Snowdon Horseshoe, Bochlwyd Horseshoe and Nantlle Ridges. Great walks on the hill, perfect for escaping the winter blues.
<NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST>
 |
| The Famous Snowdon Horseshoe |
November in North Wales is generally a quiet time, with the summer climbing mayhem petered out and the somewhat unreliable winter season yet to kick in. I headed up from London in my little van with the intention of hiking the well known Snowdon Horseshoe. The popular walk takes in Crib Goch (S1, 850m) - probably the best grade 1 scramble south of Scotland, the summit of Yr Wyddfa then on over Llewedd. It would make a great trail run in summer and a fun expedition in full winter conditions. Either way you'll unlikely be alone on a weekend any time of year.
 |
| My Home for the weekend - not pleasant |
My ascent was spent mainly in the clouds as is often the way with Wales……
|
 | | Llanberis Pass - Legendary for cragging |
|
 | | Gloomy over Crib Goch |
|
|
 | | A glimpse of sunshine |
|
 | | Moody and atmospheric |
|
 |
| Llewedd - A large adventurous cliff |
The following day turned out to be clear and an overnight frost meant crisp conditions up high, perfect for an ascent of The Bochlwyd Horseshoe. This fun little outing takes in Tyfan North Ridge (S1), Bristly Ridge (S2) and Y Gribin Ridge (S1) . My ascent of Bristly Ridge was particularly memorable and felt quite serious under quarter of an inch of rime ice. Still there's always an easier alternative if things get too dodgy. The summit of Glyder Fawer was a delight with broken spectre rainbows, cloud inversions, and just superb views...
|
 | | Me in a Brocken Spectre |
|
 | | Glyder Fawer Summit |
|
|
 | | Looking Down Tryfan's North Ridge |
|
 | | Bochlwyd |
|
Some cracking panoramic shots on the plateau...
 |
| Cracking lunch spot |
 |
| Glyder Fawer Summit |
 |
| Perfect weather |
The Nantlle ridge is located in a quiet part of Snowdonia. Dyffryn Nantlle is south of the popular Snowdon and Glyders and on this occasion provided great conditions for a snowy traverse of the ridge...
|
 | | Mike on the approach |
|
 | Atmospheric conditions approching the Nantlle
|
|
|
 | The begining of the ridge
|
|
 | Descending a large shoulder
|
|
|
 | Winter nik on the Nantlle
|
|
|
|
|
<NEXT POST PREVIOUS POST>
