Arctic Moel Wnion

The mountainside above 400m has been transformed over the last two days into a frozen arctic tundra. The boggy grass has set like concrete thanks to a ferocious easterly tactic wind. The benefit of this is that it's now possible to access some of the local hills that usually involve wading through deep mud and swamp-like marshes as you can simple tramp over the frozen surfaces. 

To keep in the lee of the wind, we traversed under the northern slopes of Moel Wnion, where we discovered this little entrance to an old disused quarry. The wind had packed it full of snow inside, turning it into a miniature winter wonderland.

The snowslope at the back looked too appealing to resist and the snow was firm enough to just about get to the top.

Back on the hillside, we continued on an upward traverse across the freshly deposited snow feeling like we were in Norway or Arctic Finland.

There was no real shelter from the gusting wind, but we managed to find a nice little scoop that we dug out to give a cosy little lunch stop.

Eventually, we reached the summit plateau and took refuge inside the summit cairn. Being out of the wind was wonderful - for the descent over the other side and towards Gyrn, we put our goggles on which not only kept the pelting snow from stinging our eyes, but our faces were protected from the wind chill, which was down to double-figures below freezing.

On the windward side of the mountain, the snow has all been stripped and the paths were completely iced over.

Where snow had been driven and packed into gullies and stream beds, we were able to glide downhill on our bellies like penguins!

We passed a couple of small lakes, which were part frozen, but on the bank, where the wind had been blowing the water and spray, there were ice sculptures everywhere.

Even the thinnest blades of grass had an inch of ice encasing them.

There were some superb and unusual features.

Blustery Blizzards

The cycle of warm air followed by cold has continued through this week. This time, the wind is blowing strongly from the east, and has brought with it more snow. We tried to hike up into the valley this afternoon but turned back at the lake as it was becoming unpleasant having snow hitting us horizontally.

Where as the previous snowfalls had gently fallen on the mountains, this snow is being packed in hard on the wind. Perhaps it will leave some good climbing conditions in it's wake.

But that's for another day. The fireside beckoned and we were both keen to get back to it!

Conversation on Moel y Ci

Another brief 'outing' while the weather and timing were coinciding. The peak of Moel y Ci had been an almost daily wander in the summer lockdown, but neither of us had seen the view from the summit so far this year, so we set off early in an effort to be back while it was still dry.

By happy coincidence, we bumped into a couple who we've regularly seen over the years and often stop to chat to. As always these days, it was nice to see a friendly face and was made even nicer when they decided that we really ought to know each other's names and a bit about us, having waved and said 'hi' to each other over the past ten years or so! That gave us a good laugh and some welcome chat, before we each continued back to our respective bases.

Gyrn Summit

Overnight rain has cleared the garden (and most of the mountain) of snow. A still, calm and green morning presented itself as the daylight took hold. Outside, our first flowers of Spring have ventured up above ground level. Probably a bit prematurely, but it was nice to see that flashes of colour and the sensation that warmer times lie ahead.

With some fortuitous timing and a little bit of planning, we were able to make an ascent of nearby Gyrn between online engagements. At first it felt like the forecast had been a bit optimistic, with it's talk of brighter skies as we ascended into a light mist.

There was barely anything in the way of a wind, yet the mist seemed to rise and fall around us.

Viewless, we arrived at the summit cairn.

Then, as if on cue, the clouds lifted and the views out to Ireland were revealed.

Then, inland, the summits of the Glyderau and Carnedda began to reveal themselves.

Patches of snow are all that remain now. 

It was great to be back up high and enjoying the feeling of exercise as well as the views. I usually camp up here a few times each summer with hiking groups, but it felt like ages since I last did. The lake on the walk home was perfectly calm and with a great reflection. No time to hang about though as time was of the essence on the return leg!

Carnedd y Filiast to Mynydd Perfedd

Setting off late morning, up towards the summits, we were both willing the thick coating of clouds to move on. It was pleasantly warm in the direct sunlight, but up ahead things were looking very cold.

After a brief stint inside the freezing interior of the clouds, a bit of wind got things moving and suddenly there was the glimpse of something good on the way.

Up ahead, the summit made itself know and below us the views across to Anglesey and Ireland came and went.

And then, we were above the clouds and they began to break up.

We stayed on the summit for ages marveling at the views and checking for Brocken-specters forming as the clouds passed by.

After a while, things began clearing up further inland too and the distant profile of Tryfan could be seen.

We had the luxury of time and enough warm clothes and hot drinks to be able to relax and take it all in. We were in no rush.

Really big feathers of rime ice had formed on the windward sides of the rocks in beautiful feathers.

The rippled slabs also took on a new look with the covering of snow.

Following the plateau, we went over to the next peak - Mynydd Perfedd.

I love this view of Pen yr Ole Wen. In winter the rock strata becomes defined and the face takes on an alpine quality.

All the fence posts had huge feathers of ice.

But more amazing were the wire fences, which had turned into 3D art.

Eventually, we decided that we'd better start making our way back home, if we were going to get there before dark!

The mountains all glowed pink as we were walking away, and for a while, all the summits were clear of snow - even Snowdon. Magic to be out all day, with the time and conditions to enjoy the surroundings.