We had planned on camping at the base of Cader last night, but I'm glad we went for the early start from The Cottage instead. The sunrise and morning mist on the drive there was spectacular.
After eating breakfast in the car park, we got out boots on and set off just after 9am.
There was not a breath of wind, as forecast and the air was crisp and clear, with views right out to sea.
The reflection on the lake was like a mirror without the breeze.
We opted to climb the full ridge length, having initially wanted to climb a steeper start, but this involved staying on the shady side which was still wet from yesterday afternoon's rain. The sun was already on the crest of the ridge, so already dry and much more appealing.
Below us we could see most of Snowdonia and not another soul.
Where the ridge steepens and the climbing starts to require a rope, we stripped off and sat in the warm morning sun as our sweat dried off. It was beginning to feel like we could just stay there and sunbath for the day, when some clouds covered the sun and the temperature took an instant nose dive - it was time to get moving.
After climbing the first pitches in one long lead, I was sitting on top of 'the table' (a big pinnicle on the ridge), when the mists rolled in. As the sun was behind me and still low in the sky, I saw a double rainbow brokenspectre, with my shadow in its centre. It was quite a moment.
The mist blew through almost as quickly as it had appeared and we continued upwards.
After the tricky descent from 'the table', there were a few fantastic pitches of climbing. They looked very intimidating and improbable for the grade, but the handholds kept appearing!
The top section of the ridge, was more 'knife edge' and easier to traverse. By now were were getting a bit tired and stopped for more tuna sandwiches before topping out.
It was a 'picnic with a view'....
At the top of the ridge, with the rope packed away, we decided to not bother going up to the summit of Cader and instead head back to the valley.
Where the comfort of the van awaited! While the sun streamed into the back of the van, we got changed and brewed up a 'George Boyd'.
Camp bliss....
Once the sun began to leave our little camp spot, we drove down the estuary to Barmouth and had some chips on the beach. Then, as it was still light and warm enough, had dinner outside a little cafe on the waterfront, looking up to the mountains that we'd just been climbing in as they disappeared into the building cloud.
We drove home via the west coast road and even stopped in traffic to admire Harlech Castle!
Mega Day.....
Cader Idris:
- Cwfwry Arete, Diff***
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