Crafnant Horseshoe

Peaks: Crimpiau, Craig Wen, Creigiau Gleision
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
A slight variant on the usual circuit, in that I started in Trefriw and ran up to the lake by way of an aperitif and leg-stretcher. It worked quite well, and I reached Llyn Crafnant in less than 19 minutes. After jogging along the lakeside tarmac, it is always a relief to reach the open hill, and I always enjoy the short but steep climb up Crimpiau, as it twists and turns through delightful scenery with views eventually opening out to the south, Siabod and Ogwen. It was cloudy but warm on top of Crimpiau (47m from Trefriw), and all very enjoyable. The route over Craig Wen went well, searching out some scrambly sections, then the boggy section before the climb up the three peaks of Creigiau Gleision. A little sunshine started to peek through whilst I rested at the summit: the views over Cowlyd, Pen Llithrig and Tryfan are some of the best in Eryri. The return leg was a little more tiring, through the forest to the lakeside path, then back down the tarmac to Trefriw. Just over two hours.