Cneifion arete

Nicely rounded off a very successful and active May yesterday with an ascent of old favourite Cneifion arete with Rich in beautiful sunshine. Last did this Alpine-style (M/III) ridge about 16 years ago, in big boots with no rope. Older, and wiser, we pitched it this time after approaching it via the East Wall Gully scramble (II) above Idwal. I led the nice initial wall, the only remotely problematic bit, up past two spikes to a short traverse and the belay. Then led up the sandy chimney to the upper arete. We continued to pitch this, but pleasingly efficiently, almost moving together keeping to the crest. Superb warm sunshine and fabulous crystal clear views under a deep blue sky. After lunch on the crest, we moved up to the Gribin ridge (I) and religiously followed the crest for more warm scrambling to the summit ridge then the top of Glyder Fawr. Heavy sacks, and tired legs (still suffering from the marathon) meant a quick jog down past Twll Du to Idwal and the car. Little running last week, just trying to recover in time for the 1000m race next Saturday. Managed a short one on Thursday, and did the Colomendy run on Friday: up Moel Famau in perfect weather again. Will try a fell run tomorrow, and perhaps intervals on Tuesday.