Racing the weather on the Elidir Fawr Circuit

Set out today, fully aware that blizzards and gales were on the way! There was a window of opportunity for my Mountain Walking group, that involved getting up and down the mountains before the worst of the weather arrived. Would we be fast enough? Given that the poor weather was approaching from the south, I chose a route involving a circuit of Elidir Fawr and Carnedd y Filliast, which are some of the north northerly peaks in the Snowdonia National Park, so hopefully last to get hit. As forecast, the winds remained light as we made our ascent, but heavy, wet snow flakes began to fall as we approached the summit.

 

After enjoying a bit of lunch in the lee of the summit rocks, we togged up and prepared for battle. The snow/rain/slush was still falling, but right on queue, we could hear the winds picking up above our sheltered spot. After a bit of chat about 'retreat or continue' along the circuit, we opted to fight our way onwards along the summit ridge - one hand held up to protect our faces from the stinging snow, the other for balance and for holding on! The 'weather' had arrived!

 

The views of the morning soon vanished as we were enveloped in the clouds that rushed past us.

 

Although it wasn't really the conditions for hanging around, we look a few brief moments to check the wind speed and temperature, as part of the days training was looking at mountain weather and its effects on the hill walker (eg, hypothermia etc). We immediately clocked a windspeed of 17m/s (about 60km/h or 38mph), and I'd say that there were stronger gusts later. The air temperature on the summit was 0.5°C, which using a calculation chart, gave a wind chill factor of -9°C (as if we needed telling!). Once again, my Rab gear was keeping me well protected. My Ladak Waterproof Trousers were completely soaked on the outside yet bone dry inside. Despite the wind chill I was warm as toast. Under my waterproof, I had the Vapour-Rise Guide Jacket on again and felt completely snug, with the fleece hood lining feeling lovely and warming.

The lads all did very well (especially as some were not as well attired as I!) and we pressed on up, across to Mynydd Perfedd, Carnedd y Filiast (with the wind behind us now!) and finally down to the reservoir road, that led to the salvation and sanctuary of the minibus. A fabulous effort in some horrendous conditions.