The morning began with a hearty breakfast at Dinorwig Lodge. I can’t recommend this place enough! 🍳 The food was top-notch, and the staff went above and beyond to ensure we were fuelled for the day’s adventure.
☕ After breakfast, Jim arrived to give us the day’s briefing. As much as we were hoping to tackle the mighty Crib Goch, the weather had other plans. 🌧️ With low visibility and heavy rain, it was off the cards for today. A few adventurous souls decided to head off on their own, but for the four of us, it was time to gear up, throw on our waterproofs, and head to Llanberis to catch the minibus up to Pen y Pass. 🚐
Once at the base, we met up with Tom, Kat, and her four-legged adventure buddy, Mr. Thorr. 🐕 With the rain lightly falling and the mountain shrouded in mist, we knew we were in for a challenge, but we were ready to take on Snowdon via the Pyg Track—a route that never disappoints. 🥾 No matter how many times I’ve done it, that sense of anticipation, the thrill of the climb, and the breathtaking scenery always make it feel like the first time.
To our right, Crib Goch loomed like a sharp, jagged knife edge, disappearing into the clouds above. As much as I wanted to test myself on its infamous ridges, there was also a sense of relief in knowing it wasn’t happening today—it’s not the kind of climb you want to attempt in bad weather! ⛰️ It’ll still be there for another day when the conditions are perfect, and I’ll be ready.
What never fails to amaze me, though, is how some people approach these climbs—especially in these conditions! We passed groups attempting the ascent in slippery trainers, joggers, and without even a backpack to carry the essentials. 😳 I couldn’t believe my eyes when we saw a lady hiking in a dry robe! It was soaked through and must have weighed a ton by the time she made it back down. Completely wild! 😅 Then there was this young lad, clearly struggling up the path, so I handed him a Snickers bar to help keep his energy up. 🍫 Sometimes it’s the small things that make all the difference when you’re battling against the elements.
Despite the rain and the slippery rocks, the four of us pushed on, and I was especially proud of Katie and Gillian, who were tackling Snowdon for the very first time! 💪 They didn’t let the challenging conditions dampen their spirits, and we made it to the summit feeling like we’d truly earned that victory. After celebrating with some quick photos in the foggy, wind-swept air, we descended via the Llanberis Path, eager for the warmth of the café at the bottom. 🏔️
One funny moment I won’t forget—at one point, I got ahead of the group and decided to stop for a quick wild wee behind a rock. 😂 When I rejoined the path, I realised they had overtaken me! I had to pick up the pace to catch up, but we all had a good laugh about it later.
By the time we reached the car park, it was just after 3 pm, and we were wet but exhilarated from the experience. We shared sandwiches and stories, still riding high from our climb. There’s something so satisfying about completing a hike in less-than-ideal conditions—it makes you appreciate the achievement even more. 🏞️
All in all, it was an unforgettable weekend, packed with amazing people, challenging climbs, and a few unexpected adventures along the way. 🌄 Thanks for following along, and I can’t wait to share more journeys with you soon!