Snowdonia Climbing weekend away!
We’ve just had a long weekend in Snowdonia climbing some classic rock climbs, the weather has been unreal and it’s been great to see Joey progress to being a competent multi-pitch trad lead climber… Combining days out with road biking, running, climbing and river swims – we had a pretty decent mini break away!
I always love getting up to the hills – about the only thing Pembrokeshire is missing. Our first day was a long one, after a bike and a run in the Ogwen Valley, we headed up for a late afternoon climb in Cwm Idwal. The Snowdonia Climbing Mecca was deserted and we had the routes to ourselves so we’re able to move fast. 13 pitches later and Joey had completed her first multi pitch trad leads! Great effort from her and we were heading down to a spectacular sunset down towards the coast and a well earnt beer!
Sunset in Cwm Idwal on a long day in Snowdonia Climbing some classics…
Day 2 of our Snowdonia Climbing trip started with a 60km bike ride, which was awesome and beautiful and well worth it – but left us both a bit tired for too much climbing! After a dip in the river and a lazy lunch in the sun (which was glorious!) we headed to a busy Carreg Wastad. We did a nice route I’d not done before, but couldn’t get on the classic Crackstone Rib, which Joey was really keen to lead me up! Next time! Walking down from the crag we had a beautiful moon rise over Pen y Pass…
Moonrise after a great day in Snowdonia Climbing and biking…
Day 3 in Snowdonia and we opted to climb the classic route Grooved Arête on Tryfan. I’d done the route several times before but I was keen for Joey to get some great leads on this classic of Snowdonia Climbing. We arrived at the base of the route to a queue, so we took a slightly harder but lovely variation on the right to bypass the first group (and the slippery corner!) and get some distance between us so Joey could get on the lead. Pushing on up the steeper corners of the route, climbing long pitches with a rucksack on – she put all her skills in to practise and led me up some of the harder pitches of the climb. Great to see her becoming a super competent trad leader! She was even so fast we caught up with another group!
Topping of a great few days in Snowdonia Climbing some mega classics, here’s Joey on Grooved Arête..