Monday, 17 August 2015

Chasing the sunshine on Idwal Slabs

Perfect climbing conditions on Idwal Slabs this evening! The sun had just left the base of the routes, meaning that I was climbing in the cool of the shade on rock that was radiating heat. Bliss.

Idwal Slabs
The Cottage is well placed for such 'quick hits'. It was a ten minute drive up to Ogwen Cottage, then a twenty minute walk into Cwm Idwal. There was not a breath of wind and surprisingly, no other climbers around. Perhaps the midges had put them off? There were quite a few about, but as long as you were moving fast enough, they were no bother this evening. The solitude was magical; all was quiet.

Half way up the slabs, I left the shadows and broke into the glare of the sunshine. It felt really hot! The view from the top of 'Ordinary Route' (Diff), never fails to impress, inspire and cause you to sit down on a rock and just look for a bit. (Especially as you can almost see The Cottage at the end of the valley).

Llyn Idwal and the Nant Ffrancon Valley
It's not quite an alpine meadow up in Cwm Idwal, but there was still a descent amount of colourful flowers to spot.
Alpine Flowers
On the walk down, the reflection in Llyn Idwal was crystal clear, although the camera couldn't quite do it justice. Thirty five minutes after leaving the summit I was in a hot shower and ready for some food. What a place to live!
Heading home alongside Llyn Idwal

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