Carneddau circuit

Peaks: Llwytmor, Foel Fras, Yr Aryg
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
There is a reason that the obvious horseshoe around Cwm yr Afon Goch isn't more popular, and that's the awful initial slog up Llwytmor. I had a very limited amount of time available today, so started very early and just drove to Aber and started running. This wasn't the ideal choice, as there was superb snow cover in Ogwen and far less towards the coast. But it did mean that I gained ground very quickly, taking the 1000m peaks race route through the woods and scree above Aber Falls to gain the tight cwm above. From here I slogged straight up the hill to emerge north of Llwytmor. The snow level was quite distinct and some freeze-thaw had occurred. Snow gullies would have been nice today, although I broke through the crust from time to time: just wearing fell running shoes and carrying my mini-spikes which remained in the sac. On the summit, the stunning conditions really kicked in. Deep blue cloudless sky, crisp untouched snow stretching in all directions: the northern Carneddau take on an Arctic Tundra feel in these circumstances. The snow was crisp enough to be runnable, and it was truly superb across the sharp valley to the climb up Foel Fras. Deep drifts towards the summit, and even better views out to Llywellyn. I looped round the lip of Cwm yr Afon Goch before descending - breaking through the crust with tedious, tiring regularity. Good running back to Aber.