Sunday 20 June 2010

Snowdonia's 15 Peaks

There are 15 peaks over 3000ft in Snowdonia and it has always been a challenge to ascend them all. Traditionally this has been a one day challenge... but unless you are an experienced hill walker, very fit and slightly masochistic, most people will get far more enjoyment in ticking them over a slightly longer period of time.

For the past three day I have been guiding Leanne and Steve in their mission to summit all of the 15. Doing it over three days is still a good challenge and gives three amazing, long days out in the mountains.

On the first day we conquered the Carneddau - we were even graced with a partial cloud inversion in the morning which turned into hill fog later. 7 of the 15 are ticked on the first day - Pen yr Ole Wen, Carnedd Dafydd, Yr Elen, Carnedd Llywelyn, Foel Grach, Carnedd Gwenllian (formerly Carnedd Uchaf) and Foel Fras.


Cloud inversion in the Ogwen Valley

The next day took us into the Glyderau, which many find to be the toughest section with some long ascents and descents on scree and a scrambly ascent of tryfan to finish the day off. 5 more are ticked on the second day - Elidir Fawr, Y Garn, Glyder Fawr, Glyder Fach and Tryfan.


Fine weather on the Glyder Plateau - Castell y Gwynt and a view to Snowdon

The last day on Snowdon is the shortest but also involves an ascent of Crib Goch. This is a very exposed grade one scramble with some exciting positions. Just 3 on the last day - Crib Goch, Carnedd Ugain and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).


Steve Scrambling up the East ridge of Crib Goch