Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
Outdoor Activities => Northern Ireland Hiking, Walking, Running, Orienteering and Geocaching => Topic started by: billy backpack on May 26, 2010
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Well guy's now that Nevis has been put to bed I thought we should begin to plan our next adventure.
I have had a bit of a browse and reckon we can go to Wales for around the same money as the last trip and could complete it on the same time scale.
So any thoughts and who's in ?
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I've done Snowdon via Crib Goch which half of the house shoe. It was mental!! There's some great scrambling on the way up to the 1st ridge... on the ridge the sides are really steep more so the right one which is more like a cliff. My uncle owns a cottage at the bottom of snowdon i think i could get it at a discount.
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I've walked this route before and its def easier than what we did in scotland, however the scenery is no less impressive! I'd be up for going over with you guys but If I can convince Adam I'd like to actually climb snowdon and we could meet at the top then down the Crib Goch together. Don't want it to seem like I'm jumping on board for a trip to wales tho.
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I'm in ;D
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(http://www.walk-snowdonia.co.uk/snowdonia/snowdon/images/mshoe.jpg)
The Snowdon Horseshoe is one of, if not the best ridge walk in Wales. Although there is not so much height gain as in some of the routes described, the terrain is highly interesting. The route should not be attempted by anyone with a fear of heights, since includes the knife-edge arête of Crib Goch, and for the same reason it should be avoided in high winds, and also in winter unless you are properly equipped and experienced. There is also a walk down a steep scree slope on the South East side of Snowdon.
Your walk begins at Pen y Pass (the top of the Llanberis pass). In the summer months the car park here fills up very early, and you may need to park in Nant Peris and use the park and ride service (this is also cheaper than using the car park at the pass). From here take the path which goes up to the right, parallel to the pass. This is the start of the Pyg Track which is a well defined path. Ahead of you is Crib Goch, the first summit which you will be aiming for. It has been known for this to be mistaken for Snowdon in the past, causing difficulties for unsuspecting walkers. After about 30 to 45 minutes you will reach a Bwlch from where you will be able to look down to the Llyn Llydaw reservoir, with Lliwedd (your last summit) opposite. The Pyg track goes on almost flat for a while above the lake, whilst you will take the route going up to the West. This will clearly be leading up Crib Goch. The name translates as red ridge, and in the right conditions a look at the ridge wil show why.
The route up starts off fairly well defined but will begin to loose this definition as you go on up. It will be necessary for you to pick your own route up. I have found that the best way is experience, and that each time you will probably pick a better route. It is recommended to go slightly to the right early on, and then as you near the summit make the final ascent on the East ridge. From the summit you can see along the ridge to the pinnacles and around to Snowdon and then follow the rest of your walk to Lliwedd and down to Llyn Llydaw.
From the East end of Crib Goch make your way along the arête to Bwlch Coch. This is a straight forward route in that it follows the ridge. The drop is steepest to your right, and if you are nervous it is suggested to walk to the left of the ridge and use the top for support. The first escape route is from Bwlch Coch. It is a steep slope down to Llyn Glas, from where a route can be picked down by the river leaving the lake to the Llanberis pass. An alternative walk is to follow this escape route in reverse and then reach Bwlch Coch. From here continue following the route as described, probably following the Llanberis path down.
From Bwlch Coch you carry on to Crib y Ddysgl. Again this follows a ridge most of the way. There are arrows used for direction on the rocks where it becomes more becomes more difficult to follow the route. When you reach the ridge it may be easier to walk on the right where there is a "path" through loose rock. Care should be taken to stick to the ridge rather than make the mistake of heading down to Clogwyn y Person, especially in the cloud. This can be easily done, believe me! You will then reach the trig. point at the summit of Crib y Ddysgl. This is the 2nd highest mountain in Snowdonia.
You will carry on South East off Crib y Ddysgl, and within 5 to 10 minutes you will hit the Llanberis path. This is the easiest path up Snowdon, and will be described further in the Moel Eilio route. Do not head down here but follow the path up to the Snowdon summit. You will pass a large stone, known as the "finger stone" which marks the Pyg and Miners routes which will also be described separately. If you decide that you want to turn back when you reach Snowdon then return to this stone and follow the directions given in the Pyg Track - Miners Track walk.
When reaching the top of Snowdon make your way up from the train station to the trig. point at the summit. You will be able to look around to the Glyders and Carneddau to the North East, and the Nantlle ridge to the South West. Anglesey will be visible to the North West. If you are doing the walk in the summer months (April to October weather permitting) when the train is running then you will be able to call in at the cafe for a coffee if you wish.
From the summit head off South West for approximately 100m before turning to your left where you will descend the "Snowdon scree". This is a scree slope which is the final part of the ascent of Snowdon if you are attempting the Watkin Path from Nant Gwynant. The Watkin is not described here, however it is a prominent path from the car park between Llyn Dinas and Llyn Gwynant on the A498. It passes the famous Gladstone rock, by which Gladstone gave a famous speech about freedom of the Welsh. It is also the Khyber Pass from the film Carry on up the Kyber. The most difficult part of the Watkin being the scree which you are about to descend. Pick your own way down the scree and you will reach a fairly well defined track above Llyn Glaslyn from where you can look back to Crib Goch and Crib y Ddysgl.
Before the ground rises up ahead of you, the Watkin path descends to your right, with Yr Aran visible to the South West. This mountain will be described in another route. Do not head down but carry on up to the West peak of Lliwedd. The path is not obvious all the way, and you will need to make your way around some fairly large rocks during the 140m ascent. Once at the summit follow the ridge along over the east peak to Lliwedd Bach. Stay with the ridge for a further 500m, descending during this stage, and then there will be a path down to Llyn Llydaw to your left.
It is up to you whether to take this path down immediately, and then follow the Miners track round to your car (do not cross the causeway). The alternative is to put the "final nail" in the horseshoe. This is Gallt y Wenallt. It adds approx. 2.5 km to the walk, and about 1 hr walking. It is off paths across grass. Basically just keep to the edge and follow around to the peak at the end. It is 619m high, and the best option is to return the same way, descend to Llyn Llydaw and make your way down the final tarmac section of the Miners Track.
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(http://www.chetwynd.info/images/snowdonia/crib_goch_devils_kitchen/crib_goch_n_ridge_2.jpg)
(http://www.trekkingbritain.com/050514-snowdonhorseshoe/050514A-MyselfOnCribGochRidge.jpg)
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I've never actually been to Wales! This would be the perfect opportunity!
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Map
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B2Ryto-v2Xc/ScdKTRBJ49I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/rbmAvje__50/s1600/snowdon%2Bhshoe%2Broute.png)
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Are we talking leaving early on the Friday and late home on the Sun?
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No convincing required!
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I checked on UKC and no route leads directly to the summit so we'd have to work something out but if your game thats sweet. Might get some new stickies as a treat.
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As I live near Liverpool, Snowdonia is one of my local hill areas.
The horseshoe is a classic - and if the weather is really poor, there is lots more stuff to do in the area.
Keep me informed as to your plans/dates etc.
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I've never actually been to Wales! This would be the perfect opportunity!
Well if Kat is going, I'm going too! ;D
I would actually love to do this, was reading about that very same route in a magazine lately (maybe TGO a couple of months ago?). Only thing is I'm not a huge fan of heights if I'm honest... and just looking at the photos of Crib Goch gives me slightly sweaty palms! But I think if I get there and just stick one foot in front of the other I will be fine... :-\
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Anyone know total ascent and distance for this?
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Anyone know total ascent and distance for this?
Total ascent of 1470m
11km
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So is it done in a day?
Anyone know total ascent and distance for this?
Total ascent of 1470m
11km
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How long are we planning on taking for this?
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If we got a late boat on the friday hit the hill first light sat I'm sure we could get either a late crossing the same night or an the first boat outta dodge on the sunday morning.
some more info on times and such
Distance: 8 miles approx.
Time: between six and eight hours depending on speed and conditions. Crib Goch can get very crowded at weekends, especially in the summer when it may be worth avoiding...
Escape None from Crib Goch proper. From the broad, grassy saddle at Bwlch Coch you can, drop down on either side, the north is safer, but only in an emergency. Beyond this you can tuirn left at the standing stone where the Pyg and Miner's tracks hit the summit ridge and follow either back to Pen y Pas, though at this point you're past the hard bit anyway.
Route See map. Start from Pen y Pas (ruinously expensive £4.00 per day car park) or bus from Llanberis. Alternatively you could go into Cwm Glas and start up the North Ridge of Crib Goch, a straightforward Grade 1 scramble. From here follow the Pyg Track (upper path) till the Crib Goch path branches right at Bwlch Moch then follow the crest of the rough buttress till you reach the ridge proper - obvious and sharp. Route finding here is easy - follow the ridge and carry on till you reach the summit of Snowdon...
From here, drop down to the saddle between Snowdon Summit and Lliwedd before going up Lliwedd then dropping down following the distinct path down to Llynn Llydaw and then back to Pen y Pas.
Difficultness (sic.) The Crib Goch section is only a grade one scramble, but there are big drops and falling off could give you a head ache of terminal proportions. Not a nice place to be in strong winds and in winter conditions, with snow and ice around, it's a serious graded winter route. Technically the scrambling's easy, so it's your head that's being tested... In calm conditions, confident scramblers can simply stroll along the crest, but to be safe, it's usually more secure to use foot holds on the lefthand side and use the crest of the ridge as a handrail. Don't be tempted to try and skirt the Pinnacles to the left, the ground there is loose and dangerous. Ditto on the final pull up the buttress before Crib y Ddysgl.
Heightness Snowdon summit is at 3560 feet and route is mainly above 3000 feet so it will be much cooler up top than in the car park.
Useful Vocabulary 'Bugger it's steep', 'Ouch, me pancreas....', 'Follow the crest, follow the crest...', 'Phew...'
Read more: http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/outdoor-features/snowdon-horseshoe---best-scramble/1370.html#ixzz0pEy7YcaX
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Dunno 11 k doesn't seem long enough after that Nevis epic, now that my legs and mind have recovered um ready for more punishment.
And micky if there is a tourist path can we avoid at all costs?
I'm se thinking as gareth on shorter trip but think summit camp has to be done, what u guys think?
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you'll not be able to get a summit camp there, its crowded beyond belief! think about 5 times smaller than nevis and 10x the people!
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The Horseshoe is certainly a day trip - fell runners do it in 3 hours plus! Camping on the summit - well, given there is a train station and a cafe attracting hoards of tourists, not my choice (but it is recommended if you are doing the Welsh 3000s)!
http://www.snowdonrailway.co.uk/
http://www.welsh3000s.co.uk/routes.html
Last time I was on top of Snowdon (few years ago) we estimated 500 plus people just around the summit itself, so you wont be able to get away from the crowds.
Depending on your plans/timings/finances I might be tempted to Easyjet to Liverpool and pick up a hire car (or minibus). Snowdon is about 1 1/2 hours from Liverpool - could well work out cheaper than ferry. Then camp...or BandB...or youth hostel Friday night for an early start Saturday. Start early enough and you could get a flight back Saturday night, but for safety I'd go for Sunday morning.
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come on guys are we gonna get some names together for this so we can get it booked.
(Copy and paste list and add name to bottom)
666_pack
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come on guys are we gonna get some names together for this so we can get it booked.
(Copy and paste list and add name to bottom)
666_pack
MG1
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come on guys are we gonna get some names together for this so we can get it booked.
(Copy and paste list and add name to bottom)
666_pack
MG1
LennyJ1 (sepending on cost and dates >:()
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Was talking to a guy from the MRT a week or so ago - he quoted a figure of 700,000 people were on the top of Snowdon last year! Yes...you read that correctly - 700,000!
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Any more takers for this trip we need to get it booked!!!
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27th-28th Aug
£368 for a car plus 4
£92 each
Sept 11th-12th
£336 for a car plus 4
£82 each
Any thoughts??
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I'd be up for august stain. ;D
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August suits me better just need to fill the car with bodies
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Hopefully, we can arrange this for a weekend to minimise needing to take annual leave from work.....
666_pack
MG1
LennyJ1 (sepending on cost and dates )
Mike D
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I took those prices for a friday and saturday.
Its a late boat on the friday so no one should need to take time off work.
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nice one, thanks.
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As much as I'd love to go, end of August is out for me and Kat as we are away to Edinburgh. No probs though, I'm a bit tight for cash so will probably do no harm to give the wallet a holiday!
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I'm still up for this one when is the booking meeting going to happen ?
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I'll prob have to give it a miss, bit skint at the mo. I'll know closer to the time tho. put me as a sketchy maybe and if needs be I'll sacrifice a seat no sweat.
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I'm still up for this one when is the booking meeting going to happen ?
Good man i knew you wouldn't let the side down ;D
Chris what happened to the ascent up the face of snowdon??
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Put me down as a maybe, she is due into about 2 weeks so me disappearing to Wales that soon will not go down well at all, in fact I can probably put hand in heart and say if I even mention it I will probably have some injury to show for my troubles!
When is the planning night?
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I'm still up for this one when is the booking meeting going to happen ?
welcome back mate.
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Guys are we going to set a date to meet up in the Ballyrobin to get this sorted?
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i'm easy but would prefare August
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As discussed on Friday evening at Donard I think we should possibly meet late next week and get this booked !
MG's dates seem good for the end of August and the price ain't too bad.
What night suits everyone ?