The Big Mig

With my sister whimping out of a slog up Carnedd y Filiast, a less strenuous route across the sublime wilderness of the Migneint was a decent second option.

The term ‘austere beauty’ was invented for this place with miles and miles of rolling moorland, crowned by the imperious Arenig Fawr. Apparently this is the largest area of blanket bog in Wales and thus is absolutely superb – and relatively unspoilt – habitat.

Having said that the best birds today were viewed from the roads – a pair of Red Kites on approaching Ysbyty Ifan and a female Merlin that zipped past the car when we had parked up to start our walk further down the valley.

The walk itself was a fairly easy stroll up to the old farmhouse of Cefngarw. That said, we made a complete hash of finding the bridge that crosses the Afon Conwy and it was only after an incredibly friendly farmer had pointed us in the right direction that we were on our way.

Birding was a little slow when we had eventually reached the track, with the standard moorland fare of Meadow Pipits, Ravens and Buzzards all that was on show. Then, from nowhere, a Red Kite appeared and very obligingly afforded us a close view of its aerial mastery in the gusty winds.

When we reached Cefngarw the heavens opened – something of a surprise to my sister whom had taken the best part of the weather forecast – ‘sunny spells’ - as the prevailing conditions and dressed accordingly, thus choosing to ignore what any of the other ‘spells’ may bring. Ray Mears would not have been impressed!

The old farmhouse must have acted as something of a bothy in years gone by, although judging from its appearance visitors are now few. This is a great shame, because a couple of night up here in the spring could be magical – and you would see the ‘fresco’ of a large ram too.

Although no Hen Harriers or Short-eared Owls were seen today – perhaps not surprising at the fag end of the breeding season – they surely must be here. And I wager a few other goodies too…

Until later.