After enjoying early morning walks and the desire to achieve a bucket list item to climb a mountain. My wife convinced the whole family that we would spend a nice weekend enjoying the Welsh national park, with promise of spectacular views and easy to achieve hike up to the summit. Being complete novices to mountaineering and hill walking, it’s fair to say ignorance was bliss!
It was a long drive from just outside London to North Wales, but the first day we spent at Zip World. We opted for the quarry karts and then let the kids go on the velocity zip line which they loved. Both activities were held at a higher altitude and noticed the weather conditions were very blustery, this created some nervousness as was only a fraction of the altitude of the summit of Snowdon!
The night before we started to prepare, I think a 30 litre bag would have been sufficient although I took a 45litre.
Our list contained the following:
- Energy gels
- Water
- Walking sticks
- Emergency blanket
- Waterproofs layers (poncho)
- Food
- Electrolytes
- Energy tablets
- First aid kit
- Tracking Watch
- Portable Charger
We checked the weather as prompted by, there were weather warnings which we were hoping would improve the next day. But that wasn’t to be, the met office still reported warnings but did forecast to start clearing at the summit and our logic was by the time we reached the ridge it would be about that time. We had already made the decision of our route, and chose the PYG track for the shortest and most efficient route up.
We pre booked parking which is of course recommended and the car park was already getting full when we arrived around 8.30am. The weather was drizzly, but hey it’s Wales, that’s pretty normal. Before we even started I threw up, mix of nerves and the unknown we were about to face. The first 10 minutes were a stready stroll, and quickly met with the first high steps- a few hikers on the way down warned us of the wind and told us to take care. Well that was the pleasantries done and the enjoyable part of the hike complete- From what remains left (only the next 6hrs), were pretty brutal. The rain started to hammer down, the foggy mist blocked most of the view. And the trail, although mixed views whether it was suitable for beginners. My personal view, that it probably isn’t suitable for beginners! Although contesting with the wind, there were narrow parts with drops that made me feel uncomfortable, also although classed as a scramble we had to use our hands a lot to climb up. If you haven’t done much hill climbing, do not underestimate the energy and impact of muscles something like this challenge can have. Mix that with mother nature and you can understand how a lot of people get in trouble! When you’re legs start to hurt and you think you are almost on the final hurdle you are in fact still about hour away! Also no matter at what point you ask fellow hikers on their way down their response will always only be 20 minutes left from the top! We saw a lot of people who gave up, as the weather really was miserable and can’t blame there as there were plenty of times I could have just turned around!
We had a few tired jelly leg moments, it’s actually quite scary when this happens, especially when contending with heights. Best advice if this does happen, is combat with something sugary- sounds basic, but you really have to force it down as you don’t crave food.
The visibility was poor most of the way up, which probably wasn’t a bad thing- stopped us from knowing how much longer we had to go! Once we got to the ridge, there was a short 10 minute walk to see that glorious summit monument. However, there were much larger men than me, hugging onto it due to the high winds…No thanks! I’ve done my part representing unfit middle aged men from Shepperton. Also to our disappointed the cafe was closed, would you believe due to the weather! As we soaked in our elation for the accomplishment, the effect of stopping started to set in and a cold chill started to seep in. So even though we could have done with more of a rest, we had to keep moving in order to not seize up. The realisation that we had to do the same distance again was devastating. However we opted to go down another route, the more leisurely Llanberis track, as couldn’t face the exposed edges of the PYG going down. The weather was kinder, and the harsh winds slowly back off as we descended further into the valleys. At the end we were greeted with civilisation, a real road and then a small pub (which of course we stopped at!) total time 6hrs10mins. And then the reality setting in, we were on the complete opposite side of Snowdonia and needed to make it back to Pen Y Pass where the car was parked. It was about a 10 minute drive which we opted for a taxi, although there are also bus options!
Our reflection was one of achievement and groans of fatigue. A fantastic experience, and unique because of the weather, my best advice is listen to the guidance and plan and prepare for all eventualities, as the weather up the top can be vastly different than at the bottom! There were a few lessons we would take forward, so learn from them if you so choose:
Lessons Learnt:
- Don’t ignore the weather warnings
- Don’t underestimate the challenge- make sure you feel comfortable with physical exertion and do as much training as possible (Hill walking preferred)
- Prepare for using hands on the PYG track and long strides
- If it’s cold, when you stop you will feel the chill, keep moving or put on additional layers
- Tracks are well trod but not really clear, so make sure you concentrate on people ahead or be a strong navigator
