Meet Report: 18-20 January 2019.

After being spoilt by the weather on last year’s visit to Snowdonia, there was both a mixed forecast and consequently mixed expectations for the weekend. We were staying at the Tan-y-Wyddfa hut in Rhyd-Ddu, owned by our kindred club The Oread Mountaineering Club. The hut is well positioned with easy access to Snowdonia and although this was my first visit I was assured I was still enjoying the hut in its original livery.

On Saturday Mick Borroff, David Hick, Nick Welch, Richard Dover, Richard Taylor and Michael Smith set off from the hut to traverse the snow-capped Nantlle Ridge. David had to retire with a sore knee part way up Y Garn, while the others scrambled along the crest in the soft snow and misty conditions to reach the obelisk on Mynydd Tal-y-Mignedd.

This brought back fond memories of Adrian Bridge from a previous winter meet. The ridge was then followed to Garnedd Goch and the descent took us down Cwm Ciprwth to the hut circles and on to the ruins of the Ciprwth copper mine, worked in the latter half of the 19^th century.

The 8m water wheel is fitted with a winding drum while a crank drove connecting flat rods to power a pump in the second shaft to de-water the Gilfach mine below. The ruins are remarkably complete and well worth a visit, see: https://www.aditnow.co.uk/Mines/Cwm-Ciprwth-Copper-Mine_10973/ . They returned to Rhyd Ddu by crossing Cwm Pennant and climbing through the slate quarries in Cwm Trwsgl via the old tramway, over the col and down through the plantations in the late afternoon gloom. 

Meanwhile David, Richard Josephy and Harvey Lomas completed low level circular walks in the Beddgelert and Cwm Bychan areas albeit separately and without encountering each other.

Tim Josephy walked from the hut, crossing the South Ridge of Snowdon, down the Watkin path to Nant Gwynant then back via Beddgelert and the bridleway before returning to the hut to prepare the evening meal. 

Richard Smith and Chris Hilton drove around to the Llanberis valley to try the Llechog Buttress scramble (grade 2/3*). Following the route description diligently they set off up the greasy rocks in misty conditions. After failing to find an elusive “perched block” it dawned on them that they were actually halfway up the Llechog Ridge route (1/2*). Although disappointed with their navigation error, with the damp conditions they were thankful to be on the easier climb. With no guidebook print-off for this route they continued up the ridge in blissful ignorance to emerge at the top in improving conditions. Continuing onwards to the populous Snowdon Summit the snow was in good condition and they emerged out of the clouds. Buoyed up by the weather and the thought of tables being set back at the hut, they returned via Crib Goch, arriving at the car park using head torches. 

Back at the hut, tables had been neatly positioned and a looming tea bag shortage had been averted. Our thanks must go to our meet leader Tim who prepared an exquisite dinner of bolognaise, selection of breads, salad and parmesan for the main course with treacle sponge and a selection of cheeses for after. 

Sunday started much like Saturday, with low cloud. However, this did not deter those who could spend another day on the hills. After driving round to Capel Curig, Richards S and T, Michael and Chris followed a route recommended by Tim. Starting off east then north they gained the col to turn west up Crimpiau, then splosh north to Craig Wen.

The clouds cleared and views over to Tryfan, the Glyders and Carneddau were enjoyed. Another mile further north and three of us were on the snowy slopes to Creigiau Gleision’s 678m summit, while one scrambled there via the rocky crest further right. Scarred from Saturdays endeavours, Chris was picking out perched blocks on every outcrop. After the more northerly top a descent was made through the woodland to Hendre for the short pull up to the col visited earlier. Striding out over the couple of miles back to Capel meant they could be setting off for home before 3pm. A good five-hour round. 

Meanwhile on Sunday Mick and Dave parked in Capel Curig and walked over the hill to Lyn Crafnant and back via the forest trails, pausing to watch the trout rising in Lyn Bychan and lower down, bumped into Tim who was doing the same route in reverse. 

Another great meet was had by all with the start of winter conditions kindling excitement for the coming Scottish meet in February. Thanks again to Tim for organising.

Attendees:

Mick Borroff, Richard Dover, David Hick, Chris Hilton, Richard Josephy, Tim Josephy, Harvey Lomas, Michael Smith, Richard Smith, Richard Taylor, Nick Welch