A Nordic walk by my standard route to the summit of Moel Fama 555m/272m from the lay-by on the lane to Bwlch Penbarra. Ascent by paths to the summit through Coed Fama. Descent by the Offa's Dyke path to Bwlch Penbarra, then the path next to the road back to the car.

I timed my hike to experience the onset of Storm Ophelia, before the cloud and rain rushed in on the fierce SSW wind and while the sun still shone. The forest was very vocal, as each strong gust escaping over the ridge hit the fir trees, sending a shower of needles on me as I passed by. Once above the trees the steep section on the path was mainly sheltered from the worst of the gusts. The steady background wind made the ascent much easier than usual, provided I could keep on my feet (I did).

Once on the summit plateau the full force hit me, and I struggled to the trig point only by walking in zig-zags. I made for the summit tower, on all fours up the eastern steps. There was some shelter from the blast by crouching in the western stair-well. From there I made a struggling sortie to take my customary selfie on top.

I descended down the northern steps, holding on to the walls to retain my balance until I was sheltered. The wind hit me again as I worked round the eastern side, and it was only by pushing hard with my nordic poles that I made slow progress to the start of the descent on the Offa's Dyke Path south.

Once off the summit plateau the wind eased a little, but I still had to brace myself for the gusts. On the more level sections progress was best made by pushing hard behind me with a full grip on my poles. As the strongest gusts hit me, I had to shelter my face from flying dust and gravel. I could see the thicker cloud coming in from the SSW, with rain obscuring the hills to the south-west. Snowdonia to the west was occluded in grey murk.

I made it to Bwlch Penbarra without mishap, and walked the path by the road back to the car propelled by the wind funneling through the bwlch.

All very exhilarating, and an excellent way to experience, like Coleridge, the forces of Nature. It was also a good way of blasting the last of south-eastern England out of me. I was not alone on my hike, with a few hikers, runners and dog-walkers out to experience the onset of the storm like me. Solo.

I checked the forecast when back home. The background wind was in the range of 30-40 mph, with gusts up to 60-70mph.