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Too hot for Climbing

It’s not often that we decide to call it a day because it’s too hot to climb, and very rare in Wales. However, today was one of those days. Blistering heat at the crag!

Just setting up the ropes was a toil and sweat was pouring off us like we were climbing in Thailand not North Wales! With the lure of the coast in view, we packed up and headed for the water.



Paddling in the sea was barely even cooling as the water felt so warm as it came in on the hot sand. I’ve creams helped though!

Clare and I (and many other friends!) have spent the past few evenings at the beach as there has also been some September surf, which has been a real treat. (But no photos of that - been too busy catching waves!)…

Sunset Snorkelling

Dashed to the beach after a hot, sweaty, yet productive day. Good snorkelling conditions prevail! One of the only times I’ve snorkelled in the UK for a prolonged period with out a full wetsuit, boots, hat etc… Just a shortie this even. 

Clare found loads of crabs and pointed out loads of fish as we floated about the bay.



To avoid having to rush home, we’d come prepared with a pre-cooked dinner and blanket to sit on, so we could enjoy the last of the light. 

Still plenty warm enough at dusk when we left…

Alpine Ogwen

It's not often in North Wales that you need to make an alpine start and plan to climb in the shade in order to escape the toasting heat, but today was one of those days! I'll admit, I was pretty slow getting going when the alarm went off, but in order to make the best of the day (and find somewhere to park), an early start was required.

All was calm as we walked into Cwm Idwal, despite a gales of hair dryer warm air howling down the Nant Ffrancon.

We planned to link up different rock climbs up towards the summit of the Glyders. We started on 'Charity' on Idwal Slabs, in the cool of the morning.

Our friend Matt had also had the same idea of how to avoid the sun and climbed a route nearby. As we climbed 'Lazarus' on the upper walls, he took this photo of us. (zoom in!).



We had a sandwich and a rest before Clare set up the 'easier' of the holy tree wall routes, which is rather under-graded and requires a cool head and some bold moves for the grade.

At the top of the continuation walls we stopped again to admire the views and wonder where to go next! While we sat there, a Hercules and a Red Arrow flew down the valley below us!

We opted to go higher onto Glyder Fawr. There are several long routes here, so we opted for one which I don't think I'd done before. Meanwhile, Matt climbed on the next ridge over on 'Central Arete'

We climbed East Arete, which despite the modest grade turned out to be rather harrowing and at time almost unjustifiable. Perhaps we were not quite starting in the right place, but we seemed to be according to the topo. The climbing was on good rough rock, but there was almost no way to protect the route.

After quite a few wrong starts and dead ends, we made upward but tentative progress up some serious terrain. The final section gave more relaxation as we reached the sunshine and better protection.

High on a hill with over 400m of rock climbing and a lot of scrambling below us.

We walked down through Devil's Kitchen and soon enough were lying in the cool of the Ogwen River!

Ogwen Climbs:

- Charity, V.Diff**

- Lazarus, S (4a)***

- The Arete, V.Diff***

- East Arete, Gd3

Tropical Explorers

With temperatures reaching record levels and not a breath of wind on the forecast, an early start was planned to catch both the conditions and the tides for a coastal exploration that I've wanted to do with the paddleboards for some time.

We set off as last of the water left the estuary and the sun was only just over the horizon..



Without needing to paddle, the river took us down to the sea!

We did have to lift the boards the final section, but otherwise, made it to the mouth of the estuary.

The sea was incredible. So calm and so clear.

We felt like explorers, venturing forth into uncharted waters. 

On a secret beach, we discovered a good place to land...

We had brew kit and breakfast with us, so set to work getting comfy.

Fresh coffee at the beach! 

And of course plenty of opportunity to cool off with a swim in the tranquil waters. 

The beach was so good, we decided to stay for more brews and more swims!

Having not seen a soul all day, it really felt like we'd discovered a new world. It was an incredible day.

The tide was in an we headed back in the afternoon, which made for more explorations around the rocky shore.

And the heat! It was so hot!

The return up the estuary was assisted by the now full tide!

Back at the van it was too hot to do anything but relax in the shade!

Today is the 20th Anniversary since I first met Clare! A day to celebrate, so after a final swim at another beach, a series of chance encounters (thanks Dad), led us to being in the car park of an outdoor cafe. Soon enough we had dinner and drinks!

After dinner, it was only a short walk over some sand dunes to the sea...

We went for one last look!

Then finally made our way home as the shadows grew long. A day that we'll almost certainly remember forever! Absolutely magic - it could have all been a dream...

Evening Reflections

Waiting until nearly sunset for the wind to drop, but it was worth the wait!

Took a 7km paddleboard journey around the lake at Capel in the most stunning of conditions.

Good views of Snowdon in the distance...

There was enough water to get through the Beatrice Gap and into the second lake, where there were even less ripples!

As we returned back to the van, we got in and swam the last bit as it was so warm! 

Outstanding. Felt very fortunate to be able to nip out and do things like this after a day of work at The Cottage.