old Roman road) is just north of Dogellau:
I entered the Coed Y Brenin forest off the A470 at SH 715 293, which is reasonably new tarmac up to SH 723 281 (quiet past the house please). A left tun takes us onto a Forestry Commission track and to a new gate. The gate is not locked (18 June 2006) but does have a heafty chain fixed with a twig !.
To start with, the route, although uphill, is quite easy, with a few large rocks to negotiate. After bearing right at the fork (the left fork has no ROW), the track deteriates into what looks like a river bed (probably caused by water run off destroying the sealed surface):
Towards the top of the climb, where the track levels out, there are pools of stagnent water in the ruts. Some appear deep enough to cause the underside to catch.
Once at the top and at the edge of the forest, there is a very narrow gate. Once through the route takes you alongside a dry stone wall (on the right) with views out over the valley, with a distant view of Snowdon on a clear day.
On this northern section are a couple of places to park up and take in the views:
Proving that this route was once a regular ROW is a milestone, which reads "Dogellau 9 miles"
The route (I took) is 3.3 miles and took 45 minutes (stopping to take pictures and video) and climbs from 816ft to 1166ft.
The Sarn Helen ORPA continues south of SH 723 281, but please be aware of cyclists as there are a number of official mountain bike tracks in the area. (Please give way and make room for any cyclist you come accross cycling uphill).
A short video clip appears here
Lawrence
