It’s a shame
Snowdonia is so far away, for like the Peak District, it has many beautiful
places to visit and walk.
I can
honestly say, it’s not just the Peak District and Snowdonia, but ALL the
National Parks each have their own beauty and each is as individual as the
other.
I’ve been
lucky to have visited the Peak District, Snowdonia, The Highlands, and The
North York Moors in recent years, along with The Lakes and Yorkshire Dales as a
child.
The
weather started off cloudy, with a chance of sun at some point, but would
remain dry. It was going to be a last minute decision where I would go…..
After one
final weather check, I loaded up the car, made the decision, left a route plan
with my wife and headed off for Capel Curig, with a stop in Betws-y-Coed to
grab some lunch.
Betws-y-Coed
is a lovely village, bustling for most of the year with tourists and walkers,
staying in one of the many hotels and B&B’s.
The miniature railway in Betws-y-Coed Yes, that is a proper full sized railway line and station along side the miniature railway. |
Fairy Glen, Betws-y-Coed Not the best photo, but the best I had on file |
There are
many cafes, a selection of hotels, pubs and some fish and chip shops, so you
won’t starve or die of thirst
You also
have a few, very good, outdoor shops, so a word of warning!
Those of you
who recall the old Climber and Rambler shop, I’m sorry to say it’s closed down.
Even in its regeneration of Ultimate Outdoor, this closed last year. Ultimate
Outdoor shops are currently still trading, just not in Betws-y-Coed.
LOCK YOUR CREDIT AND DEBIT CARDS UP FIRST!
There are a
few attractions in and near to Betws-y-Coed, like Swallow Falls and the Ugly
House (which I’ve still yet to visit,
even after all these years of visiting Snowdonia), which I passed on my way
to Capel Curig, particularly the miniature railway museum by the station, along
with a miniature train, which is primarily for children, to ride on.
When I say
children, I was including the older children among us too!
The Ugly
House is supposed to have been built by robbers, but there is no evidence to
substantiate that. Also, Swallow Falls can be quite spectacular after a good
rain fall. But take a rain coat with you; the spray can stray on to the viewing
area.
Anyway, I’m
digressing too much….
After buying
my lunch, I then set off for Capel Curig, where I would park the car and head
off for Crimpiau.
Capel Curig
is in two parts, the village which is soon after Betws-y-Coed if travelling
west, and then the small shopping area at the junction of the A5 with the
A4086.
This is
where you are greeted by yet more outdoor shops and a superb café.
This is also
where I was to park my car, driving up the drive past Pinnacle Stores (also the
Pinnacle Cafe) and Joe Brown’s Climbing Shop.
EDIT: The Pinnacle Cafe and shop have since closed, and Joe Brown's outdoor shop has moved from the building at the rear into the Pinnacle shop and cafe.
The approach to the shops at Capel Curig, Car park access is to the left of Pinnacle Stores |
The car park, is on the right past the phone box |
Joe Brown
was a famous and pioneering climber of the fifties and sixties.
Crimpiau has
been on my list of “to-do” for some time, for here and the surrounding
landscape, where I did my daytime navigation training.
I have many
happy memories of the training days, some of the scenarios we were presented
with and how we would resolve the issues, understanding mountain rescue, how
long we could be out there for, the reasons why we would need to know what we
were being taught, and many more things besides.
Instructor and trainee on one of our training sessions. Note the maps used, are A4 sized which is why I use successfully, Toughprint Waterproof paper |
They really
were interesting and informative training sessions and for me at least,
reinforced the need for risk assessment prior to the activity as well as the
on-going risk assessment that you would do as a normal course of action while
out and about.
Walking
skills like pacing, time vs. distance incorporating Naismith’s, along with
Tranters Correction.
It was these
training sessions which prompted my use of Toughprint Waterproof
Paper from Memory map and Tuff Maps, laminated
Ordnance Survey maps with a detached cover,
both of which I’ve covered in some of my early blogs and also inspired what kit
I carry when out and about, more recently another blog; What’s in my pack?
Much of this
walk is off path, which is what the training I had was about, walking off path
in some adverse conditions; therefore if your navigation skills are not very
strong, my advice
is not to venture off path, at any point.
This walk
was to encompass as much as possible, the ground I used to walk on while
training. My start point was Capel Curig, walking North East out on to the
hills, and around to Crimpiau, before descending back to Capel Curig.
So, parked up
at the back of Joe Browns Shop, it was warm, around 17ºC – 18ºC, no wind,
cloudy (the cloud was high enough not to
be of any concern), ideal walking conditions.
So I got
suited and booted, and set off back down the drive to the shop frontages, where
I would cross the busy A5 (the old coaching road to Holyhead).
Can I offer a serious warning here, for crossing this busy road can
be difficult, you have blind bends at the most crucial viewpoints both sides of
you.
Do not overlook the advantage of walking to your left, in a north
westerly direction, up the road a short way, about 100 metres, towards
Bethesda, where the road straightens out giving you clear views left and right
to cross safely, to find a safe crossing point.
Then walk back down the road towards the church hidden in the
trees, opposite the junction of the A5 and A4086.
Right, so
we’re at the gate, which can be opened, or you can climb the style, to head
north east away from Capel Curig.
Please
ensure you close the gate behind you, for there will be sheep in the field.
The gate leading in to the field at the start of the walk, after crossing the A5 road. The church is just to the right of the gate. |
The path after you've walked through the gate |
The path soon disappears, but the route is still clearly marked for you to follow |
The view looking back down the path I had just walked up from Capel Curig. The first of many magnificent views looking over towards the Snowdon Massiff |
The walk
takes you uphill, through the field, where you come across a style, which marks
the start of a wooded area which you walk through.
All this
way, the path is clear and good, though in wet weather, the stones could be
very slippery.
Once through
the wooded area, we start to open out and approach another gate and style.
Looking back
along the route you’ve just walked, you’re given a superb view over Capel Curig
towards Llyn Mymbyr and the Snowdon Massiff.
The style and gate at the start to the wooded area |
The path through the wooded area |
Continue along
the path, where you cross a footbridge, then follow the path to your left, in a
northerly direction, where you will go through some gates or over styles.
Venturing
along the path, I then go off path and start my indirect ascent towards
Crimpiau.
During my
ascent, the bracken, which wasn’t there when we did our training weekends,
during April, was quite high, almost shoulder height at times!
I even
managed to pick up a tick while making the ascent. Thankfully, the little
critter couldn’t get through my clothing, or I’m sure it would have made a
feast on my blood.
Looking back at the footbridge I crossed earlier. From here it starts to become nice and quiet. |
The path soon after the footbridge |
One of many styles or gates to pass. I didn't count how many, but looking at the map, each boundary feature has a gate and style |
My ascent up towards Crimpiau |
While I’m on
the subject of ticks, I’m always cautious of getting another tick, for those
who know me, will know I have Bells Palsy as a result of a tick bite many years
ago. Unfortunately, because the diagnosis wasn’t for well over eight years
after the bite, muscle wastage had long since set in, so it’s beyond any help.
In my First
Aid Kit, I carry the O’Tom Tick Twister, where you scoop the forked part between the tick and
your skin, twist as to unscrew the mouth from you, hopefully, the tick will be
removed safely.
More and uptodate information
can be found by visiting the Lymes Disease Action webpages.
I’ve digressed again….
Continuing my ascent, I finally reach a ridge, where
I’m given superb views down Dyffryn Mymbyr, Llyn Mymbyr and the Snowdon Massif.
Once at the first ridge, I had this superb view |
At this point, I turn right, to continue my ascent
towards Crimpiau, reaching a couple of mini peaks enroute.
Finally, I reach Crimpiau summit, where I have a good
look around, taking in the view around me, Snowdon, Llyn Mymbyr, the Ogwen
Valley, Tryfan and the Glyderau, Pen yr Ole Wen and the Carneddau, Llyn
Crafnant, many more peaks and in the far distance, Arenig Fach and Arenig Fawr, it was in the right direction!
Crimpiau Summit |
Llyn Mymbyr and the Snowdon Massif from Crimpiau Summit |
The Ogwen Valley, Tryfan, The Glyders and Pen yr Ole Wen from Crimpiau Summit |
Pen yr Ole Wen and the Carneddau from Crimpiau Summit |
Llyn Crafnant from Crimpiau Summit |
The view to the south from Crimpiau Summit. The hump backed peaks in the far right, are Arenig Fach and Arenig Fawr. If not, then its in the right direction...... |
".... Well, if it wasn’t Arenig Fach and Arenig Fawr, it was in the right direction,,,," |
Me, taking in the views from Crimpiau Summit |
Well, if it wasn’t Arenig Fach and Arenig Fawr, it was in the right direction,,,,
After taking in the views, I settled down for lunch,
just enjoying the peace, solitude and fabulous views.
I was joined by a family of four at the summit, who
were also taking in the views, but not sure what they could see.
I had the pleasure of pointing out all the peaks, with
the exception of Arenig Fach and Arenig Fawr, for I wasn’t sure at the time, and they were amazed
at what they could see. The two youngsters were amazed to see Snowdon from this
point.
It just goes to show, you don’t always need to climb
to a high altitude to see such beauty.
After a few minutes, the family moved on, heading back
down to Capel Curig, while I stayed a good while longer, enjoying the peace,
tranquility and views.
But, all good things have to come to an end and I had
to make my way back down, with more ground to cover and get to the Pinnacle
Café before it closed.
So my descent started. It is a steep descent down in
to the valley below, though I wasn’t going to venture in to the valley, but to
follow the ridge around to Llyn y Coryn.
".... So my descent started. It is a steep descent down in to the valley below...." |
The valley below had been used a number of times for navigation training. There are some interesting features there in relation to the maps of the area. |
The valley has been used a number of times for
navigation training, with some interesting features to test your map reading
ability.
However, I wanted to take in Llyn y Coryn, which is an
ornate little lake, before completing my descent.
While I was up there, two Gnat trainer jets from RAF
Valley flew along the valley below, into the Ogwen Valley, as they often do on
training sorties.
Unfortunately, they moved too fast for me to capture
them on the camera and were too small, and too fast, to be seen on the GoPro
video.
One of these days, I’ll get either some video or a
decent photo of the jets charging through the Ogwen Valley.
The descent was interesting. Keep in mind that I was
on these training sessions during April, not in August.
I departed Llyn y Coryn, stepping over the style just
to the western edge of the lake, heading south west, where I was given a
fabulous and view of Tryfan, an almost commanding pose, towering above the
scrub, just before I started my descent.
"....where I was given a fabulous and view of Tryfan, an almost commanding pose...." |
The Dragon's back, in a commanding pose.... |
By now, I had skipped a large part of our return
route, which might have been just as well in hindsight, for my current descent
was full of bracken, much of it was past waist height. By the way, I’m just
short of six foot tall, so that will give you an idea of the vegetation height.
So my descent was interesting, getting bracken stems
tangled around my legs, hidden stones to trip me up of lose my grip and slip….
So it was a case of take it slowly, placing each foot
carefully down and where on the odd occasion I was able to see clearly
underfoot, clear any bracken caught around my ankles and carry on.
Looking back up the route we used to descend from Crimpiau. |
Looking back up the route I used this time to descend from Crimpiau. Note the large expanse of bracken! |
My last look up the Ogwen Valley |
Looking down to Capel Curig |
The stream that we used to navigate along, and the
features that we used for training, were well and truly obscured with bracken,
and knowing how steep the sides were down to the stream, I kept my distance
from the edge.
Careful studying of the map, confirms the steep sides
leading down to the stream, so please, study your map carefully if you follow
this circuit.
The stream, which runs middle right, used for navigation training, was completely covered in bracken! |
I finally reach the lowest point intended, for I need
to walk around the north side of some stone paddocks, to rejoin the path I
started out on and head back for Capel Curig.
On reaching the path, heading down towards Capel
Curig, where I arrive at the gate, and the pinnacles Café is just calling me
loud and clear…..
May I just reiterate my earlier warning
about crossing the busy A5 road, both the viewpoints are on blind bends at the most crucial viewpoints
both sides of you.
Do not overlook the advantage of walking to your right, in a north
westerly direction, up the road a short way, about 100 metres, towards
Bethesda, where the road straightens out giving you clear views left and right
to cross safe.
Once I was
safely across the road, I called in to the Pinnacles Café, where the girls, who
were busy clearing up at the end of the day, welcomed me in so I could enjoy
their coffee and a nice slice of chocolate brownie.
The welcome sight of the Pinnacle Cafe |
An enjoyable post walk cuppa and a chocolate brownie |
[EDIT The Pinnacles Café has since closed and the premises have been taken over by Joe Browns shop that was formerly at the rear of the buildings.]
Of course,
after my post walk cuppa and cake, walking back to the car, parked at the rear
of Joe Brown’s shop, I had to call in and see what they had on offer.
It was a
fabulous and nostalgic day, covering old ground and reliving some of the
memories, particularly the humorous moments, especially some of the interesting
scenarios posed to us and how we would get around the various situations that
we could encounter, not just in bad weather, but the awkward or frightened
person or persons, in any walking group.
Superb
walking country, perfect weather and plenty of peace and quiet, a really
pleasant day, coupled with some great Twitter interactions while on the summit
of Crimpiau, as I had shared some photos.
The next
part of the day’s navigation training was to follow at night, where we would
venture on to the plateau just below Moel Siabod, navigating to various point
in the dark, utilising the skills we had learned during the day,
I ascended
Moel Siabod in August 2012 and wrote about it in Moel Siabod and my
old Navigation Training Ground.
A map of the area covered, but the route shown is not the route I took. The route is one I had seen advised |
Finally,
happy rambling and thank you for reading,
Peak
Rambler
References
Lymes Disease Action
Joe Brown; Climber
Betws-y-Coed
and some of its sights and attractions;
Cotswold
Outdoor
Cotswold
Rockbottom
Miniature
Railway
Fairy Glen;
Betws-y-Coed
Swallow
Falls, Betws-y-Coed
The Ugly
House
Capel Curig
Joe Brown
Shop
O’Tom Tick
Twister
Plas-y-Brenin
Naismith’s
Rule
Tranter’s
Corrections
Blogs mentioned that I’ve
written
PLEASE NOTE: NO FURTHER COMMENTS ARE PERMITTED TO THIS BLOG
Due to ongoing spam issues, I've had to stop allowing comments to be posted.
Hi can i just point out those hills arent Cadair Idris they are Arenig Fach and Fawr and in the wrong direction from Cadair!
ReplyDeleteYou certainly can point that out and I'm very grateful for your identification of Arenig Fach and Arenig Fawr.
DeleteI have amended all references to Cadir Idris accordingly.