29-07-16, 07:42 PM
Hey Noggy-good to see you back on forum!
It was a tv prog with Griff Rhys-Jones that got me thinking about these ancient routes.
There is a wooden cross on the western descent side of Bwylch Y Groes that stands on the junction with the road to Lake Vrynwy a short distance down from the summit.
Timing of pilgrimage was important to avoid being caught @ 540 metres in winter blizzards etc although lower down the route works alongside the Dyfi estuary which would be more sheltered. Bands of brigands & outlaws inhabited the slopes of Hirnant & Bwylch passes although the penalty for attacking pilgrims was instant excommunication from the church which would have been quite a deterrent in those times!
I am now looking at the drovers tracks that cross west to east towards the markets in England. Do you have any info on these?
Off to visit sister in Painscastle tomorrow, unfortunately in cage, but its still Wales however you arrive! :lol
It was a tv prog with Griff Rhys-Jones that got me thinking about these ancient routes.
There is a wooden cross on the western descent side of Bwylch Y Groes that stands on the junction with the road to Lake Vrynwy a short distance down from the summit.
Timing of pilgrimage was important to avoid being caught @ 540 metres in winter blizzards etc although lower down the route works alongside the Dyfi estuary which would be more sheltered. Bands of brigands & outlaws inhabited the slopes of Hirnant & Bwylch passes although the penalty for attacking pilgrims was instant excommunication from the church which would have been quite a deterrent in those times!
I am now looking at the drovers tracks that cross west to east towards the markets in England. Do you have any info on these?
Off to visit sister in Painscastle tomorrow, unfortunately in cage, but its still Wales however you arrive! :lol