The weather, conditions and our location all came together today for us to be able to climb a route that I've wanted to do for many years. I have nearly climbed all the routes that I am able to in my original 'Rock Climbs in Snowdonia' Guidebook by Paul Williams, but this one had eluded me until now, as it needs a few days of dry weather to ensure that the rock has no seepage. The weather could not have been better and after a week of no rain, we set off up in search of it.
The cliff in at the end of a dead end valley called Craig Cywarch and one that I have never visited before. (we did get close one year, until rain turned us away!). This year however, it was in prime condition.
Above us, we could see a couple of teams of climbers. Given the small community of climbers, despite being in a remote valley in mid wales, it turned out that we knew the team ahead of us, so let them get on ahead, while we enjoyed some sun bathing and an early lunch in the heather below the cliff. There was no one else coming up, so we knew we could just relax and take our time.
One the way ahead looked clear, we set off feeling a little bit sleepy after an hour in the sun!
The climb traverses across the whole slab, so although the grade it not too technical, there is plenty of exposure.
And a fabulous back drop.
As well as being in the sun, we were pretty much sheltered all day, from the cold northerly wind that was blowing around the mountainside.
We had an extended picnic on at the top of the route before scrambling back down the side of the cliff to where we had left one of our bags (full of spare clothes as it was cold when we left the van!)
Walking back down to the van, we kept stopping to admire the view and delight in being in a different valley again, after so many weeks at home.
Once again, the van came into its own on our arrival back in the valley floor, with comfy seating and freshly brewed coffee made before getting back on the road.
The weather looks to be okay on the coast, but snow and ice forecast back home, so we've decided to stay 'on tour' for a few more days and drove over to Barmouth, where we are now staying - just a stones throw from the beach.
As it's Easter Sunday, we had our own little Easter Egg/Rock Hunt on the beach!
It was a wonderful way to finish a great day out and we literally had the whole of Barmouth beach to ourselves as the sun when down. Behind us, inland, Cader Idris summit was just touching the clouds, but we were bathed in light.
Tap y Graig, Craig Cywrach:
- Will-o'-the'Wisp HVD***
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