December 2022 – Gwydyr Hut, Capel Curig
A few went up a day early so as to get three good mountain days out in full winter conditions! Yes, we had snow, lots of it! Superb timing for our Christmas meet.
On Friday Peter and Kathy scrambled up Crib Goch via the Pyg Track, out and back. Dan,
Andy and Kent hiked up Foel Goch via the drover’s path. Alex Thackway and Malcolm
submitted Snowdon via the Rhyd Ddu path.
Saturday morning our first priority was to get the turkey in the oven and make sure there
were enough coins in the electric meter to ensure the oven stayed on while we were all out
having fun. Once that was handled we split into four groups. Stacey, Meredith, and Adam
had a big day out, Pen Yr Ole Wen, Carnedd Llewellyn, and Pen Llithrig Y Wrach. Bob, Sophie, and Shane climbed/scrambled up Moel Siabod, via Daear Ddu Ridge in the morning and Tryfan North Ridge in the afternoon, just making it back in time for dinner. Peter, Kathy, Dave, Alex, Kent, Gill, Dan, Andy, and Juan all scrambled up Moel Siabod from the hut, some of us via the west ridge, the others via Daear Ddu Ridge, and we all descended via the other ridge back to the hut. We had an awesome day, with the alpine sun, snow, and clag. It was cold at the top so we didn’t hang about for long, then this group was on cooking duties. Malcolm hiked up to Crimpiau from the hut, a nice little peak.
Saturday evening was our traditional Christmas dinner, with Kent as the chef in charge,
thanks very much Kent! Turkey with all the trimmings and nut roast for the veggies,
followed by Christmas pudding, cheese, and biscuits. Thanks to Stacey and Meredith for the Christmas music while we enjoyed our food.
Sunday the clag cleared and it was a beautiful clear winter day on top. Some went home
early, and the rest of us split into three groups. Peter, Kathy, Stacey, Meredith, and Adam all scrambled up Tryfan North Ridge and came down via the tourist path. Bob and Sophie
climbed/scrambled up Senior’s Ridge above Cwm Idwal and back down Y Gribin. Gill, Shane, Graham, Dave, Malcolm, and Juan hiked from Betws Y Coed up to Llyn Elsi and back down via the Alpkit Store for a little shopping trip. We had lunch, coffee, and cake in the Alpine Café before heading home.
We were so lucky to have snow and we went out and took full advantage of it. It was such a
a pleasure to go out in the mountains in our full winter kit.