Hooray!  15,000 words written for the new book and have met the publisher’s deadline.  Only about 200 photos to choose now

Llyn Trawsfynydd showing Powerstation

There are chapters on ancient sites that abound in the Rhinogydd mountains – the land is wild and access is difficult except on foot so this has protected them.

Bryn Cader Faner Bronze Age Stone Circle

Remains of Cerrig Arthur Stone Circle above Barmouth

The land is littered with the workings and tips from gold, manganese, copper and slate mines – none are financially viable today due mainly to their isolated location.

Entrance to Clogau Gold Mine

I have followed one of the ancient routes through the mountains that, at one time, was the main road from Bont-ddu near Dolgellau over to Harlech.

Old Road high up on the Braich  looking back to Cader Idris

The drovers also used these wild tracks through the mountains on their way from North Wales to England and the markets of London taking about  weeks for the journey.

Blaen-y-Cae Ruined Drovers Stopping Place

Three Scots Pines at Blaen-y-Cae Ruined Farm

This very special landscape is full of birds and wildlife finding sanctuary in the ruined buildings and old mines.  I have seen Marsh Harriers here and nowhere else and the sky is full of Skylarks in the Spring – a safe place for ground-nesting birds.

I hope to have the book published by december this year – watch this space!