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Back in the 90's I used occasionally to attend Welsh language courses. I never lasted long and always found an excuse to drop out, usually because of time pressure or for financial reasons.

I did, however, pick up a smattering of Welsh and imagined, because I had mastered a few phrases, that I was ready to go forth and test my vocabulary and comprehension in the real world.

It so happened that one year I set out with a companion to walk the Rhinogs , a grim but magnificent range in Snowdonia, which boasts some of the roughest hill walking country in Wales. Situated in the Harlech Dome, the Rhinogs are frequently shrouded in mist and home to little more than the occasional sheep farm.

It was on a misty day somewhere south of Maentwrog that my companion and I admitted we might be lost and sought directions from a sheep farmer we were lucky to encounter on the barren hillsides.

This was my big chance. I said, "Dyn ni'n mynd i Maentwrog. Ble mae'r Maentwrog?"

Our new found friend began talking rapidly in fluent Welsh pointing ( fortunately ) in the general direction of Maentwrog and no doubt, supplying us with a detailed account of every major obstacle and landmark we would encounter en route. All wasted! After several minutes he came to a halt and smiled. I smiled back, waved and said, "Diolch yn fawr."

After leaving our helpful guide a safe distance behind in the mist my companion turned to me and enquired smugly, "You didn't understand a ******* word of that did you?"

I hung my head and muttered, "No...not a ******* word."

And so....if there is a moral to this tale it is this. Join AmeriCymraeg now before you too get lost in the Rhinogs!

Click here or below to for the 'How To Enrol For AmeriCymraeg 'page