Meet Report: 31 January – 2 February 2020.

Twelve members of the European Union gathered at Helyg for a wet and windy meet. By the end of the evening they had all quit (pace M Smith). Luckily they were all made of stern stuff and it was only the EU they left, not the YRC. Although one member very nearly made a rapid exit from the Ogwen Valley in an easterly direction when he chose to brave the gales and camp outside the hut. A few arrived early enough on the Friday to get in a short walk around the environs of Capel Curig and the banks of the Afon Llugwy.

Saturday morning dawned bright but with strong winds, forecast to increase with afternoon showers. Most opted to stay relatively low, various parties and individuals making use of the leat which feeds Llyn Cowlyd to traverse the hillside (one doesn’t expect to encounter roadworks in such a remote place!) Some continued above Capel Curig before returning alongside the swollen river. A large party of Dovers, Lathams and a Brown continued NE beside the wild waters of Llyn Cowlyd to the dam, where they climbed south to cross a col, then through bog, forest and more bog down to the head of Llyn Crafnant. Another col took them over to Capel Curig. By now thoroughly soaked, the forecast showers having turned out to be persistent heavy and horizontal rain, some repaired to the pub to watch the rugby whilst the others returned to the hut and the rather inadequate drying facilities.

The final party elected to test the accuracy of the forecast and slogged up the water board road to Ffynnon Llygwy reservoir before climbing up to the narrow ridge above. Here the wind prompted Chris Hilton to abandon his plan of continuing to Carnedd Llewellyn, the party turning right instead and scrambling to the summit of Pen yr Helgi Du. The wind was becoming troublesome and by the time they reached Bwlch y Tri Marchog, had the eponymous three horsemen been there they would surely have been unhorsed. The subsequent ascent of Pen Llithrig Y Wrach was almost abandoned as the violence of the gusts increased but steel nerve and determination prevailed.

The summit was passed without pause, then the descent along the broad and sheltered NE ridge was pleasant by comparison. Just above the Cowlyd dam, the remains of an Avro Anson, crashed in 1944 were discovered. Lunch was taken in the shelter of a wall which hid the sight of the approaching weather. The subsequent return into wind along the lake and the leat is best forgotten, Welsh weather at it’s worst.

The stove in the Helyg common room gave the appearance of warmth rather than the actuality so the company congregated in the kitchen where the meet leader was preparing an excellent meal of pea and ham soup, braised ox cheek, stewed autumn fruits and cheese. Conversation flowed freely and few felt felt motivated to leave the warmth of the kitchen table until it was time for bed. Friday night had been fairly quiet but it has to be reported that this night the gusts outside were sometimes drowned by the snores within.

Sunday dawned less windy but with rain forecast. Most, faced with wet clothing from the previous day decided to head for home. The Smiths took advantage of the lee side of Tryfan and made an ascent via the Heather Terrace. It was a first ascent for Helen; in her words, she “thinks she enjoyed it“.* Tim, having fettled the hut, drove to the North coast where, in sunshine and moderate winds he enjoyed a few hours walk around the numerous summits of Conwy Mountain and Penmaenmawr.

In common with most of the recent Welsh winter meets this one was not blessed with good weather. However, judging by the talk over dinner, everyone had enjoyed their day and as usual the food and company were of a high standard.

Attendees

Richard Josephy (Leader), Chris Hilton, Helen Smith, Michael Smith, Paul Dover, Philip Dover, Richard Dover, John Brown, Harvey Lomas, Pete Latham, Anne Latham, Tim Josephy