Sue, from winter posts, had been working as a guide in Snowdonia and I had arranged to meet her for a day tramping over the Carnedau, Toby was invited to join us as he had been stood up by the guy he was meeting.
We met at the east end of Llyn Ogwen before heading yup to Ffynnon Lloer. Sue was directing the route but Toby was navigating (practice, practice, practice) from here we scrambled our way up onto Pen yr Ole Wen. There is something about this mountain in the mist, its a little unsettling. I always want to walk the wrong direction off it. I have to stop myself and get a compass out to make sure I head off in the right direction. Its just odd.
After a tea break (Sue is getting used to the guiding ways) we headed off to wards Carnedd Dafydd. It was an atmospheric wander along the gentle ridge. Its quite a rounded ridge so very pleasant to wander along.
We met at the east end of Llyn Ogwen before heading yup to Ffynnon Lloer. Sue was directing the route but Toby was navigating (practice, practice, practice) from here we scrambled our way up onto Pen yr Ole Wen. There is something about this mountain in the mist, its a little unsettling. I always want to walk the wrong direction off it. I have to stop myself and get a compass out to make sure I head off in the right direction. Its just odd.
After a tea break (Sue is getting used to the guiding ways) we headed off to wards Carnedd Dafydd. It was an atmospheric wander along the gentle ridge. Its quite a rounded ridge so very pleasant to wander along.
Sue and Toby heading off towards Carnedd Dafydd.
We reached the summit of Carnedd Dafydd, just like the last your natural instinct draws you off in the wrong direction! We had another tea break! Sue is definitely getting used to guiding older clients. Then headed on towards Carnedd Llewelyn. This was exciting new territory for me! The ridge is slightly more interesting than the last ridge. Im sure it would have been spectacular views, had the mist and cloud cleared. Sue had warned us about a tricky step on the way down, which we found. She then proceeded to show us how to get down it without falling.
Sue descending a tricky step.
As we descended the final stretch of ridge the clouds finally started to clear, which gave us some spectacular views. On the way down we had a discussion about some moss... if you have any ideas what the fatter one is please do let us know (photos below).
Toby admiring the view.
Unknown moss...
Reindeer Moss.
It was really rather a super day out. Very nice to be walking on solid ground, with paths and distinguishing features, rather than snow. We had one finally stunning view as we made our way back to the Ogwen Valley and the vehicles.
Tryfan seen from the path to Ffynnon Kkugwy Reservoir.