I wanted to get out and enjoy some of the winter weather before it disappeared and I also wanted to start getting to know Wales a bit more. And I also just wanted to go for a walk!
I parked on the side of the A5 and was treated to my first view of Tyfan - looked like the arching back of Godzilla! But that would have to wait for another day.
Well, not that I was complaining, but it was a gorgeous day - no need for crampons today!
I started up the steep and slightly scrambly ascent of Pen Yr Ole Wen and up to Carnedd Dafydd. There quite a few people dotted about, I seemed to be intend on racing most of them... The giudebook had said that the walk would take 6 to 8 hours and I wanted to see how quickly I could do the walk.
I walked along the ridge to Carnedd Llewelyn. There was snow here, but no need for crampons. Visibility was incredible and the views over Wales were fantastic. My phone was completely letting me down in terms of it's capabilities to capture the scene, but I was in no mood to pause and take photos anyway - I was against the clock.
I continued to Yr Elen, and then back again. The weather and views continued to be spectacular.
I experienced a first up a mountain on returning to Carnedd Llewelyn - the smell of weed! A youn group clearly though it was a good a place to have a smoke as any..!
I decided not to take in Pen Yr Helgi Du - I seemed to be keen to finish the walk.
Views at the base of Cwm Llugwy continued to be stunning.
All the was left now was the relatively dull farm track back to the A5 and then along the A5 back to the car. I completed this at pace and was all done in about 5 hours.
Just before I got back to the car I realised what an idiot I was. I'd concentrated on speed rather than enjoyment and had somewhat wasted these glorious walking conditions. Numpty.
Saturday, 26 March 2016
Friday, 18 March 2016
18/03/16 - Snowdon [mtb] (me, Chris)
Chris and I took a day off work to bike up Snowdon using the Llanberis route for asecent and Ranger path and Telegraph alley for descent.
The weather looked set to be great. We set off in good spirits, though my energy levels were a bit low and the steep ascent soon had me beat and I quickly ended up hiking rather than riding my bike. Chris faired much better and managed to stay on his bike more consistently than me - this would remain the patter for the entire round.
Somehow we managed to lose the path on the way up (how!?!) and so paid the price of having to cross open bracken filled fields to regain the path.
There quite a few walkers and the occasional biker - particularly 2 young lads (one of whom reminded me of Prince Harry!), who'd we cross paths with repeatedly.
After a few stops we eventually got to the top. It was definitely harder than walking up!
Unfortunately it wasn't possible to get the bikes on top of the cairn due to the hoards of people on it, damn them...
Now for the descent! To be honest,my nerves frayed a bit initially, the drop to the left was a bit unpalatable and so I took it stead. The exposure soon disappeared and was replaced by technical descent. All good fun, some more rideable than others. Some particularly flowy.
We caught up with the 2 lads - one had a puncture. I offered an innertube but it was the wrong size.
We carried on, the lads caught up and we walked with them through to Telegraph alley. Lots of bunny hops in this bit. The lads carried on, Chris shortly behind. My much further behind...
We caught up with the lads again - another puncture. This time he gladly accepted the tube. Being recent grads, the outlay for a tube was probably greater for him than me and he was markedly grateful.
We carried on the rest of the easy, but fast route and returned to the car.
Bizarrely, a local pub had a deal where you'd get £5 worth of food/drink just by showing them your parking ticket - weird, but great! Beer and chips, lovely.
Splendid day, felt good to say that you'd biked up a mountain, or at least, been up a mountain with your bike!
The weather looked set to be great. We set off in good spirits, though my energy levels were a bit low and the steep ascent soon had me beat and I quickly ended up hiking rather than riding my bike. Chris faired much better and managed to stay on his bike more consistently than me - this would remain the patter for the entire round.
Somehow we managed to lose the path on the way up (how!?!) and so paid the price of having to cross open bracken filled fields to regain the path.
There quite a few walkers and the occasional biker - particularly 2 young lads (one of whom reminded me of Prince Harry!), who'd we cross paths with repeatedly.
After a few stops we eventually got to the top. It was definitely harder than walking up!
Unfortunately it wasn't possible to get the bikes on top of the cairn due to the hoards of people on it, damn them...
Now for the descent! To be honest,my nerves frayed a bit initially, the drop to the left was a bit unpalatable and so I took it stead. The exposure soon disappeared and was replaced by technical descent. All good fun, some more rideable than others. Some particularly flowy.
We caught up with the 2 lads - one had a puncture. I offered an innertube but it was the wrong size.
We carried on, the lads caught up and we walked with them through to Telegraph alley. Lots of bunny hops in this bit. The lads carried on, Chris shortly behind. My much further behind...
We caught up with the lads again - another puncture. This time he gladly accepted the tube. Being recent grads, the outlay for a tube was probably greater for him than me and he was markedly grateful.
We carried on the rest of the easy, but fast route and returned to the car.
Bizarrely, a local pub had a deal where you'd get £5 worth of food/drink just by showing them your parking ticket - weird, but great! Beer and chips, lovely.
Splendid day, felt good to say that you'd biked up a mountain, or at least, been up a mountain with your bike!
Thursday, 3 March 2016
Plans for 2016 (rev 2)
January
Nothing, the weather was awful!
February
Snowdonia winter walk (done)
March
Carnedau
April
Tryfan Horseshoe
May
Crib Goch
June
30 miles and home with Luca
Scotland weekend - Glen Etive
Tryfan horseshoe
July
August
Lakes with Luca
September
Skye
Nothing, the weather was awful!
February
Snowdonia winter walk (done)
Scotland winter weekend (done)
Carnedau
April
Tryfan Horseshoe
May
Crib Goch
June
30 miles and home with Luca
Scotland weekend - Glen Etive
Tryfan horseshoe
July
August
Lakes with Luca
September
Skye
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