Meet Report: 27-29 January 2023.

Fifteen members and prospective members descended upon Tan yr Wyddfa on Friday evening. Mike Smith arrived early and nipped up Y Garn, scrambling onwards to Mynydd Drws y Coed before returning via Cwm Marchnad. Alan Clare tested his quite recent new hip for an hour or so around the local area.

A couple of people risked eating in the local pub. It hasn’t changed much, nor has some of the beer, by the taste of it. Most others ate in the cottage where a roaring fire discouraged ideas of going out for a drink.

Saturday dawned with a rather low cloudbase and occasional light drizzle. Conditions were forecast to improve and parties were soon on the hill. Mike Gregg, after walking down to Beddgelert climbed Moel Hebog and returned via Moel yr Ogof and Moel Lefn. Steve McCain, Paul and Tamsin, Mike Smith and Conrad ascended Snowdon from the cottage. Nearing the summit they found themselves above the clouds with some spectacular views and brocken spectres. They also found a multitude of people. It is a sad fact that Snowdon has been massively overused since the end of covid restrictions. It’s a pity more people don’t have similar views to this person who posted on Tripadvisor;  “I did the Pyg track there and back and found the ascent horrific – so exhausting. Rubbish views of ugly rocks and a couple lakes sometimes, would never do it again.“

Steve returned down the Snowdon Ranger path, Mike and Conrad down the Watkin path and then back over Bwlch Cwm Llan whilst Paul and Tamsin returned the way they came.

The Whalleys, Harvey and Geraldine followed the bridleway to Beddgelert, later returning the same way. Alan walked a considerable distance along the track before commonsense dictated a return.

The Nottingham three, David, Anca and Ignacio drove to Ogwen and ascended the Glyders via the first half of Seniors’ Ridge and the Cneifion Arete. They returned in time for dinner which must be a first for David.

Tim cycled bridleways to Nant Gwynant via Beddgelert and then the old road up to Pen y Gwryd. The roads were thankfully quiet over Pen y Pass and down to Llanberis. He returned along the bridleway through Telegraph Valley up to the col between Moel Eilio and Moel Cynghorion before the long sweeping switchbacks of the descent to Snowdon Ranger. 45k, about 2/3 off road and an excellent circuit.

The entire meet managed to squeeze into the lounge for dinner as the dining room felt not many degrees above freezing. The usual conviviality ensued and all seemed to enjoy the evening.

The weather on Sunday was slightly better, still cloudy but drier. Mike Smith and Conrad, seeking a shorter day, made a circuit of Cefn Du above Caernarfon looking for historical remains. (They needn’t have bothered, there were plenty in the hut that weekend!) Heading north to some hut circles they came across a 120m wide octagonal arrangement of large concrete blocks with metal attachments. These turned out to be the anchors for a Marconi Long Wave Transmitting Station aerial. The station was used throughout WW1 and in 1918 sent the first telegram directly to Australia.  Rough going but fascinating.

Mike Gregg set of alone to climb Yr Aran via Bwlch Cwm Llan.

Steve set off up the Nantlle ridge, meeting up with the Nottingham set (now four, with the addition of Geraldine). Although it was misty, they still found the ridge impressive and entertaining. During the descent, on steep wet grass, one slipped and lost control. Rather than falling backwards they accelerated forwards. Another tackled the first with little diminution in speed. A third tackle finally brought the avalanche to a halt, fortuitously with only cuts and bruises (names redacted to avoid litigation).

This was a well attended meet, sadly without the winter conditions which are becoming so rare these days.

Attending:

Michael Smith,David Large, Geraldine Lally (G), Ignacio Corradini (G), Anca Pordea, Mike Gregg, Harvey Lomas. Conrad Tetley, Paul Magson, Tamsin Spain, John Whalley, Carol Whalley, Alan Clare, Steve McCain (PM), Tim Josephy