Fron Four race

Race: Fron Four fell race (13k+/3000ft)
Time/Position: 1.16.51 (12th from 50)
This race stays high for a long time, giving a varied (albeit slightly contrived) route which provides great panoramic views over all the different valleys in this corner of Snowdonia. It is quite a new race, so I hadn't done it before: indeed, I have only been to the remote village of Fron once before, when we did the esoteric classic rock climb of Adam Rib on Craig Cwm Du a few years ago. It reminded me of the Caucasus then, and still does a bit: all unenclosed fields and wild mountain views. It was a cold April day, but sunny and clear as we set off along the runnable tracks to the low summit of Moel Tryfan with great views over Llyn and the sea. From here, a fast descent heads in a beeline for the big climb up Mynydd Mawr. This is tough and long, despite the relatively small size of the hill. I didn't climb particularly well, and couldn't stay with Simon or Steve. Over the top, then a brilliant and exciting descent down the spine of the ridge (the 'elephant's back') to the end of the spur overlooking Cwellyn. From there, the route contours the Nantlle side of Mynydd Mawr, with new panoramic views yet again as the race remains unusually high - an excellent feature of the race. There is no real path, and it is hard to pick a decent line through the tiring blend of heather and scree. I caught up with Steve and we pelted down to the end of the spur overlooking Nantlle. From here, the route heads back over the summit of Mynydd Mawr before a superb descent all the way down to Fron. Slightly tricky route finding but the weather remained perfect and Moel Tryfan is a useful point of reference.