It was a fine summer's evening as we met in the pub just outside Capel Curig last year. A familiar drive to Snowdonia had been hindered by a couple of caravans - my aversion to these white monstrosities is legendary - but seeing North Wales in the light surely made up for this!
It was hard leaving the warm cosy pub, albeit only an hour or so after dark, and it was certainly somewhat interesting navigating along the road and into a field to find a good place to camp for the night. But I'd selected a suitable location before and so quickly found the secluded spot where we would be undisturbed for the night.
As we woke to a magnificent view of Tryfan, we packed our tents and hurriedly gobbled breakfast eager for a very promising weekend. The packs were not light but the weight wasn't unusual to most of us as we'd been on some day walks before and had usually carried spare clothes and so on. The extra wasn't too much to bear.
When we started the ascent the pace was guided by the group and we took it easy as the hot summer sunshine warmed our backs. We were climbing up into the Carneddau and away from the summer crowds that pack the motorway across other more popular parts such as the Glyders.
The walking was as enjoyable as ever and our ideally sized and mixed group of six soon worked well as a team. We were in no rush so took the many opportunities to take in the stunning views all around.
By the end of the day we'd covered a remarkable distance, further than we'd realised and so set up camp above a lake on a soft grassy ledge. We had commanding views of the hills around and could just make out the sea in the distance. It was a truly perfect location. You couldn't hear a car or see anything man made at all. This went for the shower too - I missed out on it but a couple found a small waterfall that though cold was very refreshing after a hot day in the sun!
Dinner was cooked in the open on small stoves - and very tasty it was too. Even custard and chocolate cake for dessert! I do however recall that there was a slight breeze - read howling wind - that threatened to blow us all away. Fortunately it failed!
After eating we sat - ok squashed - into one of the tents playing cards until the tiredness of a good day's walking overtook and we drifted off to bed.
The next morning we walked back along a differing route that was planned to be a lot flatter than the previous day as tired legs were sure to be a consideration. It was also a bit shorter too and so we were able to still enjoy the day to the full. It was sunny again but the wind didn't abate. Mind you there's nothing like the glowing feeling at the end of a day caused by having a strong wing rushing all around you. Fortunately when we were travelling into the wind we tended to be in sheltered valleys, only occasionally getting exposure on the tops of a ridge or two.
One or two of us (ok the lads!) decided to tackle an easy scramble so we certainly catered for all tastes in walking over the weekend. Surprisingly however it was only with much persuasion that most people were encouraged to go for a swim in the balmy - well more like warm - ok at least not cold - waters of a natural pool as the afternoon progressed.
Finally arriving back at Capel Curig we were relieved to get our boots off and stop for a meal in that warm and inviting pub again before heading home. The drive back seemed to be so much more pleasant with memories of stunning views and solitude still so fresh - well that's how I felt - my passengers were all asleep!
Now that was last summer and just in-case you hadn't noticed the daffodils are poking through which might mean that it's going to get warm again soon!
So why not come away with us this year and explore the hills in a new and refreshing way. You don't need to be super fit but it helps if you've been on at least a couple of day walks and are used to carrying a pack.
They're called Wilderness Walking Weekends and the first is taking place on 9th - 13th May. I hope you can come, so please see me for more details. I can say however that they'll be very relaxed and each person will contribute to the way the weekend runs.
Steve Venton