The Llanberis Path
There were three of us attempting the ascent of Snowdon in support of Marie Curie Cancer Care (David the instigator and organiser, myself (Adrian) and my son (Paul). When David asked me if I would like to take part I thought 'Yes, I'd like to have a go at that'. He then said that I needed to raise a minimum of £100 for the charity - asking people for money I find embarrasing but still agreed. So, David registered all three of us and booked the hotel for the Friday and Saturday nights of the weekend of 4-5th October 2008. The intention being that we would travel to Wales on the Friday, walk up Snowdon on Saturday and return home on Sunday.
So, as planned, we set off for Wales on Friday morning (3rd October), arriving in Llanberis mid-afternoon. We stopped off just outside Llanberis at the side of Llyn Padarn where the photograph at right was taken. The hotel was about half a mile from here. We spent the rest of the day at leisure in Llanberis, had a meal in the hotel bar along with a few beers and went to bed in anticipation of a successful day tomorrow ascending Snowdon.
Saturday 4th October - The Day of the Event
Rose early on Saturday, arriving for breakfast at 7:30. After breakfast and registration for the event, we set off at about 8:30. Yesterday was a clear sunny day whereas today was a bit drizzley, but we set off in good spirits.
It wasn't long before the weather gradually worsened, but undeterred we pressed on. The first part of the ascent is a narrow road and quite steep. We hoped this wasn't an indication as to the rest of the walk.
The weather gradually worsened. The rain and wind increased and it was now becoming uncomfortable. We arrived at the Half Way House and tried to shelter from the rain and wind for a while. After leaving the Half Way House, we walked about another 200 metres where we were met by an event Marshall descending, and informing us that we could not go any further because of the conditions. A couple of other walkers tried to negotiate with the Marshall, but when they were informed that the wind was gusting at 65 mph they accepted the inevitable and, like the rest of us, turned back.
Sunday 5th October - The Day of the Event: Again
It had rained all night, but looking out of the hotel window it was now showery. At least it was better than the previous days forecast for torrential rain. Down for breakfast at about 7:30. Registered for the walk , again, and left for the walk at about 8:25.
Our boots had dried out overnight so we were now comfortable. David and myself had also bought a pair of waterproof trousers and a hat, just in case it rained again. We arrived at the halfway house in what seemed to be no time at all compared to yesterday. As we climbed higher and with the weather improving, we could appreciate the stunning views around us. It was now time to take some photographs as we continued our ascent.
The climb to Clogwyn was quite steep and very demanding. It was in some ways a relief to find a check point here in order to have a rest for a while. The wind was now picking up. We hoped that it would not prevent us making it to the top once again.
The climb from Clogwyn station was steep and rough under foot. This eventually gave way to a slighter gradient and easier walking surface.
The penultimate checkpoint was on a ridge just before the final ascent. The marshall was wrapped in sheeting to keep off the wind-chill.
We reached the last checkpoint, immediately below the summit at 11:59. It had taken us just over 2½ hours to reach the top. We took some obligatory photographs at the summit. We didn't stop at the top very long because of the severity of the wind.
We left a windy summit checkpoint at 11:11 and arrived back at the hotel for a welcome bowl of soup at 12:55. The total time taken was about 4½ hours. It may have been a day late, but we succeeded in reaching the top of Snowdon and making it back in a good time.