#TypicalWales

(January 2015)

The wind howled and the grey sky streamed with low cloud as I stared out of the window of cottage. Me and Dan had risen surprisingly early and the sun had just started to brighten the sky, as we tucked into a couple of bowls of steaming porridge. As we ate we debated the plan for the day ahead and agreed that standing being chilled by the growing wind in the slate quarries was a bad idea. 

Low cloud coming down the valley

We packed up the car and headed up the Ogwen Valley amiss the swirl of low clag, pulling off the road at the base of Tryfan. I followed Dan up the monster like north ridge of Tryfan among a group of other fellow hardy walkers and climbers. The wind speed increased with height as we scrambled across the steep slopes of slippery heather as we lost our way up the normal ascent line, moving across a few loose gullies until we found firmer ground. 

Dan chilling on the canon

Me doing my best not to get blown off

(Photo taken by Dan Jackson)

We climbed higher towards the end of the first tier in search of the famous Canon feature. This large lump of rock planted into the mountainside and erected at 45 degree angle into the air. Even with the heighten wind we both knew we had to venture out as close as possible to it's end for a picture surrounded by the now very atmospheric Ogwen and low clag. I crawl to the very end of the Canon and stared down hanging hundreds of metres above the A5 below, as I was bufferted by the gale force wind.

 

Ice cold

Dan having a bit of alone time with his food

We hunkered down behind a few large lumps of rock to gain some rest bit from the uneasing gale to refuel for the final summit push. The second tier that makes up Tryfan is a crown of steep, uneven jagged rocks that requires the whole body to overcome. Along with the increasing difficulty of the terrain, the growing altitude allowed any excess water to form a thin glass like layer of ice across any willing surface. 

 

Tryfan steepening to the summit

Facing out onto the steep East face

The decision not to bring crampons seemed to be a mistake as we clawed and scrapped our way onto the summit. But arriving onto the very top of this 900 plus metre mountain, left us unprotected from the full force of 70 mph winds lashing across the summit. I wedged myself between the famous rock couple of Adam and Eve, unable to make the famous jump between them.

Me and my green bandana between Adam and Eve

Dan being battered by the gales

The descent reversed the ascent process just down a different route, slipping and sliding our way down towards the side of the lake. The path on the lake shores levelled out and eased us gently back to the carpark, and a date with McDonald's on the dark drive home. 

Snow and ice making the descent interesting

The descent view over to Llyn Idwal

A typical winter day in Wales of low cloud, strong winds and rain. But I couldn't have wished it any other way as this time on the mountain allows you to experience natures power and it's atmospheric ever changing mood. 

Back by the darkening shores of Llyn Owgen