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Lough ouler from glenmacanass.
Took a day off work on Thursday to go explore some hills on the Gwynedd / Powys border above Llangynog. My word, it's tough country - almost wall to wall heather, and most of it seemed to be angled in the wrong direction to where I was walking. So I spent a lot of 11 miles high-stepping through the bloody stuff. However, that's mid Wales for you. Apart from one bloke who must have been working in the Penllyn Forest above Bala, I saw no one all day, and to be honest I only saw his van, not the actual bloke.
Trig point on Foel Cwm-Sian Llywd, with the Arans ridge in the background:-
Absolutely typical scenery for much of the day:-
There's definitely a potential gravel route to be had here, this track runs across the 'ridge' between Y Groes Fagl and Pen y Cerrig Duon for about 4 miles:-
And lastly, a bit of history. This is one of several mid 19th-century boundary stones, that formerly marked the border between the counties of Meirionydd and Montgomery:-
I think sometimes people think only Scotland has properly rough, wild, country yet I think some of the toughest I've found has been in Wales. Thanks for sharing.
Northern Rhinogs are amongst the worst terrain I've walk in. Evey step is knee to hip deep heather and rocky underfoot, the potential for a leg injury is pretty high especially if you're backpacking with a large heavy bag. It is beautiful though
It's been a long time (several decades, basically) since I was in the northern Rhinogs, but what you say sounds familiar. Must get back there soon.
Did anyone get up in the hills over the Bank Holiday?
Nobody?
An early Meall Corranaich and Meall a'Choire Lèith today to beat the forecast lightning...
Lovely to be out and catching up on 10 months of my son's adventuring. Sometimes it's the company, not the surroundings.
I forget about this thread. Was up the Cobbler week before last, a hill I'd never done or paid much attention to. We took the scrambly route for some mountaineering practise - great day. 
Eldest has had a week of this on the Cullin.
Heading up to north wales early tomorrow for some easy scrambling and then three day intro to mountaineering course, mon/tue/weds. Forecast is looking reasonably friendly…
Heading up to north wales early tomorrow for some easy scrambling and then three day intro to mountaineering course, mon/tue/weds.
Great stuff, we are heading to N Wales at beginning of June to do some easy mountaineering, possibly Idwal slabs ordinary route, Cneifion arete, y gribin ridge enchainment, all in big boots.
For various reasons mrs_oab is unable to bike at present or take to the high hills/big days.
She had been up north with family for a few days, so I hopped on the train and we met in Aviemore and had a nice evening walk, then headed out on a nice 15km Feshie & Uath Lochans walk yesterday.
@B.A.Nana - have a look at Cyfrwy Arète. Cracking day out, feels big and exposed and a proper classic route
Aonach Beag yesterday.
Just back from another worldy trip to Skye and my first time in the Cuillins. It was hot, it was foggy at times making route finding tricky so we didn't get as much done as we wanted. But did do the InPin, saw a total inversion and ticked off two munros.
@jimmy - you didn't bump into a group(s) from Heriot Watt Uni up there did you? Eldest was on the ridge most of the week, camping at Glen Brittle....
@matt_outandabout we were camped right next to them, chatted to a few. Some of them had been very productive on the ridge!
Just back from a three day intro to mountaineering course with the mountaineering company. Went up a day early and had a scorching hot solo over Tryfan north ridge and back to the campsite at the base of Tryfan Bach.
can highly recommend the course. Sam carefully guided, explained and taught us about the why and the how of choices and decisions he was making. Day 1 on Tryfan Bach and Barstow Buttress and Day 2 on Idwal slabs finishing up the epic Cniefon Arete. Weather crapped out for day 3 but learnt loads inside at the Indy wall
@jimmy - couple with the large awning as a meeting tent, a mop of hair, and gold Fabia estate was my lad and his partner.
I think we tortoise and hare'd them up into the foggy Corrie on Saturday. We both got a bit off track, then they disappeared ahead and we saw them later on the top between the two munros (dub more and nan eag?).
Magnificent day on Ladhar Bheinn last Saturday, got a boat in from Arnisdale for a cheeky shortcut. I've done the hill before but it goes straight to number one as my favourite hill ever.
A couple from the last few weeks. Chalamain Gap and Beinn Eighe.
Anyone else been following Bill Bailey on the Cape Wrath way?
(Sorry it's Facebook)
Mates of mine saw him in the campsite at Kinlochewe.
Sorry, Beinn Eighe. I was support runner for a friend doing the Celtman triathlon.
I'd guess Beinn Eighe and Loch Coire Mhic Fhearcair for the first photo. Big old cliffs in 2 & 3, those. They just need some good belays at the top
Far East Wall Coire Mhic Fheachair, one of the top ten mountain crags in Scotland. I don't remember poor belays at the top but do remember the metre deep moss up there which can drain water down the crag even when it's been dry for ages.
They just need some good belays at the top
It's not the smooth grass slope it looks like in the photo, there's plenty to belay on at the top.
An Casteil and Beinn a'Chroin to pay respects to a friend and complete the route in his memory. Had a moment on the bad step and understand now what must have happened. Not the first apparently. Good to be out in the hills again, but won't be doing that one again.
Anyone done Brandon Mountain, Ireland, particularly by the Faha Ridge?
I am finding little good information, UKHillwalking has some information, but there is a real divide between 'death on a stick grade 3' and 'some steep scrambling' in the various online guides or blogs I can find...
https://www.ukhillwalking.com/articles/destinations/brandon_-_irelands_finest_mountain-13043
have you read these trip reports?
https://www.mountainsofscotland.co.uk/TripReports/20140824.htm
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=87064
Looks fab in the good weather
Yep - most follow the main path, not the ridge itself...And it is the ridge which appeals.
Creise and Meall a'Bhùiridh yesterday.
---happy emoji---
Coomloughra Horseshoe, including Corrán Tuathail/Carrantoughnhill, Binn Chaorach and Caher, the only mountains over 1000m in Ireland. Great views over Mackgilcuddys Reeks and Kerry, even over the Dingle peninsula and boggy inland.
Stunning and strenuous day out, it really felt like some of the Torridon hills in some ways. I would not want to do it in the wet - boggy start & end and slippery rock in the damp we had. A lot more up and down than some of these guides claim - my phone told me just shy of 1400m...one guide claims 800m!
The touristy routes looked universally awful, and a couple of them looked really dangerous...glad we took the bigger challenge and avoided the crowds.
Slieve Donard on a cracking day
Length of Dursey island - Knockaree hill, Foilcunnis hill, signal tower hill with the Eire sign and Tilickatinna hill. With a cable car over the Atlantic to get to the island and a pop up cafe in a residents garden.
It's a couple of weekends ago now, but I headed up Carnedd Moel Siabod with my two brothers the other day. One of them isn't in the greatest health now, so long days carrying a lot of kit are a bit of a no-no for him, hence we took the opportunity to do a night's camp by the small llyn on the east side, then scramble the classic rocky east ridge the morning after.
Dad introduced us at an early age to the delights of N Wales, often camping at Dol-gam in the valley near the Tyn-y-Coed/Cobdens pubs - he rather liked a beer or two, did my old man. And sometimes camping out up in the hills, so this was a nod to his ideas.
1) Amongst the ruins of the lower slate quarries:-
2) Three no-longer-so-young brothers at a wild campsite in the cwm below the east ridge
3) The same cwm in the morning sun
4) High on said east ridge, looking down to Llyn-y Foel 1000ft below
All agreed it was a success, even if middle brother was well bolloxed by the end of the walk back to the cars.
couple of days spare in norway from work and a local contact took us a couple of hours south somewhere I can't spell in trollheimen national park. 1400m straight up from the fjord. my knees hurt now.
Sgurr Mòr in Knoydart is bottom of the Walk Highlands list of most climbed munros. It is famous for the miles of bog, annoying descent and reascent, the eleven miles of single-track road that takes an hour to drive to the start... basically the shear effort required for one solitary hill.
It was mine and my other half's second last munro and a day of blustery showers and amazing light in the sunny spells. The views west from the SW ridge up the peak to the west are stunning, Sgurr na Ciche looking like the Matterhorn from there. We did it as a group of three and it was a long hard day indeed. Stunner of a hill mind.
Kaiserstuhl Germany
Snowdon horseshoe this morning. Left the car in the lay-bys below pen-y-pass at 6am. Back at the car for midday. Apart from at the summit saw barely anyone else. No wind across crib goch but it was a bit damp and greasy. First time across there and it’s definitely a bit airy…
First time across there and it’s definitely a bit airy…
Great, innit? Crib Goch is a nice balance of scary but doable.
Glyders today with the boys. Totally lucked out with the conditions in North Wales this week.
the boys wanted to tick off snowdon so we did south ridge up and pyg down. proper windy on the ridge and the summit, I didn't envy the queue I could see over crib goch...
Has anyone used Kahtoola exo spikes, these are the intermediate spike that can be fitted to hiking boots and running shoes. They are not as aggressive as a full on spike, more of a stud. I’ve been caught out in ice twice this year in the lakes and dolomites and these look good, and are very packable but would appreciate opinions
Kahtoola exo spikes
No, but we use Nortec Alp's.
They are not a replacement for a crampon or for poor route choice.
But, they grip on ice really well, they are more comfortable and you're less likely to trip, they fit on anything, easy / light to carry 'just in case'. I'm a real fan.
Ideal for paths like this
looks interesting but a bit more of a spike than I was originally thinking of, what are they like when you come off the ice onto rock and gravel? ( where I think the slightly shorter stud could be better ) Or are you constantly taking them on and off depending on the conditions?
Cracking day round Coire Lair on Friday.
Wow!!
looks interesting but a bit more of a spike than I was originally thinking of, what are they like when you come off the ice onto rock and gravel? ( where I think the slightly shorter stud could be better ) Or are you constantly taking them on and off depending on the conditions?
Fine, we walk on them just fine between ice and snow. I suspect they will wear out quickly that way, but I would rather that and stay on my feet well...
Chilly local wander around the Ochils today - Glentye Hill up to Meikle Corum and back.
Great to be out stretching legs again, but a change from yesterday's shorts weather on the bike to gloves and warm hat on today...
Has anyone used Kahtoola exo spikes, these are the intermediate spike that can be fitted to hiking boots and running shoes. They are not as aggressive as a full on spike, more of a stud. I’ve been caught out in ice twice this year in the lakes and dolomites and these look good, and are very packable but would appreciate opinions
IME the Eco spikes would be fine for ice on a relatively smooth path, but once you get into mixed ice and snow, softer or uneven ground you really need something with more 'bite'. I carry some Grivel Explorers which work with both trail running shoes and boots - been up plenty of hills in all conditions.
Little 15km walk with friends around Malham yesterday. It was a glorious start to the day then the clouds and wind rolled in to make it bloody cold and slightly grim
Edit: double post
A few photos from a bit of an adventure I did the week before last. Had a couple of days' annual leave to use before the year end, and it was my birthday, so decided to go exploring some secret bothies hidden deep within the peak district.
Day 1
Started by getting the train from Leeds to Sheffield, then the bus to cutthroat bridge on the snake pass. I recommend the cafe in Sheffield bus station by the way.. gigantic bacon butty reasonably priced. Cash only, mind.
Up onto Derwent edge. Bit of an inversion. Over lost lad then down to Derwent resr. No wind, millpond flat. Then carried on up the reservoir, then the river Derwent, past slippery stones and onwards up the the cabins. That part of the Derwent is really lovely and very wild feeling. I need to get back up there on a hot day in summer.
Arrived at the cabins about 30 mins before sunset. Got set up and had a little explore and filtered some water. Managed to get a phone signal by walking up to the top of the hill.
Then had beef hotpot dehydrated meal (which was really pretty good), loads of hot chocolate and tea, and a couple of beers / hip flask of Laphroaig.
Then sat under my sleeping bag (it was bloody freezing) and watched a couple of films on my phone and listened to some tunes.
Photos below are out of sequence (can't be arsed re- uploading)
Day 2
I woke up at sunrise about 8am. Beautiful morning. Went and dug a hole (if you know what I mean) then had tea, coffee, and porridge, and filtered some more water.
Signed the bothy book, then packed up and headed back the way I came towards slippery stones, then on up cut gate towards langsett.
At the summit the clag started to descend. Breeze had picked up but it was at my back so no problem really.
Seemed a bit strange to be on foot as I've only ever ridden that trail before (many,.many times) it's a bit cut up with water damage at the moment.
Descended to langsett and then had to decide whether to get my skates on and march to make the train at Penistone in just over an hour, or take it steady and get the next one.. decided on the latter and stopped by the rest to make some instant noodles and a coffee.
After that I potterd down into Penistone taking various footpaths and the Trans Pennine trail. Spotted a big pink penis....which was part of a poster advertising a Penistone copen mic comedy night (I'm such a child). Made it to the station with about 5 mins to spare, then back to Leeds.
I was a bit hungry at that point so went into kirkgate market for a reasonably priced and delicious shawarma, then bus back home.
I absolutely love living up north of England and the opportunities it gives you for this type of caper ?
Day out on some localish hills Wednesday
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El Bouf, that hut is Baltic in a heat wave. Let alone when its actually winter. Nice to have a night out tho?
Haha yeah it was a tad chilly!
I drank a lot of hot tea and hot chocolate and had 2x coats and my big sleeping bag and a hat. Oh and a couple of beers /hip flask gave me a nice warm beer jacket.
Was fine really. Great trip overall.
Since investing in some decent gear over the past few years, I think I now prefer bothies/bivvies/camping in the autumn and winter, due to lack of bugs and not getting all sweaty and dehydrated.
It's also quieter in the hills, and easier to find the time to do it, as the rest of the family are more inclined to stay indoors in comfort. They think I'm off my head (probably right tbh)
Mid Wales/Cymru. Radnor to Pumlumon.
Is there a "best" time of year for those hills? I'd have to book well in advance so cant rely on my usual "weather looks decent, I'll head away this weekend". Its just that little bit too far away and I'll save unplanned weekend trips for Scotland.
My only experience of that area was particularly sodden underfoot - so perhaps avoid after heavy or prolonged rain?
I think it's only drought that properly dries areas like that out. I termed the phrase "an area of Battle Hags" in the North Pennines earlier this year.
Lovely morning on the Ochils.
Amazing.
You lucky sod !
😉
My favourite mountain.
You lucky sod !
It was just amazing. When arrived at the summit to be greeted with a spectacular view and a Brocken spectre I started giggling. It was that good.
The full traverse is excellent value in winter probably grade I/II and a long day. I covered about 22km.
Chapeau!