Sunday 14 July 2013

Cwm Llan horseshoe and Crib Goch

A weekend to explore the outlying peaks of the Snowdon Massif.



The start of the Watkin Path was used to tackle the Cwm Llan horseshoe. The approach to Afon Cwm Llan from Nantgwynant.


The famous slab bridge crossing. The ascent to Gallt y Wenallt our first objective proved rather a long trek from here, passing the unused mine works and it being a rather steep climb.


The approach to Y Lliwedd left of picture and Snowdon right. The steep scree path heading to the left of Snowdon`s peak is just visible.


The cobalt blue water of Llyn Llydaw. Crib Goch center of picture.


Mindful not to stray to close to the edge when taking pictures. The summit of Y Lliwedd.


The summit of Snowdon was heaving with people, as expected. A quick descent to Finger rock for a break to examine our descent of the South Ridge. The summit of Moel Hebog in the distant background.


 After a rest stop at Bwlch Cwm Llan, with tyred legs we decided to take on Yr Aran. The views of the Snowdon Massif are spectacular. Y Lliwedd right of picture, Snowdon left of center and the descent of the south ridge can clearly be seen. All that remained was a final descent of Yr Aran back to Nantgwynant. A fantastic day in the mountains.

Day 2 was used to catch a long overdue appointment with the infamous Crib Goch.


The ascent from Pen-y-pass was uneventful. That was until we approached the ridge line were a final drink, tighten ones rucksacks and bootlaces and away we went.


After the ridge line the tricky passing of the pinnacles caused a few headaches.


A retrospective view of the ridge when approaching Garnedd Ugain.


The grassy summit of Garnedd Ugain with a superb view of the ridge line from Snowdon to Y Lliwedd and Gallt y Wenallt. A descent to Pen-y-pass via the extremely busy Pyg track could not diminish was what an amazing weekend in the mountains.