Crimpiau, Craig Wen and Creigiau Gleision

This walk from a couple of weeks ago is one that we have never done in decent weather conditions, we had hoped that this time we would get the superb views across to the Snowdon Range, and down the Ogwen Valley, but alas the clag dropped and views were a bit limited. Nevertheless it was a great walk in a lovely area and the times the clouds did part, gave us a glimpse of great views, especially into Cwm Idwal and Tryfan.
We started the walk from Capel Curig, as Sharon has permanent loan of my Berghaus gaiters, quickly called in to buy another pair, and I am so glad I did, it was rather boggy a lot of the way round. From CC it was firstly up into the clag onto Crimpiau, then dropping off and up onto Craig Wen, and then following the ridge down to Creigiau Gleision. From here it was down to the dam end of Llyn Cowlyd, and the long walk back along the Lake, and across the vast open bog back down to the A5 back to Capel Curig.

Moel Siabod with the cold early morning mist clinging to it as we drive into Capel Curig



Looking back to Capel Curig as we ascend Crimpiau



Sharons smiles soon disappeared as we headed up to the clag!



A forced smile as we can see not a lot from the top of Crimpiau



Tryfan appears out of the gloom as we descend before climbing Craig Wen



clearing a bit as we look back over Capel Curig towards Llynnau Mymbyr



Looked magical over on Tryfan



from the quartz outcrops on Creigiau Gleision across to the lower slopes of Pen Llithrig Y Wrach



As I said, Tryfan looked amazing



All smiles again as the sun comes out



The dam wall of Llyn Cowlyd



And the view up the Lake from the dam wall



The water dog soon in for a dip!!





looking back down Llyn Cowlyd



Cloud hugging the Glyders, but Tryfan staying clear



The long walk back, Sharon and Holly stop for a breather, with Pen Llithrig Y Wrach in the background



Crimpiau lit up by the setting sun

A Freezing Foel Fras

Still playing catch up, this latest walk is from a couple of weeks ago at the back end of the wintry spell of weather we experienced. We walked around the Eastern end of the Carneddau, starting at Aber, aiming for the highest point on Foel Fras, the last of the Welsh 3000 challenge that we will be having a crack at in June.
We started at Aber, past the falls, up around Drosgl, past Bera Bach, across the summit plateau of Garnedd Uchaf and up onto Foel Fras. Coming back down over Drum, Pen Bryn-Du, Yr Orsedd, and Foel Ganol. In all approximately 19km, the conditions as you will see from the photographs were almost arctic on the top of Foel Fras.... but a great day!

Starting point next to the Afon Rhaeadr at Aber



Aber Falls



Reaching the snow line on the lower slopes of Drosgl



A wintry white out ahead up on Garnedd Uchaf



was like sitting in the freezer!



Rather cold!!



Sharon bravely soldiers on



As does Holly



Frozen ladder stile as we approach Foel Fras



The wall is in there somewhere!



Foel Fras



Heading back down to Drum, Llyn Anafon below



A rather cold coffee stop on Drum, it was that cold the coffee had even gone cold in the flask!!



Myself on Pen Bryn-Du, my lens still suffering from a dip in the snow on Foel Fras!



We eventually came across some of the ponies the Carneddau are famous for, they were beauties











Sharon and Holly





And back where we started next to the Afon Rhaeadr at Aber

A Circuit of Easedale

I am slowly catching up with the backlog of posts for our recent walks. This post is from our final day of our Lakeland long weekend. Having been blessed with good weather for the first two days, the Sunday was a lot greyer and there was a really strong cold wind blowing across the fell tops. We had decided on an ascent of Helm Crag, then to Gibsons Knot, over to Calf Crag and then the long walk back down the valley of Easedale. Despite the weather it was a great walk, another three new Wainwrights for Sharon, and we finished the weekend off with a lovely meal in Grasmere before the long journey back to North Wales.

Our first Wainwright of the day.... Helm Crag



Looking across Easedale



Couldn't have organised themselves better for this Herdy photo



Looking back down the crag to Grasmere



No climbing the Howitzer today, far too windy, had a job standing up straight to take the photos!





Easedale Tarn



Our next wainwright.... Gibson Knot



Steel Fell from Helm Crag



Looking back to Helm Crag as we ascend Gibson Knot



Sharon struggles to stay upright on Gibson Knot



She hasn't blown off.... the view back minus Sharon



Starting to look a little gloomier as we head off to Calf Crag



Looking across to Tarn Crag



Our route back down the valley of Easedale



Sharon and Holly having to sit down on Calf Crag so strong was the wind!!



looking down onto Brownrigg Moss



one of the many beautiful waterfalls as we descended into Easedale



Almost back at Grasmere and a well deserved meal, our starter Helm Crag back behind Sharon, and the end of a great long weekend..... and we still have'nt had a wet walk in 2013 yet!!!