Graham Illing: Access to Mynydd Eppynt is a mystery no more. Having passed by the summit a number of times only to be put off by the numerous red flags, and on one occasion guns booming, I decided that a formal approach would be the best plan of attack, especially given comments in Marhofn 84. Unfortunately the number given on the sign at the entry to the firing range for the army base at Sennybridge is very old, and it took a couple of goes with directory enquiries before a successful number was extracted. To my pleasant surprise my request was very courteously and positively received by Major Howard Vaughan and Sergeant David Muirhead. It was clear that no other Marilyn baggers had made a request, although those interested in the wildlife and rally-car racing on Mynydd Eppynt had.
To cut a long story short, given firing on a Friday finishes at 15:30, Sergeant Muirhead accompanied me to the summit at 19:20. We went in his Land Rover along the summit ridge track (tarmac road actually) and then walked to the 475m trig point at SN928435 for good measure. We had fine panoramic views which I felt were just reward for the hassle of the near misses and getting permission. Definitely a case of Get On My Land (in controlled circumstances anyway). Contact details for permission: Major Howard Vaughan on 01874 635401 (email cos@senta.enta.net) or Sergeant David Muirhead on 01874 635462.
Incidentally, I discussed Gary Honey's experience described in Marhofn 84 (no names or secrets revealed) only to get a good laugh and confirmation that there is no intruder alarm in the area. Maybe the sound from someone's car alarm or house alarm had been carried on the wind.
Mark Trengove: I think this fine hill is not fitted for the Hall of Shame. With proper planning (see page 5) it can take its place as an excellent tick. Armed with my range pass from Sennybridge army camp, I took the traditional short stroll to the summit from the B4519. I could have made more of it I think, if time had not been pressing.
The sergeant at Sennybridge said they discouraged general rambling in this area on non-firing days because of the large number of shells lying around, but I think a longer walk could be arranged to the summit from Llangammarch Wells, especially over the Christmas / new year period. He said the majority of people he met requesting access were not hill walkers but Druid types wishing to visit the standing stones which litter the plateau.
I did have time to stop the car at a number of points along the B4519, savour this marvellous wilderness area and take a few photographs. Some day I intend to go back and give Mynydd Eppynt the attention it deserves. Perhaps the army may tire of individual walkers asking for access. I'd be happy to arrange a Marhof expedition some time and make a day of it. Anyone interested can contact me by email to marktrengove@hotmail.com or at 4, Trem-y-Foel, Sychdyn, Mold, Flintshire, CH7 6HA.
Alan Dawson: I chose to stack the odds in favour of success by nipping along the track from the main road in rain, mist and darkness during the Christmas / new year holiday week. This worked well. I didn't think it would be a popular tactic, but I subsequently discovered that Chris Upson was up there later the same night, when it was darker, wetter and mistier. Rather relieved I didn't bump into him.
