Snowdon 17/03/13

Snowdon 17/03/2013: drop off Pen-y-Pass, pick up Llanberis

Hike 1: Glyders
Glyder Fach, Glyder Fawr, Y Garn, Mynydd Perfedd (16km, 1155m of ascent)

Hike 2 : Lliwedd and Snowdon
Snowdon via Y Lliwedd (14.3km, 858m of ascent)

• http://www.mapometer.com/walking/route_2881342.html

Hike 3: Pyg track
Snowdon via the Pyg track (13.1km, 745m of ascent)

• http://www.mapometer.com/walking/route_2881380.html

Hike 4: xxxxxxx
Snowdon via the Miners track (14km, 765m of ascent)

• http://www.mapometer.com/walking/route_2881356.html

Scramble: Crib Goch
Scramble – Crib Goch – subject to weather/ground conditions (12.6km, 810m of ascent)

• http://www.mapometer.com/walking/route_2881385.html

Report
We took the radical decision to meet back at Pen-y-pass rather than slogging down the tourist trail to llanberis at the end of the hike. This alternative route down seemed a lot quicker and more scenic, however, the lack of pub at the end could prove problematic ;)

We experienced full winter conditions on this hike which were somewhat unexpected. hike one did not go ahead.

hike two completed the route however, due to the weather conditions, slower members of the hike returned 15 minutes late to the coach. The steep path up the back of Snowdon which is the last 200-300meters of ascent was covered in a layer of very fine powdery snow which was a couple of foot deep. *If taking this path keep LEFT as much as possible whilst avoiding the craggy bits*. All members had an ice axe which proved essential especially on these final stretches of the ascent. The descent via the pyg track was very treacherous to start which was slow going, but we made quick progress on the last 3km which are paved and relatively flat.

Hike three did the miners track and split when the snow started to deepen and the path became steeper. Some did make it to the summit, but as there was only one ice axe between 17 hikers, it was risky and potentially dangerous.

Hike four did the pyg track. They only made it about half way up the mountain before retreating due to the extreme weather conditions and nervous members of their group.

The scramble did not go ahead officially, but two old git members of the club did attempt it. They were very experienced and were equipped with ice axes and crampons. They said the conditions were sketchy and although there wasn’t much ice, the fine powdery snow made for slow going. They completed the route, ascended Snowdon and made it back to the coach ontime.

anita(ex-hike sec and new old git)