Idwal and the Gribin Ridge

It's been a day of false starts and plan B's but it all came good in the end, even if we were on about plan 'f' or 'g' by the time we started hiking! I set off early with a strong group, for a winter ascent of the Glyders, but broke down on the A55. Luckily, we were near a village and had just enough cash to to order a pot of tea in the local cafe while we waited for the RAC. Just after mid-day, we were mobile again and heading for a new objective of Foel Fras, above Aberfalls. Until we couldn't park the minibus anywhere. Long story short - early afternoon saw us leaving Ogwen Cottage car park (where we manifested a parking space!).

Despite the late hour, the team were keen to get in the snow, so we went directly up to the Gribin Ridge, by hiking up to Cwm Ceniefion. There was a sad incident was got the the Lake as a dog was of its leash and chasing some sheep. One of the sheep ran into the water, swam into the middle and later drowned! There was nothing we could do for the sheep, so with another walker, tried to catch the dog, but it soon outran us. We never saw it again. Somewhatraumatiseded, we continued up, looking back every now and then as the sheep lost its battle against the cold water.

 

Once up in the snow, we stopped for some food, while under the watchful eye of an enormous Raven. With all the events of the day so far, we couldn't help see it as an omen!

 

We had intended to scramble over the ridge and down to Cwm Bochllwyd, but time was now against us, so after descending the crest of the ridge to the crags, we followed the steep path down to Llyn Ogwen where the body had been washed ashore.

 

The temperature was quite warm, so I don't think we missed any gully climbing action today anyway.

 

 

As we neared the valley, the sun finally made an appearance.

 

And later set with some wonderful colour...