Present: Claire (organiser), Alan, Sarah, Bruce, Jo S, Simon H, Maggie, Paula, Pokey, Annie, Rhoda, Bob.
Hoping for fine midsummer weather in Snowdonia was a little too much to ask, and we arrived in a downpour at a very sodden Gwern Gof Uchaf campsite, spectacularly positioned beneath the craggy peak of Tryfan. We consoled ourselves with alcohol while awaiting the arrival of the stragglers who almost pitched up at the campsite down the road (Gwern Gof Isaf) – an easy mistake to make!
Saturday was grey and bleak, and the walkers set off along the Ogwen valley. The aim had been to walk the Carneddau range, but once at Ogwen, a change of plan took us up the opposite side of the valley to Llyn Bochlwyd, Bwlch Trayfan, Y Foel Goch (our high point at 805m) and along the ridge down to Capel Curig and the Pinnacle cafe – a respectable 11 miles. This kept us mostly out of the cloud with some good views, though we couldn’t avoid the occasional drenching. Despite the weather, the climbers managed to climb the East face of Tryfan, and returned just before dark. We managed to BBQ in the evening amidst various attempts to build shelters, though the climbers opted for fish & chips and the pub!
On Sunday the weather was no better, but a group of walkers (Claire, Alan, Maggie, Paula, Simon & Jo) set off on another low level walk, from Capel Curig across rugged terrain to Creigiau Gleison (678m) and Llyn Cowlyd – a total of 10 miles. This turned out to be a great energetic romp with dramatic views looking back up the Ogwen valley to Tryfan beneath the storm clouds.
Although we cannot complain about the great walking – it would be nice just once in a few years to experience a dry summer weekend camping in Snowdonia!
Claire White