Having driven up on the Thursday, I camped at the Forestry Commission site near Beddgelert. Friday morning dawned bright as forecast and opening the van door revealed patches of mist and sunlit hills – perfect, especially for October! Parking at Rhyd Ddu station, I was away by 10.00 and at the new café on Snowdon by 12.00 via the excellent track which I have been meaning to walk for years. Hopes of avoiding the crowds found on the other side were amply fulfilled. The going is initially gentle across pasture and has been improved with “paving” to reduce erosion. The next stage follows the Llechog ridge with far reaching views across the steep sides of Cwm Clogwyn NW towards Anglesey and the Menai Straits. The final stage is more rugged and much steeper. I was expecting numerous false summits but in no time found myself below the panoramic café windows. The new building is a huge improvement on the original in terms of siting and design – if you must have such a structure in the first place! (did you know the old place was clad by Petrarch Cladding of Churchfields?). On the way down, I left the path to cut South across to Yr Aran where I enjoyed an hour of sunshine, accompanied by a helicopter practising hovering over nearby tops and edges.
Saturday was raining and set to continue. Eschewing a tour of the Llanberris slate quarries led by the Chairman, Nick and I headed back to Beddgelert for a wet and windy ascent of Moel Hebog. A pint outside the Saracens Head was the reward for a detour on the descent taking in some knee deep tracks in the forest. Thanks to Jean and Mike for arranging the usual meal .
Sunday saw a small party heading off around Llyn Idwal before starting home. With the cloud beginning to lift, I peeled off and up the South ridge of Y Garn. No one around, people probably making the most of the extra hour in bed! Sporadic views in most directions and thankfully dry but, unlike Yr Aran, not a place to linger. North in blustery conditions to Foel Goch and returned in sunshine to Idwal Cottage. Down to Harlech, hoping for a day in the Rhinogs. This was the campsite’s last day of the season so no queueing with only 3 other parties and facilities for 90! 200 metres away I had the sandy beach of Tremadog Bay to myself.
Come Tuesday morning the cloud was down and rain in sight so an easy decision to leave the Rhinogs for another time.
Gary Dyer