High pressure and blue skies looks like the theme for the week, so it seemed rude not to take advantage of the conditions and get out rock climbing in the mountains. We opted to head for a sunny crag, rather than the shade of a long mountain route and were glad we did as a strong wind was keeping the temperatures low, if you were out of the sun. It was a busy day in the Pass with many teams from the National Mountain Centre teaching on part one of the route to becoming a Mountaineering Instructor. After changing plans from the (busy and windy) Cromlech, we fitted in around them at Carreg Wastad.
Our first route was a combination of the best bits of two routes. Intimidating from the ground, looking up, but good climbing once we got going.
The main crux of the route was getting up into (and then out of!) this chimney. Beware - there is a huge flake inside, which moves a bit... can't be long until that comes out? We gingerly passed by, resisting the urge to grab it!
Up above, the grade mellowed a bit and we could enjoy the surroundings as well as the immediate task of just hanging on!
Had a nice picnic at the base of the crag and a chat with a few of the other climbers who we knew, then we went back up for another route. There were three other climbers with the same Lowe Alpine rucsac (Alpine Attack) that I am currently testing for the Association of Mountaineering Instructors, so it looks like its becoming a popular choice!
Carreg Wastad, Llanberis Pass:
- Overhanging Chimney VS (4c)**
- Crackstone Rib Severe (4a)***
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