You know it is going to be a good weekend in the mountains when the weather is better in Wales than it is down south! That was definitely the case this weekend. As the weather was good and it was the last trip of the year, the hut was full, and in fact the trip was over subscribed. Two of the club chose to stay in luxury at the nearby Clewellen Arms - tough call!

Saturday morning came all too quickly to those of us who had been caught on the M40 in the aftermath of a road accident. However we rubbed the sleep out of our eyes, tucked into a plate of sultana bran and yoghurt, drank lots of tea and finally felt ready for a day out on the hills. Vernon, Lucy, Rod, Chris, and I set off for a traverse of the Nantlle Ridge, while the others organised themselves into assorted mountain biking and walking groups.

After a slog up the hillside, avoiding the worst of the bogs we arrived at the top (Mynydd Drws-y-coed). There were intermittent views out over Anglesea and back towards Snowdon. The wind was strong, and the temperature cool. For good weather it was a quiet day - we saw only one other party of walkers. Lunch at the Obelisk was a good opportunity to warm up with a flask of tea.

Continuing along the ridge after lunch, Lucy and Vernon left us just before Craig Pennant to head back over Bwlch Cwm-trwsgl to Beddgelert Forest. Wise move!

Rod, Chris, and I continued further along the ridge before dropping down into Cwm Pennant. After a very polite conversation with a Welsh farmer regarding the use of fences we joined the bridleway on the far side of the valley which took us up to Bwlch Cwm trwsgl too. Fortunately we got through the mine workings before darkness fell. I had visions of falling down a mine shaft never to be seen again!

The descent through Beddgelert Forest and across to Rhyd Ddu was made challenging by the dark and a brief but very heavy thunder storm. It was great to get back to the hut where tea and biccies were waiting!

No photos this weekend - too cold!

Other activities this weekend included:

• Ascent of Snowdon via Ranger and Rhyd Ddu tracks
• Mountain biking at Coed-y-brennin
• Mountain biking in Beddgelert Forest
• Tour of Moel Hebog

Last Updated: 13 Oct 2005	© Slough Mountaineering Group	contact us