A mention must be given to my recently purchased pocket guide to the history surrounding the Rhinogs.
Living here in Dyffryn, my home is looking towards the famous Harlech to London coach road, and adjacent Drovers road across Bwlch Y Rhiwgyr to Dolgellau.
Today was special, as i was visiting the Trawsfynydd side of the mighty Rhinogs for the very first time, even though i have driven past them so many times over the many decades ive been travelling up north, they look more innaccesible from the A470, so ive never ventured there before, until this afternoon.
My first port of call was the tiny hamlet of Bronaber on the side of the busy A470 Trawsfynydd main South to North Highway.
I was here to look at the famous Drovers farmhouse, with those legendary Scots Pinetree's marking the way for the Drovers looking for a place to shelter overnight.
Blaen Y Cae farm, now sadly a ruined derelict farmstead, was a very important stop over for the Drovers of Maentwrog and beyond, and the specially constructed walled shelters where the cattle were kept overnight, are still there, last used nearly two centuries ago.
The fireplaces are still in situ, as are the rusty bedsteads, that must be original to the dwelling, and what stories they could recount, of days gone by.
Less than a mile further up the road, is a very large car parking area, allowing easier access to Bwlch Drws Ardudwy and the rugged slopes of Rhinog Fawr and Fach.
To see the magnificence of this area of Snowdonia, check out the website for Cae Gwyn Farm.
They run a campsite less then half a mile from the ruined Blaen Y Cae, and their photographs will do the area more justice than i could.
Its an area of Snowdonia that i recon few tourists get to see, which is a great shame, as this afternoon, in rather sultry overcast weather, the magnificence of the mountains, and a tiny Trawsfynydd Power station in the distance behind me, made me feel elated, and thankful for my good health.
Thousands of tourists drive up that A470, and they are missing something really special.
Once this hot weather is offer, rest assured i will return to park at the Graigddu Isaf parking area.