A late start from base meant that 'Plan A' - an ascent of Tryfan's east face had to be changed. As the time ticked on waiting for students to get ready, we moved through Plans B,C,D and E. On arrival in the valley, we changed plans again and finally opted for a team ascent of the dark and foreboding Milestone Approach Gully, hoping that it would tick all our requirements of an adventurous exploration within a dwindling timeframe of daylight hours.
It had been quite a few years since I'd last passed through the deep rock cleft that marks the edge of the Milestone Buttress on the side of Tryfan. This is probably because it's almost always wet! However, the rock is sound, the handholds big and the sense of exposure and drama plentiful.
It required good teamwork and steady nerves (from both me and the students!) as we used the rope to protect our ascent. Technically it's not too difficult, but a fall would have had major consequences! By the time we had all made it through to the easier ground above, the clouds had lowered and we were enveloped in a thick mist.
We navigated across the hillside to where I knew an easier path would lead to our salvation. It was all very atmospheric.
And then, all of a sudden, the clouds parted and the views of the valley were revealed..
As we descended, the sky continued to brighten up and by the time we were back at the minibus, there was a beautiful light hitting the mountainside. It was a wonderful finish to an exciting adventure.
Then later, once it was dark, we took to a different kind of climbing, which was much drier! (and harder!).
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