Martin - tried to edit my last post but couldn't do it.
All land around and between Ty'n Cornel and Dolgoch Hostels is access land with these exceptions:
Small areas of enclosed fields at Maesglas, Soar y Mynydd, Brynglas, Nant-Llwyd, Blaendoethie, Ty'n Cornel, and a slightly larger area of fields around Nant Gwernog, Bryn Glas and Pysgotwr where there are several public footpaths (and a farmer who doesn't appreciate the new laws!). A small area south of the 465 spot height west of Brynglas is also non access. The forest west and southwest of Dolgoch is not access land. Nor is the Nant Gwernog plantation (being felled) Other forests are.
The route between the hostels is easy, but avoid the "footpath" from Dolgoch to Hafdre (tussocks/boggy bits/flies etc - no fun!) - do the extra two miles and use the road east of the river. During dry spells the river is fordable (with dry feet if proper boots are worn and you have a decent sturdy stick to aid balance) straight down from Dolgoch Hostel. Now Forestry Land so Farmer J won't be on your trail!
The route via Nant-Llwyd to SN771515 then Doethie is easy, but careful map reading is needed near that GR; there are several nice tracks not going where you think they will if you take the wrong one!
The way from the phone box SN 762577 to Ty'n Cornel was always used as the walk from Blaencaron. It's straightforward, slightly boggy passing Nant Melyn. In general, keep to the ridge clear of the forest edge or it's "bogsville".
The bridle path round Blaendoethie is not practical and the driveway is not a public way.
The route down the Doethie to Foel Fraith then to Bryn Ambor is very good, but the paths through Nant Gwernog forest are wayward (it's now being felled). Coming down to Ty'n Cornel via Nant Coli is tussocky and can be boggy and hard work.
There you are everyone - I expect you at both hostels next year (or even in the winter) after all that!!!
