Saturday

Three groups headed out into wintery conditions to tackle different objectives, from the hut in the Ogwen Valley.

On the Saturday, a large group (Katherine, Damien, David, Shivani, Ollie B and Chris) headed out early for an ambitious day’s scrambling in the Ogwen Valley. After making short work of Idwal Buttress, the question was – which continuation route? With many having done the Staircase Continuation the previous year, the group decided on the Northwest Face Route, after Chris reassured everyone that they both ended up in essentially the same place. Upon reaching the top, this was seen to be most definitely not the case, with the next goal of Cneifion Arete significantly further away than expected. After sketching their way down a steep and slippery grass slope (missing the obvious path several metres to the left), they eventually reached the base of Cneifion Arete. The group then split into two ropes and headed up, with Shivani grabbing her first taste of roped scrambling – what a route for it! The original plan was to have tackled Shark Buttress next, but with the time being a bit later than anticipated, and having been warned of snow and ice on the route, the decision was made to head up Y Gribbin instead to the summit of Glyder Fach. There was plenty of snow on the summit plateau, and after the obligatory photo on the cantilever stone, the group set off in search of the top of Bristly Ridge. It was eventually found, but the icy conditions made for a treacherous descent, which was nonetheless handled with aplomb. They even managed to find the correct descent gully off the ridge, where some improvised rope work got the whole group down to the safety of Bwlch Tryfan. All that was left was the long walk back to Idwal Cottage after an excellent day in the mountains.

On the opposite side of the Ogwen valley the Carnedd Llewelyn team comprised Caroline Watson, Philip Seely, John Bradshaw, Janette, Eamon and Alix. They ascended Carnedd Llewelyn (1064m) via the Y Braich ridge to the east and the dramatic Bwlch Eryl Farhog ridge. A short but significant section of snow before the summit had us all use the crampons or spikes we had brought. The summit was very wintery as the picture attests! We headed south west and the main party extended the day by returning via Carnedd Dafydd and Pen yr Ole Wen. Alix and Caroline turned East and descended back to the reservoir and the cars via Craig Llugwy. A good mountain day by either route.

Meanwhile Marga, Wendy, Tim, Martin and Ali headed up Moel Siabod on Saturday, the walk started through the woods and up a gentle gradient to Llyn y Foel where we had lunch with a beautiful view. We then scouted out the scramble that heads up the ridge to the summit, but with 2 dogs in tow and slightly slippery conditions underfoot we opted instead for a route slightly further to the left, which was more of a hike than a scramble and still brought us very nicely up the summit, where we found some snow! Tim attempted a snow angel but found that actually this was very hard packed snow! So all he achieved was a sore bum. Having taken in the gorgeous panorama of snow dusted peaks to the north we set of down the long, wide grassy ridge and fairly gentle slopes back to the car and the cafe. The day was completed with coffee and cake and sausages for the dogs from the absolutely lovely cafe owner! All very happy

Sunday

On Sunday a plan was hatched to climb Tryfan. Oli, JB, Caroline, Katherine, Eamon, Janette, Phil and David were in the group. It quickly became clear that the mist enveloping the mountain caused moisture to condense on the rock turning it into verglas. Oli led up an awkward step near the bottom but nobody could follow! JB then resolutely took the lead and the group reassembled higher up. The summit was so shrouded it was impossible to see the classic pinnacle finish. Instead JB announced that he knew the couloir on the left which the team scrambled up via old snow and slippery steps. The group was rewarded with a decent view on the summit. A great finish to the weekend. 

Meanwhile Chris and Damien decided to head out to Amphitheatre Buttress, despite slight misgivings about the weather. Whilst dry in the air, it was still very much wet underfoot (and underhand!), turning the expected romp up this classic VDiff into a much more challenging affair! Chris in particular nearly wore out his trousers with heavy use of the ‘alpine knee’, whilst Damien took the conditions much more in his stride. The top was eventually reached, but questions still remain. Was that a weighted rope Damien felt whilst belaying? And why is Chris’ UKC logbook for that day still suspiciously empty?

The remainder of the meet’s attendees opted for a more leisurely walk near Llanberris, kindly led by a friend of Ali’s who lives in the area.