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16 members made it to the comfortable Oread M C hut at Rhyd Ddu for an ace week-end in fabulous weather- cold & frosty with snow on the main tops.
Saturday dawned cold & clear with the face of Y Garn & the connecting ridge to Mynydd Drwsy- y -Coed on the Nantle ridge towering invitingly above the hut.
Some decided on a relaxed day exploring the trails near Bethesda or on the approach to Snowdon from the hut, while the remainder split into a Snowdon team (Andy & Rosie) and a Nantle team of 9.
Andy & Rosie left early to climb Snowdon by the Rhyd Ddu path.and climbed steadily with no difficulties apart from some verglasing on rocks. The final snow around the summit presented no major problems and they descended by the same route enjoying the commanding views. On the way they met Geoff Nichols who had intended to meet up with us all at 9am, but was unable to do so due to car problems & a wait for the A.A.
The Nantle party opted against a full A to B traverse of the ridge, with the consequent need to transfer cars to the other end, and instead decided to follow the ridge to the escape route by Trum y Dddysgl & return through the Bedgelert Forest.
The initial ascent up Y Garn was brutal, but got the ascent over quickly. Once at the top we had just enough time to admire the view, before clag unexpectedly rolled in. The rocky scramble to Mynydd Drws-y-coed was made a trifle exciting by the verglas covered rocks. Onwards from M D-y-coed a path below the ridge line enabled Marian to take a “softer” exit than the steeper version ahead.The remaining 8 re-joined the main ridge continuing to the obelisk on the summit of Mynydd Tal-y-mignedd. After lunch here the group divided again with Paul E opting to continue to the next summit -Garned Goch-with a lengthy return through the Pennant Valley and over the col at its head. The remaining 7 retraced our steps towards Mynydd Tal y mignedd, from where the descent & traverse across the head of the Pennant Valley led us to a waiting (& by this time) rather cold Marian at Bwlch y Ddwy Elor.The return through the Bedgelert Forest via the various tracks was successfully navigated & we were soon back at the hut.
Finishing our mugs of tea, we were joined by Paul E following his mammoth return via the depths of the Pennant Valley.
A convivial evening followed with Leon, Josie, Chris & Jo producing an amazing communal feast with, poppadoms, chicken tikka pieces and onion bhajis followed by a vegetable curry; all supplemented by members own drinks of choice plus Ali’s gin aperitif and Chris & Jo’s post meal spirits.
On Sunday some left early, leaving a party of 13 to carry out a mass ascent of Snowdon from the south via Bwlch cwm y Llan, Bwlch Main and so to the summit, with the descent by the Rhyd Ddu path.
A virtually cloudless day with blue sky and no wind, plus a reasonable covering of snow, gave us the ingredients for a perfect mountain day.
Having fought our way through the inevitable crowds around the summit, we took lunch on a viewpoint below the café. We then donned crampons for the descent to the rocky Lechog ridge where the Rhyd Ddu path led us back to the hut in good time for the drive home.
Thanks to all who came for your company and contribution to a great week-end.
Mike D
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