Quick Details
Snowdonia/Eryri (North Wales) Hiking Weekend
If you have ever wanted to hike among the rocky peaks of Snowdonia, (now called Eryri), and climb some of its best known mountains then this North Wales hiking weekend is for you.
During the 3 days we will climb some of the iconic mountains of North Wales, including Snowdon and the impressive Glyders.
For those based in Ireland, we will travel on the 3.00pm ferry from Dublin port on the Friday and return on the 8.00pm sailing on Monday evening, getting back into Dublin around midnight.
Cost includes all transport to and from Dublin city, ferry crossing, and 3 days guided mountain hikes. We stay in the lovely village of Llanberis, and use a delightful self catering guesthouse, there is also a pub and many other food outlets nearby.
(Please note that the weather in the mountains can be very unpredictable, and therefore it may be necessary to alter the itinerary to take account of this.)
Day 1: Ascent of Snowdon / Yr Wyddfa
We shall climb to the summit of this famous 1085 metre mountain by the less crowded and more scenic south ridge. Snowdon is most often reached using the Pyg track, an overcrowded and uninspiring route; we shall head to the south of the range, to ascend by a route that gives wonderful views and a real sense of the grandeur of the mountain. Starting at Rhyd-Ddu we head west, gradually gaining height until we reach the old quarry workings at Bwlch Cwm Llan. Here we turn north and ascend the 2.3km, (1.5 mile), south ridge to the summit.
The path is clear, if a little rocky in places, and gives us splendid views into Cwm Tregalan and across to Y Lliwedd. At the summit we can hopefully visit the cafe and take in the panoramic views as we stand on the highest point south of the Scottish Highlands. Photographs are mandatory, before we return down the mountain by the pleasant Ranger path. This route has 895 metres, (2865ft), of ascent, and should take around 6.5 hours. There is some exposure at Bwlch Main, so a ‘head for heights’ is needed.
Day 2: Cwm Idwal and the Glyders
Our day starts at Idwal Cottage, a recently rebuilt and interesting visitor centre. From here we will walk up into the lovely Cwm Idwal, famous for its geology and rare arctic alpine flora, before ascending the Devil’s Kitchen to the small lake of Llyn Y Cwn and on to the summit of Glyder Fawr at 999 metres. We now follow the ridge east to our second summit, Glyder Fach, stopping to take in the wild and beautiful Castell y Gwynt, (Castle of the Winds), and the much photographed Cantilever Stone on the way. From here we can get wonderful all round views of the highest mountains in Wales.
Our path then heads east, before cutting back under the cliffs at the head of Cwm Tryfan. If time and fitness permits, we may make an ascent of Tryfan via the south ridge. Finally we take a gradually descending path through the rocky landscape to return to Idwal Cottage. This route has 760 metres, (2493ft.) of ascent and will take us around 6 – 7 hours to complete.
Day 3: Moel Siabod
After the exertions of the previous days,for our final day we will head to the village of Capel Curig to climb the 872 metre Moel Siabod, (‘shapely hill’ in Welsh). We start with a gradual ascent on old miners tracks which get progressively more rocky as our route reverts to a mountain path. Soon we turn north and climb the steepening Daear Ddu ridge to reach the summit, from which we will get the most wonderful views. From here it should be possible to see 13 of the 14 mountains over 3000ft in Wales.
We descend the gradual northeast ridge where we soon enter a forest to walk through some lovely woods before following the Afon Llugwy back to our transport. There are 725 metres, (2378ft.) of ascent on this route, which should take around 6 hours. There should be plenty of time for refreshments in Capel Curig before we have to head for the return ferry in the evening.
RETURN TIME: To Dublin approx. midnight the following Monday.
What’s Included
- 3 days with a professional mountain leader with first aid certification and full insurance.
- Ferry crossing.
- Insights into the history, fauna and flora of the mountains of Snowdonia.
- Accommodation.
This event is graded as ‘strenuous’ and is not suitable for beginners.
Equipment
- Good hiking boots and waterproof clothing are essential (without these you will be excluded from participating).
- Walking trousers are advised or comfortable athletic clothing (no jeans please).
- Spare warm layer; hat and gloves.
- Lunch and/or snacks; water or juice drink, (1.5 litres); small rucksack to carry it all in.
- Walking poles are optional