Area: Snowdon, Eryri
There was a time when we had something of a spring Snowdon Horseshoe tradition - the late 80s and early 90s. Since then, less common, but this time of year is always best. I did it in reverse today - which I have never done in its entirety before, although all the 'reversed' sections were familiar from various events and days. First comes the Pedol Peris route up Lliwedd and then the direct approach to Snowdon. Lots of low cloud initially, but it was lifting as I slogged up Lliwedd after jogging up the Miners to the green hut. I remembered bits of the racing line up Lliwedd (contouring) but took in both main summits - half an hour from Llydaw. The descent is very awkward, bringing back painful memories of the Pedol, which I've done three times. Lots of rock across Bwlch y Saethau, but the views were now stunning - a day of perfect spring clarity was developing. The direct route up the east face is another Pedol memory, extremely steep with some scrambling. The summit was less crowded than it might have been given superb weather, but a biting easterly may have been some explanation. This got stronger on Garnedd Ugain, where the crowds melted away (9 mins from Yr Wyddfa). Then a real treat, the whole of Crib Goch in reverse (again, familiar as it forms the start of the Welsh 3000s). This was a little windy initially down to Bwlch Goch, and refreshingly empty. Then the wind dropped for the pinnacles and the ridge itself. I have been lucky enough to enjoy this in perfect clarity quite a few times, but it is always special. Not quite as satisfying in reverse, but still good. The descent down to the pyg track is awkward and time-consuming, yet another reason the horseshoe is rarely done this way round! But I got back to PyP in 2.30 (2.07 moving time) which isn't too bad. Then it was the usual relaxing 3k cycle back to my free parking spot just across the Conwy county border: very satisfying.
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